CHAPTER 14 Damien's POV I was still standing by my desk , arms crossed , jaw light , when Genevieve walked in The door clicked shut behind her . She strolled inside with the ease of someone who belonged here - like she always had Like she always would " Talking to the secretary again ? " she mused , setting down a cup of coffee on my desk . " You know she likes to run her mouth , right ? " I shot her a look . " She's efficient . Genevieve smirked . " And nosy There was a knowing glint in her eyes , as it she already had an idea of what the secretary had been saying . I had no patience for games right now , " Why are you here ? " I asked , sighing as I pinched the bridge of my nose " Well , your mother invited us to dinner this weekend , " she announced casually . " She thinks we should spend more time together as a family . " I stiffened Us . Family . 1 didn't like the way she said it . " I'm busy , " I said flatly . " I'll talk to her about it later . -Genevieve's smile barely faltered , but I noticed the flicker of disappointment in her eyes " You're always busy , " she murmured , stepping closer . Or maybe … you're just too caught up in her . " I knew exactly who she meant My expression hardened . " I don't want to talk about Celeste . " Genevieve let out a quiet breath , shaking her head as she looked at me . Something in her gaze softened , like she was seeing past my defenses . " You know , Damien , " she said gently , " I was the one who knew you first . I was there before Celeste ever was 1 frowned slightly , but she continued before I could respond . " Do you remember how we met ? " Her voice took on a nostalgic tone as she came closer to me . " You were this cold , distant CEO , and I was the one person who could handle you . I understood you . I protected you from those who wanted to use you . I was by your side every single day , working late nights , standing by you when you had no one else . " Yes , I did remember . Genevieve had been there from the beginning . Long before Celeste . She took another bold step forward , her voice dropping to a whisper . Tve always been by your side , Damien . " I could smell her perfume , feel her skin against mine as she threw her arms around me . And before I could react , she kissed Her lips were soft and moist . The way she pressed into me , her hands gripping my arms , was full of quiet desperation . I stood rigid , frozen . I have nev never thought Genevieve has feelings for me ! I jerked back , breaking the kiss , my hands instinctively going to Genevieve's shoulders push her away . 43 BOYUS " What the hell are you doing ? " My voice came out very harsh , filled with shock and something dangerously close to anger . Genevieve didn't flinch . She only looked up at me with those familiar , pleading eyes . The same ones that had always been on my side . The same ones that had convinced me that she was someone I could trust . Not now . Not when my patience was already wearing thin . " I love you , Damien , " she whispered , reaching for me again . " I always have . I love you more than anyone can ever love you . I clenched my fists , stepping back , creating distance , " You're out of line , Genevieve . " Her lips trembled , her confidence faltering just for a moment before she straightened herself . " You know I'm right . Celeste was never meant for you I exhaled sharply , running a hand through my hair . " This isn't about Celeste . " " Of course , it is ! " she snapped , her composure slipping . " She was never worthy of you ! Everyone knew it! Your mother knew it ! I knew it . But you - you kept holding on to her for some insane reason ! I'm the one who's always been by your side . I'm the Jone who's always been loyal to you . And yet , she's the one who gets everything ? " She shook her head , eyes burning with frustration " Your mother supports us . You should too . " Something in my chest twisted with discomfort . " Enough , " I said firmly . " I don't love you , Genevieve . " The truth came out of my mouth before I could stop them . She froze . And for the first time , I saw something crack in her expression " Damien . " Her voice was almost fragile But I didn't have time for this I turned toward the door , pushing it open . As soon as I stepped out , I noticed the secretary stiffening , her face unusually tense as she fumbled with a stack of papers in her hands . She looked like she had just seen a ghost . My eyes narrowed . " What is it ? " She swallowed , her grip tightening on the documents to race I glanced down and caught sight of the word divorce on one of the papers . My heart began to Then I saw Celeste's name and her signature . A sudden , suffocating realization hit me She was here . Had she been Genevieve and me through the window ? She'd left just like that , without even waiting to see me or talk to me . Why ?! I felt the air leave my lungs . She actually meant it . The divorce . Celeste Vaughn was walking out of my life for real . I turned to the secretary , my voice low but ice - cold " Did Celeste come here earlier ? " She flinched , her eyes darting away as she tried to compose herself . "T - I don't know what you mean , sir , " she stammered , her fingers nervously twisting the papers in her hands My patience evaporated in an instant . " Don't lie to me " She blinked rapidly , looking caught between fear and guilt . She finally muttered , " Yes , she was here . She- " +25 BONUS But before she could finish , I cut her off . " And you didn't think to inform me ? " My voice boomed , sending a sharp chill through the office . I could feel the anger rising to the surface . Her face turned pale , her lips trembling . " I … I'm sorry , sir , I didn't- " I didn't wait for her to finish . I was already marching out of the office , my mind racing . How could she have been here , and I didn't even know ? Everything inside me tightened at the thought of her . And the look on her face - the coldness , the distance - it haunted me . 1 stormed out of the building , my feet moving faster as I crossed the parking lot . And then , I saw it . Her car , pulling away , slowly but surely , like she was leaving my life behind I didn't think I just moved . I ran in front of her car , and the vehicle screeched to a stop as our eyes met through the windshield . Seeing the driver's window roll down , I hurried to her side with determination . After recovering from the surprise of seeing me , she glared at me . I only had one question for her , though " Celeste , have you made your decision ? " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!