Chapter Thirty-One

Present

M y mind reels with disbelief as I stare at Melissa Thompson. It can’t be her. But it is. The woman holding the empty tray, her gaze defiantly meeting mine, is none other than my childhood tormentor. The same girl who, along with her mother, made every gathering and social affair a nightmare for me.

No matter how hard I try, I can’t wrap my head around how Melissa ended up here. It’s been more than a year since our paths last crossed, and in that time, it seems the world has shifted beneath our feet.

In stunned silence, I take her in. Her hair, once glossy and meticulously styled, now bears the unmistakable signs of neglect, the poorly done color job of mismatched hues clashes with her complexion. It’s a stark contrast from the image of perfection she once projected. Even her uniform looks worn. It’s as if life has chewed her up and spat her out, leaving her barely hanging on.

Her eyes, burning with hatred, lock onto mine. Despite the scolding she’s receiving by Vicky and the manager of the pub, her focus remains squarely on me. It’s a gaze filled with accusation, with a bitterness that chills me to the bone.

“This is unacceptable.” Vicky’s voice slices through the air like a sharp blade, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. “Do you even know who she is? Who her husband is?”

The manager, already flustered by the commotion, pales visibly. His troubled gaze meets mine, and for a moment, I see a hint of recognition flash across his face. And he pales even more as he realizes who I am.

He knows he’s dealing with more than just a wealthy patron. He’s facing someone who wields power beyond money, someone who is not accustomed to being subdued by mere apologies and empty promises. He is dealing with Damian Montgomery. After all, my husband’s reputation precedes me wherever I go.

This is because of that once incident that took place before our marriage. We were out on a date. It was our first outdoor date. A private dinner at an upscale restaurant. Although I always loved spending time at the mansion with him back then, I sometimes wanted to be taken out too. When I told him, he surprised me the next day. He had made arrangements for dinner by booking the entire restaurant to avoid paparazzi violating our privacy.

Everything was wonderful until a waiter in the haste of rushing to attend to our table, accidentally brushed against me, knocking over the spoon in my hand, causing a few hot droplets to land on my chest.

As the mishap was minor, I merely laughed it off when the waiter began apologizing. He anxiously began to reach me with a tissue as if to dab at the hot liquid when someone pushed his hand away violently. It was Damian and he was livid.

In a matter of seconds, Damian’s demeanor had transformed from composed to incensed. His eyes blazed with fury as he stared at him. The restaurant staff, sensing the gravity of the situation, rushed to apologize and offer assistance.

It all went downhill when the restaurant owner showed up, clearly furious about being dragged away from wherever he’d been over something so minor. “It’s no big deal,” he scoffed. “It’s not like the entire soup burned you.” Those were his exact words.

Damian didn’t utter a single word, didn’t raise his voice in anger. Instead, he simply fixed the owner with a chilling stare, a silent promise of retribution that sent shivers down the spine of everyone in the vicinity.

The waiter, unable to withstand the tension, stammered out one last apology before fleeing the scene in terror.

Then, One day, out of nowhere, we heard the restaurant had shut down for good. Just like that. The owner vanished without a trace, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. It showed the lengths Damian would go to protect me, to ensure that even the smallest slight did not go unpunished. I remember questioning him about it and he merely shrugged explaining that the owner couldn’t take the pressure his legal team was inflicting upon them.

“But it was a mistake, Damian. A minor mistake.”

He stared at me then. “Exactly. A mistake and they paid their price.” He lifted my chin. “Whoever hurts you deserves punishment.”

“Does that include you?” I mocked. He answered with a punishing kiss, easily distracting me from the incident.

Damian’s love for me knew no bounds. At least that’s how I used to see it. Until… I was proved otherwise.

As time passed, I understood that in his eyes, I was not his wife, but his most prized possession, and he would stop at nothing to shield me from harm, no matter the cost. It was darker than it sounded.

And even after his tight security, and PR team’s efforts, the word about his involvement in the shutting down of that exclusive restaurant still got out. Or maybe it was because of his team that the news got out. Maybe he wanted to let the world know that his wrath knew no mercy. Either way, after that incident, Damian’s name began to circulate through the hospitality industry—notorious for his unwillingness to let things slide. Word spread fast, and soon every restaurant owner seemed to know who he was, his reputation for holding establishments accountable cementing itself after just one encounter.

The manager rushes over, apologizing profusely. “I will fire her immediately, ma’am.”

I shake my head. “No, please. Don’t. It’s all right. I’m fine.” My attention is still fixed on Melissa. That makes her angrier and she stalks in my direction. Seeing her storming toward me with fury in her eyes, I instinctively shy away, bracing myself for what? I don’t know. But just before she can reach me, Vicky grabs her elbow with the swift iron grip and shoves her back.

“Don’t even think about it,” Vicky warns, her voice cold. “Try that again, and you’ll regret it.”

“Whatever.” Melissa glares at her then at me before turning on her heel.

“Wait.” I step forward. “Melissa!”

