CHAPTER 22
Damien’s POV
Genevieve’s words hung in the air, her voice coated with just the right amount of confidence and conviction. My mother’s lips
pursed, deep in thought, while my father simply watched me, unreadable.
I could already see the wheels turning in their heads.
en Genevieve delivered the next blow.
Then
“The only reason Damien hasn’t finalized the divorce yet is because he’s making sure Celeste doesn’t walk away with more than
she deserves,” she said smoothly, her tone almost matter–of–fact. “He’s ensuring that every asset, every cent, remains right where it belongs–within the Vaughn family.”
I was astonished, to say the least. And quite impressed.
My mother’s expression shifted, her disapproval easing into something more contemplative. “Is that true, Damien?” she asked,
tilting her head. “You’re making sure the damage she caused is contained?”
I didn’t answer immediately.
Because the truth was–I hadn’t even thought about it.
I should have. That’s what I had done in the past, securing assets, preventing leaks, eliminating vulnerabilities. But this wasn’t
about money, was it? It was about something else entirely. Something I wasn’t ready to admit.
Still, Genevieve’s well–placed words were working.
My mother nodded, as if convincing herself. “That woman was a huge mistake from the start,” she murmured. “It’s about time
you saw the truth.”
She turned to my father, her tone sharper now. “I think, after the divorce, it would be the perfect opportunity for us to present
him with someone more… suitable.”
Her eyes shifted toward Genevieve and I knew exactly where this was going.
—
For my mother, Genevieve had always been the perfect match the poised, polished woman from an elite, wealthy family. A woman of status and influence. Someone worthy of the Vaughn name.
Celeste, on the other hand?
She had nothing. No prestigious bloodline. No legacy to claim. Just an upbringing in an orphanage that my mother considered a
stain on her record.
My mother’s lips curved in something close to amusement as she turned back to me. “You know, Genevieve was always a shining example,” she mused, her voice sickeningly sweet. “Even in that orphanage, she carried herself with grace, with dignity–so
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different from the other children.”
Her expression darkened.
“So different from Celeste.”
She wrinkled her nose with disgust. “That girl was wild. Undisciplined. A reckless little thing who never knew her place.”
A jolt of pain lanced through me at her words,
Celeste had been nothing like that. But my mother would never see that. In her eyes, Celeste would never be good enough.
“And let’s not forget,” she continued, “how Genevieve saved Viv Lancaster, the wife of Evermark Group’s chairman during their
camping trip! It solidified her place among the elite. A woman of true character.”
That story had been told time and time again—a supposed ‘miracle‘ that had reshaped Genevieve’s life.
According to her, she had been on a charity camping trip when she stumbled upon an accident. A woman had fallen from a hiking
path, injured and unconscious. Genevieve, always the kindhearted soul, had stayed with her, calling for help, tending to her
wounds, never leaving her side.
The woman?
The wife of Nathaniel Lancaster, chairman of Evermark Group.
Genevieve’s kindness had earned her a reward beyond anyone’s imagination.
After the incident, she began visiting the Lancaster family more and more–until, one day, she was officially introduced to the
world as their long–lost daughter!
The media went wild.
A missing heiress, lost for years, unknowingly rescuing her own mother? It was the kind of fairytale headline tabloids salivated
over.
My mother’s voice droned on, filled with thinly veiled contempt.
“Genevieve has always been graceful, patient… loyal.” She sighed, shaking her head as if burdened by disappointment. “Unlike
your wife.”
My jaw tensed, but I said nothing. I knew this script by heart. And even though I did agree with her at some point about
Genevieve, what she was saying about Celeste was totally wrong.
Celeste, why have you chosen to leave me? For some reason, I can’t stop thinking about you. I only want to be with you right now.
No one else.
My mother sighed, her patience thinning. “Damien, are you even listening?”
Before I could respond, she waved a dismissive hand and stood, exasperation evident in every movement. “Fine. Do as you please.
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But don’t forget–your actions affect this family. I will not allow you to drag our name through the mud over some delusional
woman.”
She stormed out, heels clicking sharply against the floor. My father gave me a last warning look before following her.
Genevieve turned to me then, tilting her head in a show of careful concern. “You shouldn’t let this stress you out.” Her voice was gentle and sympathetic. “You’re carrying so much weight on your shoulders already.”
I said nothing
She hesitated, then leaned in, her voice softer now. “Damien, I know you. You’re a logical man. You don’t make decisions based on emotion, and yet…” She exhaled, watching me closely. “You’re letting Celeste cloud your judgment.”
I stiffened, my fingers twitching against my thigh.
Genevieve took that as an invitation to continue.
“Think about it,” she murmured. “What’s truly best for you? You’re the Vaughn heir–this isn’t just about what you want. The company, the shareholders, the public… this scandal has consequences. Ending the marriage now puts it all behind you.”
She paused, letting the words settle before moving on to her next argument.
“And Celeste…” She sighed, as if reluctant to say it. “You’ve always been the one holding her up. She may not see it now, but without you, she’s nothing. Maybe… maybe losing her status as your wife is the only way she’ll finally understand just how valuable you are.”
Genevieve paused, watching me closely, gauging my reaction.
“I don’t mean to interfere,” she then murmured, her tone concerned, “but… I can’t help but notice that redness on your cheek.” Her gaze flickered to my face, as if only just acknowledging it. “It must still hurt, huh?”
imme.
I did not react. But in reality, the pain was within me. I couldn’t get that image of Celeste slapping me out of my head.
She sighed, shaking her head, like a disappointed teacher dealing with an unruly student. “Celeste is completely irrational. Even after everything you’ve tolerated, everything you’ve done for her, she still did this to you!” She leaned back slightly, crossing one leg over the other. “Doesn’t that tell you something?”
I was silent, thinking hard about everything she’d said. But then, that fire in my heart still wouldn’t die despite all the logic.
“I don’t want to leave her,” I said firmly.
The air between us suddenly tensed.
Genevieve’s expression faltered, just for a second. But she recovered quickly, offering me another small, patient smile. Then she let out a soft sigh.
“But Damien…” She reached out, lightly touching my wrist. “Celeste is the one insisting on the divorce.” Her lips parted slightly, her eyes wide with feigned sympathy. “What can you do?”
My heart clenched. She was right.
