Chapter Twenty Eight
Celeste’s POV
I want to keep living with them, not you.
Bonnie’s words knocked the air out of me. Just like that. No hesitation, no regret.
I was vaguely aware of the exhibition guests glancing at me some with pity, others with irritation.
I didn’t even realize I was crying until a security guard barked, “Hey, lady! You can’t just stand here sobbing- you’re blocking the damn entrance.”
“Then call the cops,” I snapped, swiping at my face. “Because I’m not moving.‘
He muttered something about “crazy woman” and walked off.
I didn’t care.
The second the cold air hit me, I crumpled. Leaned against the building, slid down the wall, and just–broke. Ugly crying, the kind where your whole body shakes and you can’t breathe.
Vanessa’s smug face flashed in my mind, her poisonous words still ringing in my ears. “Bonnie is better off without you.”
Was she right?
Had I failed so completely as a mother that my own child would rather stay with the woman who’d torn our family apart?
Then-
“Here.”
Ryan’s voice. A cup shoved into my line of sight. Hot chocolate, marshmallow melting on top.
I blinked up at him. “Are you serious?”
“Dead serious.” He dropped down beside me, elbows on his knees. “Sugar fixes everything. Temporary, but it works.”
I took the cup. Sipped. Too sweet, just like I liked it.
“She hates me,” I said flatly.
Ryan snorted. “She’s five, Celeste. She still thinks ketchup is a food group and throws tantrums over mismatched socks. She doesn’t hate you–she’s just parroting whatever bullshit Vanessa’s feeding her.”
I swallowed hard. “It doesn’t feel that way.”
“Of course it doesn’t.” His voice dropped, rough but steady. “But that doesn’t make it true.”
The cup trembled in my hands. “Vanessa’s poisoning her against me. Every day, every chance she gets. And now– “My breath hitched. “Now Bonnie looks at me like I’m a stranger.”
Ryan was quiet for a long moment. Then he turned his head his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that made my pulse stutter.
“Then we cut out the poison. You’re her mother, Celeste. That doesn’t just go away.” He stood, held out a hand. ” Now get up. We’ve got a custody battle to win.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter Twenty Eight
His warm hands cupped my face and tilted my chin up.
“I know you, Celeste. You were there for me when no one else was. I’m certain you gave your family all the love and support they needed.” Ryan’s intense green eyes shone with sincerity. “You don’t deserve to be treated this way.”
Tears slipped down my cheeks. He took the handkerchief from my hand and dabbed my face dry.
So much for appearing strong.
“No matter what happens or who you’re up against, I will always stand by your side.” He said, his tone unwavering.
“But they were right, Ryan.” My voice quivered. “I lack the financial capability to take Damien on. Although business has been picking up, I still have to pay off the loan I took to set up my studio.”
I let out a shaky breath.
“I’m just so exhausted. Maybe I should cut my losses here, sell up, and stop designing. Bonnie doesn’t want me to fight for her, anyway.”
I took his handkerchief and blew my nose.
Ryan dug his phone out of his pocket and tapped at it before passing it to me. It was Rosemary’s order page.
“All these orders are from individual customers. They’re a testament to how incredible your work is, Celeste. Don’t give up now.”
I scrolled through the orders. They were piling up, but it wouldn’t be enough to go toe to toe with Damien. It would take years to get the kind of money I needed.
“I don’t know, Ryan.” I pursed my lips. “It just isn’t enough.”
He bit his bottom lip, then fished something out of his pocket.
“It’s the Chairman of the International Jewelry Association’s business card.” He said, handing it to me. “If you can get his support, your sales will skyrocket.”
I cradled the card in my hands like it was a bar of gold.
“Ryan, how on earth did you pull something like this off?” I asked with wide eyes.
“Oh, I had to woo it out of one of Crown Luxe’s employees. He said, flashing me a grin. “It wasn’t easy, but in the end my irresistible charm and good looks won.”
A jolt of jealousy ran through me.
I shook my head. Ryan was an attractive bachelor in his prime and he could woo whoever he wanted to. Besides, he’d given me the motivation I needed to pull myself together.
“Thank you, Ryan. This is an incredible help.” I gave him a grateful smile. “I’m going to dedicate myself to my work, so get ready for those late night coffee runs.”
His laughter was a contagious, throaty sound.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
2/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter Twenty Nine