She turns and my gaze locks with hers.

“You know her?” Matt comes to my side, frowning. I nod grimly.

“What do you want?” Melissa’s words are sharp, her tone laced with bitterness.

I take few steps toward her but Vicky intercepts.

“I know her, Vicky. I want to talk to her.”

Vicky’s eyes trail back to Melissa and they narrow with distrust. “Fine. But she will maintain distance.”

Melissa’s gaze hardens. “Well, you can fuck off with your distance because I’m not in the mood to entertain sluts.”

Vicky and Matt, including the manager attack her verbally.

“I should have smashed the tray into her face after dumping the drinks over her head,” Melissa sneers.

I suck in a breath.

The manager wipes his forehead and looks at me helplessly. “I’m deeply sorry, Mrs. Montgomery. This behavior is utterly unacceptable. She’s terminated immediately. If you wish to press charges, we will fully support you.”

“I don’t know why you’re so upset, Melissa. I... I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

She scoffs. “Well, surprise, surprise. Life doesn’t always go the way you want, does it?”

My brow furrows, concern growing. “What happened, Melissa? How did you end up working here?”

Her lips twists into a sneer. “None of your business. You can put on that innocent and sweet act for everyone else, but you can’t fool me. Deep down, you’ve always been nothing but a spoiled, useless waste of space, thinking you’re better than everyone else!”

Eyes burning with unshed tears, I stare at her numbly.

“Enough!” Matt snaps. “Call the security.”

“I never thought that, Melissa. I’m sorry if I ever made you feel that way.”

Two men in black uniform are suddenly at her side. But she is unfazed. “Sorry doesn’t change anything. Look at you, enjoying the lavish lifestyle while I’m stuck serving entitled brats like you!”

“Wait, please!” I look at the men. “Melissa, please. Let’s talk somewhere quieter. I want to understand.”

Melissa’s gaze turns icy. “I never want to see your face again after what your husband did to me and my family. You’re as vile as he is. Stay away from me!”

My heart stops. A horrible feeling washes over me like a sudden chill, sending shivers down my spine. Like a bolt from the blue, Damian’s words come flooding back to me, as clear and cutting as if he had spoken them just moments ago.

They will pay, he had said, his voice laced with a steely resolve that left no room for doubt.

At the time, I had brushed it off as a mere expression of anger on my behalf, a hollow threat uttered in the heat of the moment. But now, as I stand here face to face with Melissa Thompson, I can’t shake the feeling that there was more to his words than I dared to admit.

The suspicion gnaws at me. Is there a possibility that he played a role in Melissa’s downfall?

It’s a chilling thought. Melissa, the daughter of my father’s business partner, William Thompson, once seemed invincible, like the embodiment of success itself. But if she’s truly fallen, if her life is in shambles, what about her family? William, Richard and Dad built Innovare Dynamics Group together, an empire worth billions. Their partnership isn’t just professional; it’s personal, entwined with our lives. If Melissa’s family is ruined, could it mean the collapse of our fathers’ legacy?

But why would Damian ruin everyone related to Melissa over a stupid incident that happened more than a year ago?

Then like lightning bolt, realization hits. He isn’t doing this for me.

Memories flood back like a tidal wave, crashing over me with such a force, it sweeps me back in time. I find myself standing in Damian’s home office, hugging his anniversary gift to my chest.

Tucking a curl behind my ear, I slowly step into the dimly lit home office, a nervous excitement coursing through me. It’s our first wedding anniversary, and I can’t wait to surprise Damian. I lift the small gift and smile softly. It’s a 3D solar system crystal ball.

Damian has everything, and it’s hard to find something that truly catches his eye. But I remembered his fascination with stars and space, so when I found this beautiful piece online, it felt meant to be.

It’s not just a gift. It’s a reflection of what he means to me. This isn’t about stars or galaxies; it’s about showing him that he’s my everything. My universe. The one I orbit around, always.

He hasn’t spoken to me properly in what feels like an eternity. And our relationship feels strained by distance. Even today, he is not with me. But it’s all right. I will wait for him. I will like I always do. Because I love him. I refuse to be upset over the distance between us. And through this gift, I hope to bridge the gap between us, to remind him that no matter how far apart we may be, my love for him remains strong, like the gravitational pull of the sun.

The familiar sight of his cluttered desk greets me, papers strewn haphazardly across its surface. I take a deep breath and move toward the desk, the gift still clutched tightly in my hand.

Where do I hide it? I think inwardly as I glance around. Most probably on the desk, so he could find it as soon as he gets here. But there’s no space. I begin with the top drawer of the desk and find it locked. I try the second one and it’s locked too.

I am about to head to the bookshelves across the desk when something catches my eye. A piece of what appears to be a folder is peeking out from under the table. Frowning, I sit on Damian’s chair and roll it forward to the desk. Putting my hand underneath the desk, I try to tug the paper.

It doesn’t come off but when I pull again, a hidden drawer opens. Stunned, I peer inside and find files.

