Chapter Seventy Six
Chapter Seventy Six
Damien’s POV
+25 BONUS
“Thank you for stepping forward, Lily.” Celeste arched a brow as she smirked at Vanessa. “Will you still deny your harsh treatment of Bonnie, even in the face of a witness?”
Why was Vanessa always throwing a spanner in my plans?
I fixed her with a pointed glare that promised the full extent of my wrath if she didn’t turn this situation into my favor–Bonnie had to choose us over Celeste.
Thankfully, she proved her money’s worth.
“I am ashamed to admit that it’s true.” She sighed remorsefully, a blush coloring her cheeks. “At four months pregnant, my hormones are fluctuating wildly, which made me lose my patience with our little princess that day.” She ceased cradling her protruding belly to crouch in front of Bonnie.
“I am so sorry, sweetheart.” Tears welled in her eyes and as she spoke, her voice trembled. “I promise I will never treat you like that again.”
Bonnie watched her for a moment before embracing her. Vanessa sobbed dainty into the little girl’s chest as she stroked her back.
My daughter murmured sweetly. “It’s okay, Mommy. Don’t cry–I forgive you.”
Her kind and mature behavior shocked me. Those few days with Celeste had nearly transformed her back into the angle she used to be.
Vanessa just had to play her role well so I could secure Bonnie. Then Celeste would come crawling back to me to be the perfect mother for my little princess, and I could shake off this leach of a woman.
“Thank you, baby.” Vanessa smiled, cupping her cheeks. “Ill always share my love equally between you and your little sibling. I want you to feel the warmth and security of a loving family.”
Celeste harrumphed in dissatisfaction, and I couldn’t keep the smugness from spreading across my face. She was green with envy.
I’d soon have her and ‘Rosemary‘ in my grasp.
“You’re so transparent, Vanessa.” she scoffed.
Vanessa stood, dabbing her tears dry as she kept a hand on Bonnie’s shoulder.
She tutted. “Please, Celeste, don’t be bitter. My stepdaughter and I just shared a magical moment together–you should be congratulating us.”
“This is nothing more than a performance to curry favor with Damien and gain his trust.” Celeste said calmly, but her eyes flashed with barely contained fury. “You’re not genuinely repentant–that requires a heart and soul, of which you have neither.”
Was it true? Could Vanessa just be acting to get into my good books, or did she care for Bonnie? It didn’t matter either way. She was serving her purpose well, and I’d discard her when her usefulness ran out.
What else were people for?
“Celeste, please don’t let your regret cloud your judgment.” I tutted. “Bonnie is happy with Vanessa as her mother because she makes up for all the areas you lack.”
1/2
Chapter Seventy Six
The hurt that flashed against her face told me I hit my mark
I went in for the final kill.
+25 BONUS
“So give up on your foolhardy plan of fighting me for custody in court. Bonnie knows what she wants–it’s time you face the music, Celeste.” I said, lips curling into a smirk.
Before she could respond, a security guard cleared his throat.
“Excuse me, family.” He said, after assessing us awkwardly. “Please remember not to linger at the entrance for too long–you’re obstructing the pickup lane.”
Our heads turned to the backlog of cars waiting to enter the pickup zone and fetch their children. I wrapped an arm around Vanessa’s waist and clasped Bonnie’s hand.
“It’s time to go, ladies.” I said, as I guided them to my car.
Bonnie yelled over her shoulder. “Goodbye Mommy and Molly! I’ll see you soon!”
I gently tugged her forward, but every couple of steps she’d slow down and turn back to wave at Celeste, who smiled tightly as she waved back. My irritation built until I swooped her into my arms and carried her the rest of the way.
I wanted Bonnie to have a relationship with her mother, but I should always come first.
“In you go, Bon–Bon.” I said, placing her little feet on the floor and opening her door. “Buckle up.”
When she was secure in her car seat, I closed the door to see Vanessa waiting beside the passenger’s door. She was milking my part of the deal, but if it would help our ruse, I’d play along.
“Thanks, babe!” Vanessa chirped as I opened her door and helped her in.
The look of disappointment and jealousy on Celeste’s face as I closed the door and hopped into my seat was worth every headache Vanessa had caused.
A smirk crept onto my lips.
“Are you excited about the party, Bon–Bon?” I asked as I started the engine.
22 A
She nodded, chattering away with Vanessa about the party, but my attention was on Celeste as I pulled out of my parking space. Her face was hard, but I could see the slight quiver of her lips.
I’d purposely brought Vanessa so she could see our happy family of four first hand–it worked like a charm. Celeste had to regret rejecting my proposal. She would come begging for me back on her knees.
It was only a matter of time.
