Chapter Seventy Five
Celeste’s POV
“Kindly stuff your reprehensible delusions where they won’t corrupt little minds.” I snapped, loud enough that Bonnie and Molly glanced up in confusion.
Damien’s jaw twitched, but Vanessa gave a light, practiced laugh, the kind that didn’t touch her eyes.
“We’re just here for our daughter, Celeste.” She said in a lighthearted, patronizing tone. “No need to make this dramatic.”
My entire frame tensed. Where did she find the audacity to call Bonnie her daughter to my face?
“Funny.” I said in a biting tone. “Drama seems to follow you two around like a putrid stench.”
Damien’s grip on Vanessa’s waist tightened, but she radiated serene warmth.
“We’re here to take Bonnie home today,” he announced, spreading an arm out as though unveiling a gift. “We’ve planned a special surprise for our little princess.”
Bonnie’s eyes widened. “What is it?”
“We’re throwing a gender reveal party for your baby sibling this weekend,” Vanessa said brightly. “And guess who’s in charge of the big surprise?”
“Me?”
my daughter asked in openmouthed amazement.
Vanessa crouched beside her, brushing a loose strand of hair from the little girl’s forehead.
“Isn’t it exciting, sweetie?” She said, voice sickly sweet. “Tomorrow you get to smash open a confetti–filled egg and reveal if you’ll have a baby brother or sister.”
“Really? You’ll let me smash it?” Bonnie asked, bouncing energetically on her heels.
Vanessa nodded, her face cutting into an indulgent, bleach–white smile.
“Can I wear a ‘Best Big Sister‘ sash too?”
“I’ve already chosen the most beautiful color–sunshine yellow. Doesn’t that sound perfect?” She winked at Damien over her shoulder. “I thought it would brighten her day.”
Bonnie lurched forward and hugged Vanessa. “You’re the best Mommy!”
Those four words knocked the air out of me like a punch to the gut.
My daughter’s face glowed with excitement as she smiled at the woman who’d shattered my delusions that our mother–daughter relationship had been fully restored. Vanessa knew just how to manipulate Bonnie to get her
way.
“Honey, we had plans today with Molly, remember?” I said with a tight smile. “Let’s go home and I’ll drop.you off at the party tomorrow.”
Bonnie glanced between Molly and me like she’d just realized we were still there. Her brows furrowed in contemplation, but before she could open her mouth, Vanessa smoothly stepped in.
“That is such a kind offer, Celeste. But Bonnie is a diligent big sister and will want to be part of the party preparations, won’t you, sweetie?” Vanessa asked.
My daughter nodded enthusiastically. “Sorry, Molly–I have to be a good big sister. We can play at school on
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+25 BONUS
Chapter Seventy Five.
Monday.”
Just like that, my heart sank to the pit of my stomach.
I couldn’t fight it–legally, Damien had custody, and Bonnie’s bright–eyed enthusiasm made it clear she wanted to be part of the celebration. But what if all the progress we’d made would be replaced by cold, materialistic pride the moment she was back under their care?
My gaze fell on my daughter as a sense of resignation sank my spirits.
Damien smirked at my crestfallen face. “Come on/Bon–Bon, say goodbye to Celeste so Mommy and I can take you home.”
I took a steadying breath as I squatted beside Bonnie, adjusting the collar of her little coat and smoothing her pigtails with practiced care.
“Have fun tomorrow, honey,” I said, clasping her hands in my own. “And if anyone hurts you, even a little, you call Mommy on your smart watch, okay?”
Bonne nodded solemnly, and I kissed her forehead as my voice dropped to an aching whisper.
“Mommy will always be waiting for you.‘
“We haven’t got all day.” Damien muttered impatiently.
I stood, crossed my arms, and fixed them with a hard glare. “I expect you both to take very good care of Bonnie.”
Damien’s nostrils flared. “Are you questioning our competence? You aren’t the only one capable of caring for her.”
I let out a short, bitter laugh. “Really? Because last time I checked, you’ve given her food poisoning twice–the unhygienic fast food that landed her in the hospital and the overpriced caviar last night.”
He bristled, but said nothing.
“I only want what’s best for Bonnie, so I’m sure you can understand why I need your reassurance that you will take good care of her.”
Vanessa gave me a plastic smile. “We’re both perfectly capable.”
“You mean the same way you were ‘perfectly capable‘ of yanking Bonnie out of kindergarten, the scabs on her little knees cracking and pouring blood?” My voice remained steady, though fury bubbled in my chest.
“How dare you fabricate such lies?” she screeched, hand flying to her chest.
S
Damien turned on me, voice low and dangerous. “You’re making baseless accusations, Celeste. Vanessa is a better mother to Bonnie than you will ever be.”
“It happened, Damien.” I met his glare unflinchingly. “After her behavior these past months–leaving Bonnie home alone, shoving her to the floor, purposely scratching my car–do you seriously doubt she’s unstable enough to do something like this?”
His lips pressed into a hard line as he paused in thought.
“Is this true, Vanessa?” 2
Her cheeks flushed. “Of course not! I–I would never harm Bonnie!”
I inhaled, itching to lose my shit at them both, but kept my voice measured for the sake of the girls. “Vanessa, I watched the whole thing from the school parking lot. You shouted at Bonnie as you dragged her to your car.”
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Chapter Seventy Five
She chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. “Oh please, that’s not how it happened”
“Actually,” a voice chimed in from the play area, cool and clear, “that’s exactly how it happened.”