This might be a better place for hiding the gift. Grinning to myself, I begin lifting the files to make room. But as I do, a folder slips from one of the files, spilling its contents onto the floor in a flurry of papers and photographs.

I bend to gather them but my heart stops. The familiar faces of my family stares back at me from the photographs. Alongside them are documents detailing my father’s business dealings and financial records.

Confused, I struggle to make sense of what I’m seeing. Putting the rest of the files back on the desk, I open the one that contained the folder. My college schedule. My birth certificate. My bank information. Dad’s business partners’ personal information. Their families’ records.

Why would my husband have these files? And why keep them hidden like this?

I flip through a few pictures of me with Dad at charity galas, some from my high school graduation. Then I find a document detailing my food preferences, allergies, and a few other personal things.

My hands tremble as I sift through the papers, each one feeling like a dagger to the heart. The notes and annotations over my lunch breaks and the time I visited the campus café.

All those “coincidences,” the gifts, the sweet gestures, everything, down to the smallest detail, was carefully orchestrated. The dinners, the dates, the way he held me like he couldn't get enough—all of it was calculated. It wasn’t love. It was manipulation. It was a lie.

Then it dawns on me. My husband has been using me, using our marriage as a stepping stone to get closer to my family, to gain control, power, and leverage.

My heart aches as I look at the proof spread out before me. I thought I knew him. I thought we shared something real. But now, with tears blurring my vision, all I can see is the betrayal.

Why, Damian? Why?

If he had only asked, if he had only opened up to me, I would have given him everything—my love, my loyalty, my very life. I would have laid the world at his feet, without hesitation or reservation. But instead, he chose to deceive me, to manipulate my trust for his own gain.

Was I just a pawn in his game, a means to an end? Did he see me as nothing more than a means to an end? The mere thought sends shards of pain ripping through my soul.

What did I do to deserve this betrayal?

How could he play me like this, toy with my emotions as if they were nothing.

The tears come then, hot and bitter, as I realize the depth of his deception. He didn’t just betray me—he shattered me, leaving behind nothing but broken pieces of the woman I was moments ago.

I don’t know how long I stay inside his home office, but when I walk out from there, I decide to walk out from this mansion and away from the man who was my universe .

All I can do is sink weakly into the nearest chair.

My heart lurches with alarm. It’s such a shock, I could hardly make sense of it.

All this time, I was convinced that Damian’s animosity toward my father stemmed from their business rivalry. But I’m not so sure anymore.

He had detailed information on everyone connected to my father, including me. Melissa claimed he destroyed her and her family’s lives. He’s ruined my life as well by marrying me without a shred of love.

Something tells me this isn’t just about business rivalry anymore. It’s deeper, more twisted—far more complicated than it appears.

If he really is behind all this then I’m afraid he might not be content with simply ruining Melissa or her family. No. He’s after everyone connected to my dad, every business partner and even their respective families. It’s a systematic dismantling of not just a business empire, but of lives and livelihoods.

My only question is… why?

I don’t know how, but I find myself standing inside the grand foyer of the mansion. I don’t remember leaving the pub, don’t recall the journey home. All I know is that now I’m here.

I begin walking numbly.

“River…” Vicky calls out.

“I’d like to be alone for a while.” Without waiting for a response, I turn and let my feet carry me through the expansive hallways.

As I reach the end of the corridor, I come upon a pair of sleek, modern doors. With a gentle push, they swing open effortlessly.

In front of me is an indoor, state-of-the-art pool, its clear surface glowing from the soft underwater lights, casting gentle ripples of light across the room.

I step out of my shoes. With trembling hands, I peel off my alcohol-drenched clothes. Then dive into the water naked.

The shock of the cool water momentarily distracts me until the same thoughts plague me again. I resurface, gasping for air, my heart pounding in my chest.

I swim laps with a fierce determination, each stroke propelling me forward, driving away the thoughts that threaten to consume me.

But no matter how hard I swim, no matter how fast I push myself, the weight of Damian’s betrayal suffocates me.

It’s my fault. I let myself hope that I’d gotten it wrong about Damian. When he refused to explain, I thought it could’ve been innocent, that maybe digging into my father and his partners was nothing more than curiosity. I even let myself believe that all those details he had about me were because he wanted to know me on a deeper level.

How foolish was I? Clinging to excuses that didn’t exist. Seeing Melissa tonight, hearing her speak, stripped away every last shred of doubt. The truth couldn’t be clearer now. He didn’t marry me for love. He married me for a purpose, one I was too blind to see.

The water around me blurs with tears as I swim, my movements becoming sluggish and uncoordinated. Exhaustion begins to set in, both physical and emotional and I finally pause.

Resting my forehead on my folded arms on the tiled rim, I pant. Swallowing hard, I turn to begin again.

“You’ve done enough swimming for one night, angel.”

Everything freezes, I forget how to draw another breath as I lift my head and stare into a pair of all too familiar dark as night eyes. “Damian!”