All Chapters of Billionaire's Broken vows, Bitter Revenge : Chapter 11 - Chapter 19

Chapter 11: Ghosts of the PastMelanie's POVThe penthouse door clicked shut behind us, sealing me away from the world. From the gala. From Jaden's desperate eyes. From everything. I made it three steps into the living room before my legs gave out.The sob tore from my throat like something physical, violent. I collapsed onto the marble floor, my hands pressed against the cold stone, that ruined champagne-soaked dress pooling around me."I can't.." The words came out broken. "I can't do this. I can't.."All the strength I'd forced into my spine at the gala, all the composure I'd worn like armor, it shattered. Five years of my life. Gone. My children, my home, my identity. Everything I'd built, everything I'd sacrificedm, for what? To end up on the floor of a stranger's penthouse, pretending to be strong when I felt like I was dying inside.I heard footsteps. Damien, probably disgusted by my weakness. Probably regretting his investment in the broken woman sobbing on his floor."Get up.

Chapter 13: The Art of WarErica's POVThe video of Melanie dancing with Damien Cross had been viewed over two million times. Two million people watching my life, my man, my house, my children, being threatened by that pathetic nobody who thought she could fight back. I refreshed the screen again. The comments were vicious."Who does this Melanie Sterling think she is?""Homewrecker meets gold digger. Perfect match with Cross.""Team Erica! She was there first!"But mixed in were other comments. Worse ones."Wait, isn't Erica the one who broke up a marriage?""This whole situation is messy. Feel bad for the kids.""Erica Lane was never officially divorced? So who's the real homewrecker?"My follower count was still dropping. Three million to 2.1 million. Brands weren't returning calls. My agent had stopped answering my texts.And Jaden, useless, broke Jaden was locked in his study all day, panicking about lawsuits and frozen accounts while I was left to deal with his nightmare childre

Chapter 15: House of CardsJaden's POVThe first call came at six in the morning. I fumbled for my phone, still half asleep. Erica groaned beside me and pulled the pillow over her head."Mr. Hayes?" The voice was clipped, professional. "This is Robert Chen from Pacific International Bank. We need to discuss your commercial loan immediately."I sat up, suddenly wide awake. "What about it?""We're calling it in. Full payment due within thirty days."My blood went cold. "That's a fifteen million dollar loan. The terms were for five years.""Were being the operative word. Given the recent freezing of your offshore accounts and the ongoing fraud investigation, we're exercising our right to demand immediate repayment." A pause. "You did read the acceleration clause in your contract, didn't you?"The line went dead. I stared at the phone, my heart pounding. Fifteen million. Thirty days. Before I could process it, the phone rang again. Then again. And again.By eight AM, I'd received calls fr

Chapter 17: The InterviewMelanie's POVThe Triumph Magazine studio was all white walls and bright lights that made my eyes hurt. I stood in front of a backdrop, wearing a cream-colored dress that the stylist had chosen. Simple. Elegant. Survivor chic, apparently."Chin up just a touch," the photographer called. "Perfect. Now give me strength. Think about everything you've overcome."I tried. But all I could think about was Betty's face in the window. The way she'd screamed at me to go away."Maybe take five," the photographer said, lowering his camera. "You look tense."I stepped off the platform, grateful for the break. My feet ached in the borrowed heels. Everything about this felt wrong. Performative. Like I was playing a role in someone else's story."Ms. Sterling?" A production assistant appeared with a bottle of water. "Mr. Kane would like to conduct the interview now, if you're ready."I wasn't ready. I'd never be ready. But Damien had convinced me this was necessary."Control

Chapter 19: Forbidden LinesMelanie's POVI pulled away from Damien like I'd been burned, my hands shaking as I slid off the desk. My lips still tingled from the kiss. My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst from my chest."I can't." The words came out breathless. "I can't do this."Damien stood perfectly still, his dark eyes watching me. His hair was mussed where my fingers had tangled in it. His tie was loosened. He looked undone in a way I'd never seen before."Melanie...""No." I grabbed the blanket from the floor, wrapping it around myself like armor. "This is wrong. I'm not... I can't just...""I shouldn't have done that." His voice was controlled again, the mask sliding back into place. "I apologize.""You apologize?" A hysterical laugh bubbled up. "You just kissed me like the world was ending and now you apologize?""What do you want me to say?" He moved closer, but stopped when I stepped back. "That I've wanted to do that for weeks? That watching you fall apart toda