CHAPTER 47
Damien’s POV
I hung up the phone. I didn’t want to hear another word from her.
I closed my eyes.
Celeste’s words were still echoing in my head like a curse I couldn’t shake.
I couldn’t get h
I couldn’t get her furious expression and desperate screams out of my mind.
They even overlapped with her pleading on our wedding anniversary.
“Please, I am your wife, why don’t you believe me?”
“You still think I’m the manipulative one. The whore.”
I let out a heavy breath. She had brought up the one thing I least wanted to revisit-
That damn video.
The one I had never wanted to talk about. It was better to accept what I saw, what I was told–especially when it came from my
mother and Genevieve. I trusted them.
I guess I’d always doubted Celeste, thinking she could easily betray me. That she would.
But now… after what she said tonight, that thin shield of certainty I’d been hiding behind all this time began to splinter beneath
all the doubt.
What if it wasn’t?
I sat frozen in my car. And for the first time, I allowed myself to entertain the damn video.
Panic gripped me like a vice, crawling under my skin like fire.
What if I’d been wrong….
What if I had humiliated her, destroyed her, left her… over something
twasn’t even rol
I grabbed my phone, my hand shaking. My thumb hovered for only a second before I hit the call button.
“Find out everything you can about THAT video,” I told my assistant, my voice lower than usual.
He hesitated. “Is something wrong, sir?”
“Just do it,” I said sharply.
Because if what I was starting to suspect turned out to be true… then I had done something unforgivable.
For a moment, I didn’t even know what to pray for-
That the video was real?
Or… that I had truly wronged her?
#20 bonus
Genevieve’s IOV
“He threatened me,” Isadora seethed, her fingers digging into the armrest of the silk–upholstered couch. “His own mother! Can you believe that?”
I could, actually. Damien had been acting out of character ever since Celeste crawled her way back into the spotlight, Still, I played my part.
“I’m sure he didn’t mean it. He’s just… overwhelmed.” I sat beside her, draping a gentle hand over hers. “Everything that has happened so far–It’s been a lot for him to process,”
“That little wretch must have seduced him! That’s the only explanation.” She scoffed. “After everything she’s done, he still defends her.”
I
“He’s always had a soft spot for her,” bli my lip, lowering my gaze Just enough to seem modest, concerned. “But… If he had someone who truly understands his family, his world… maybe he wouldn’t be so easily swayed.”
She turned her sharp gaze toward me, suspicion flickering in her eyes before softening
I knew I had her.
“She’s from a very prominent family,” she muttered. “If his father finds out I ruined a gown for someone like Madam Dlane…” Ah, there it was. Her real fear. Not me. Not Celeste. But her husband
I gave her hand a light squeeze. “My parents know Madam Diane and her husband. I’m sure they can help smooth things over- maybe frame it as a misunderstanding or a last–minute alteration issue.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Your parents would do that?”
“Of course. They’d do anything for me.” 1 smilled sweetly.
“And in return… I just want to secure my future. With Damien. Officially.” I revealed my true intention.
She studied me for a long moment. Then, slowly, she nodded.
Hook Line. Sinker.
“I suppose that could work,” she said, lifting her chin ever so slightly. “But only if it’s executed discreetly. I won’t have our name dragged through unnecessary whispers.”
“Of course,” I said with a bright smile.
CHAPTER 4T
+20 Bonus
“You do realize that I’m actually giving you a chance to get closer to our family, right?” She added as if granting me a rare favor.” After all, you were the one who asked for this in the first place.”
I nearly laughed. She had no idea she was the one begging now. The depth of her arrogance was truly revolting
Then Isadora frowned, brows tightening. “What do you think he means by my supposed “despicable acts‘? Did he mention anything to you about this? I don’t understand.”
I forced a confused blink. “Uh, I’m not sure… But that doesn’t matter. Don’t think much about it. He’s probably just upset.”
Inside, I was quite annoyed. Damien was probably talking about what I’d told him about his mother.
But I just made that up to Damien. Because really, who’s easier to turn into a scapegoat than a stupid and arrogant woman like
Isadora?
“Yes, you’re right,” she agreed, sitting down and trying to calm herself.
“Take some rest, Isadora. I’ll handle everything”
Slowly, quietly, I slipped out of the room to make a call.
I stepped onto the balcony and pulled out my phone, dialing the number I knew by heart. It rang twice before a smooth, mature
male voice answered.
“Genevieve,” he greeted.
It was my fake brother. I played him–and his whole family. They were so stupid, they actually believed I was one of them.
“Can you come visit me soon? I might need a little help… there’s been a bit of trouble.” I pouted softly.
He chuckled lightly, his voice calm and reassuring. “No one will ever become a burden to our little princess.”
A slow, satisfied smile spread across my lips. Perfect.
