CHAPTER 13 Celeste's POV The world around me froze It was like falling into an ice cave - cold , suffocating , inescapable Through the narrow gap in the curtains , I stared, unblinking , as my husband kissed my former best friend . The divorce papers trembled in my hands , my fingers curling around the edges so tightly that the sharp paper dug into my skin . I didn't feel it . I felt nothing . Or maybe , I felt too much - so much that my body had numbed itself in defense . I had suspected something between them . The stolen glances . The way Genevieve always inserted herself between us . The way Damien listened to her , believed her , even when it meant turning against me Did they plan to frame me so they could send me away ? But if that's the case , why is Damien refusing to sign our divorce papers ? My eyes watered as I remained frozen on the spot , my eyes never leaving them . It was like a slow , merciless dagger carving through my chest , deeper and deeper , until I couldn't tell if I was still breathing . I bit my lip hard , willing myself not to break . Not for him . Not for a man who had thrown me into hell and left me to rot Do not be sad for him , Celeste . I repeated the words in my mind like a mantra , like a desperate prayer . But my heart - the stupid , shattered thing that still loved him - refused to listen . " Mrs. Vaughn ? " A voice too close pulled me from the freezing abyss . I tore my gaze away from the sight beyond the glass , my pulse still hammering in my ears . The divorce papers in my grip crumpled as I turned , coming face - to - face with Eloise She'd followed me here , with great satisfaction in her eyes . I stiffened , but took a deep breath and squared my shoulders , standing straight . " You really should stop torturing yourself , " she sighed dramatically , clasping her hands in front of her . " They make such a perfect match , don't they ? " I scoffed and tilted my head , giving her a slow , deliberate once - over . " Perfect match ? I mused " You mean two snakes slithering around in the same pit ? Yeah , I suppose that makes sense . They do belong with one another . " Irritation crossed her face . She glanced at the closed office door , her lips curling into something close to amusement . " Before you married Mr. Vaughn , we all thought she would be the one by his side . Our superior then , Miss Genevieve Hale - his right hand , his most trusted person . It was only natural . " I should have known that was what this woman believed . I simply laughed . A sharp , cold sound . " You were just … an unexpected guest , " she continued casually . " Someone to pass the time . " Her words struck me hard . I could hear the blood rushing in my ears . The knowledge that Damien and Genevieve had a deep relationship long before I came into the picture made my stomach twist violently , But nonetheless , I folded my arms and faced the secretary head on " Hah ! You say that like it's supposed to matter to me . " +35 BONUS Her smirk faltered , just a little I let my gaze drift past her , as if she wasn't even worth my full attention . "If that's the fairy tale you all believed in , good for you , " I said , voice laced with nonchalance . " Must've been disappointing when reality didn't care about your expectations . " Her jaw tensed . I offered a small , careless shrug . " But if it makes you feel better to rewrite the past , go ahead . Doesn't change the fact that was the one he married . " Her lips pressed into a thin line . She opened her mouth to say y something , but I beat her to it . "But I want him out of my life now . A.5.A.P ! So tell your beloved boss to sign these papers at once because I cannot wait to be rid of him ! " I threw the divorce papers into her direction . " Do your job and give that to him . " Then I turned sharply , ready to leave and walk out of this cursed building and never look back anymore . But after just a few steps , my phone rang . I glanced down . Isadora Vaughn . What perfect timing ! I pressed accept . The voice that came through was sharp , cold , and laced with triumph . " You've seen it all now , haven't you ? " Isadora's tone was dripping with satisfaction . " Are you spying on me ? " I asked , enunciating each word with deliberate sharpness Eloise let out a dry , mocking laugh . " Spying ? Don't flatter yourself . " She laughed sarcastically . " Did you really think I wouldn't know the moment you stepped foot inside Vaughn Enterprises ? " Then in a cold voice , she added , " Listen , I don't care how you got out of the mental hospital . But I just want you out of our lives . " She continued . " Genevieve is the ideal daughter - in - law . Honest , kind , the daughter of a chacbol family - far more suited for my son than a notorious lunatic like you My heart sank and my eyes narrowed . Her words hurt , but I wasn't about to let her step on me again . " Oh , don't you worry , Isadora , " I said with barely contained anger . I couldn't agree more that's exactly why I'm speeding up the divorce process . But it seems your dear son is having second thoughts ? He's the one who hasn't signed the papers . " " No way ! You were never worthy of Damien , " she lashed out , her voice like a blade slicing through me . " Your place in his life was nothing but a mistake . A disgrace . Now , do yourself a favor - get out Leave Damien . Leave this family ! " I inhaled sharply . How dare she For years , I had endured her condescension , her disdain , her cold stares that never once regarded me as her son's wife . But enough was enough . I was done A quiet chuckle left my lips , low and humorless . Tell me , Mrs. Vaughn , " I said , my voice unwavering . " If Genevieve is so perfect , then why did your son marry me instead ?" Silence . I imagined the way her face must have twisted in rage on the other end . Before she could spit out another insult , I ended the call without saying goodbye . I could just picture her fuming , and it gave me even more satisfaction The secretary beside me gasped . But I didn't give a damn . Damien Vaughn or anything related to him was no longer worth my energy . I squared my shoulders , turned on my heel , and strode out of Vaughn Enterprises - without looking back . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!