CHAPTER 10 Celeste's POV " It's none of your business . " The words flew out of my mouth , sharp and unfiltered , as I yanked my wrist free from his grasp . Damien's eyes darkened , his fingers twitching slightly , as if resisting the urge to reach for me again . He was momentarily taken aback , just standing there without moving . It was hard to read the expression on his face . He was obviously shocked . Perhaps because he never expected me to fight back like this .. Well , it didn't matter . I simply didn't care anymore . I turned on my heel and stepped into the hospital , leaving him behind without a second glance is stare I could feel it his presence lingering like a ghost , his stare burning into my back But I didn't look back . Although I appeared indifferent on the surface , the turmoil within me was far more intense . I let out a slow breath , willing my heart to calm down , to stop feeling anything for him . This was necessary , after all I had spent too long chasing after Damien Vaughn , too long drowning in love for a man who had never once tried to save me . Yes , I hated him . But that didn't mean my love had disappeared completely . And that was the cruelest part of all . Love bad or Lonce made me weak . But now ? Now , it would make me dangerous I straightened my back , squared my shoulders , and walked forward . Damien Vaughn is my past , I repeated to myself , as if it would solidify that truth . I will never let him break me again As I walked over to the nurse's station , I felt Theo's comforting presence beside me . A quiet reassurance , For a fleeting moment , memories from years ago surfaced - the times he had been my anchor , the quiet protector who never asked for anything in return . He had always made me feel safe And even now , after everything , he still did . He was still that kind of friend As we walked through the hospital corridors , his palm grazed the small of my back - a brief touch , barely more than a whisper against my skin . I stiffened . It wasn't that the gesture was inappropriate - far from it . It was protective , familiar . But it's been years since we'd last been this close Back then , his touch had been casual , effortless , a sign of the easy bond we shared . Now , it felt different . I swallowed hard , forcing myself to focus . I was being ridiculous . It was just a fleeting touch , nothing more . Theo's hand dropped away just as we reached the nurse's station , making me breathe a little easier . He spoke first . " We're here for Eleanor Whitmore , Where is she ? " The nurse scanned the patient records before nodding . " She's in Room 317 , Follow me . " When we reached the door , Theo paused . His presence remained steady , but this time , it was hesitant . " T'll wait outside , " he said . I turned to him , surprised . " You don't have to- " " This is your moment , Celeste . " His voice was gentle , but firm . " " Go , " 425 BONUS I nodded , giving him a faint smile . " Okay . Thanks so much … for everything . " I stepped into the room , my heart pounding . Auntie lay still , her face peaceful , almost as if she were merely sleeping . My breath faltered , and for a moment , I feared the worst - until a soft beeping from the monitors reminded me that she was still here . The doctor stood by her bedside , clipboard in hand . " Her condition has stabilized , " he informed me . " But she needs you . " It felt like an invisible burden had been peeled away from me . I moved closer , reaching for her frail hand , my fingers trembling as I brushed against hers . Tears welled in my eyes . I hadn't lost her . She was warm Alive " She suffered severe smoke inhalation and some burns , but we've managed to stabilize her breathing , " the doctor continued , his voice gentler now . " There's still a long road ahead - her lungs are weak , and the damage from the fire will take time to heal . But she's fighting . " His gaze met mine . " Having you here will help . " Inodded quietly . Thank you , " I managed to whisper . The doctor cleared his throat and handed me a small plastic bag . These are b her personal belongings . " I took it , staring at the worn purse , a phone and a few other items inside . They smelled like home - like the orphanage , like my childhood But the relief was short - lived . " There's something else , " the doctor hesitated . " The hospital bills . They've accumulated significantly … she owes quite a sum for her treatment . " My stomach twisted . Of course . I nodded numbly Tll handle it " We talked a little bit more before I bent forward to give Auntie a kiss on the forehead . " Get well , Auntie , " I whispered . " It's me , Celeste I'm here for you always , remember that . " When it was time for me to go , I left the room with a dull ache forming behind my eyes . The hunger I had been pushing aside for days , forcing myself to ignore , finally caught up with me . A dull ache spread through my stomach , but it was the lightheadedness that truly hit me . Theo , ever observant , noticed immediately . His eyes flickered toward me , his brows drawing together in concern . His lips parted , a slow exhale escaping as he studied me . " You need to eat , " he murmured , his voice lower now , edged with quiet authority A shiver ran down my spine . It wasn't a request And besides , there was no point in arguing . I didn't have the energy for it I sighed , nodding weakly . " Fine . " Theo didn't just step aside for me to follow . He moved closer , his hand finding the small of my back , fingers brushing deliberately as he guided me forward . Slow Certain . A silent claim . My heart stuttered as Theo's hand skimmed the small of my back , his touch lingering just long enough to make me aware of the heat radiating off him . There was an effortless confidence in the way he moved , guiding me toward the cafeteria , his presence both grounding and intoxicating . His quiet strength wasn't just a reminder that I wasn't alone - it was a temptation CHAPTER TO to let myself lean into him , to take comfort in his unwavering support . And for once , I did , +25 BONUS Especially now , when exhaustion gnawed at my limbs and the past few days of starvation had left me weak . Theo must have noticed . His steps slowed , his sharp gaze sweeping over me with an intensity that sent a ripple of awareness through my body . Without a word , he reached for my wrist , his fingers firm yet careful as he led me toward an empty chair " Sit , " he ordered , his voice gentler than his touch but no less commanding . Til get the food . " A 1 parted my lips to protest , but one pointed look from him shut me up . Swallowing my pride , I sank into the chair , my body betraying me with how much it welcomed the relief . After a minute or so , I was just beginning to relax when a shadow loomed above me My body tensed and I immediately looked up . Damien ! I forced myself to meet his gaze . His eyes flickered over me , scanning every inch of my face . His brows furrowed , and before I could react , he stepped closer , fingers brushing against my cheek . " You've lost so much weight , " he muttered , almost to himself The touch was unexpected . Instinctively , I flinched , pulling away before he could make full contact . The way his fingers grazed my skin sent an unwelcome shudder through me , a sickening echo of the way the nurse had gripped my neck while forcing those bitter pills down my throat . That pain seemed to have carved itself into my body , a memory I couldn't erase But Damien didn't see it . He didn't understand . Instead , his expression changed into one of disbelief and irritation . Perhaps even something more . His jaw clenched , his posture stiffening . I could tell that anger was brewing within him , and it flashed right through his eyes . " You need to go back , Celeste , " he suddenly demanded in a sharp tone . I let out a bitter laugh . " Back where ? To that prison you locked me in ? " " Celeste " His v voice was firmer this time . " You don't understand- " No , Damien " My tone was sharp , my frustration bubbling over . " You don't understand . You have no right to send me back there . You are no longer my family ! " I squared my shoulders , bracing myself for what I was about to say next . " You've already filed for divorce , right ? " The words hung between us , heavy , irreversible , Theld his gaze , refusing to waver . And I did not wait for him to answer anymore . " Go ahead , " I said , my voice steady . " I agree to the divorce " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!