Chapter 117
Damien’s POV:
I worked on breakfast in the kitchen as the morning sun came through the windows, creating gentle shadows. I automatically chopped vegetables, whisked eggs, and heated the pan with my hands. Today, I sought comfort in the familiar routine of cooking, reconnecting with each action. I looked over at Charlie, who was eating happily at the table, a cheerful smile appearing on his innocent face.
I accompanied them to the door and gave him a‘ final embrace as Delores arrived to take him home. “While I am gone for work, Aunt Delores will look after you. Don’t forget to take your medicine and pay attention to what she says, okay?”
Charlie nodded solemnly, wrapping his arms around me tightly. His presence was like a balm, his little arms a reminder of why I was fighting to stay strong. I kissed his head, holding him just a second longer before releasing him. I watched them drive off, my heart a mix of peace and heartache.
I turned to go back inside, hoping to hold onto that peace, but it shattered the moment I stepped into the hallway. Eva and Lenora were waiting, standing side by side with expressions that could kill. I squared my shoulders, refusing to let them see any weakness.
“Well, well,” Lenora sneered, arms crossed tightly. “If it isn’t the woman who thinks she owns this place.”
Eva chimed in, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “And here we thought you’d finally gotten the hint and left for good, Irene.
I met their glares with a calm that surprised even me. “If you’re both here to waste my time, I’m not interested.”
Eva’s smile turned venomous, her gaze flicking over me dismissively. “Wasting time? Oh, no, Irene. We just want to remind yoll of reality. This isn’t your house. You and that child of yours are nothing more than an inconvenience.”
Lenora nodded, her lips twisted in a cruel smirk. “You really think you can fool Damien, that he’ll keep you around once he realizes what you’re really after?”
My jaw clenched, but I refused to bite. “And what is that, Lenora Please, enlighten me.”
Eva stepped forward, her face inches from mine, her voice low and hateful. “Money, security, and a place for that bastard of yours. You want to secure his place here, don’t you? Trying to worm your way into this family’s inheritance?”
The words struck harder than I wanted to admit. They weren’t attacking me–they were attacking Charlie, an innocent child who didn’t deserve any of this. But I couldn’t let them see that pain.
“Charlie is Damien’s son, and he has every right to be here,” I replied, my tone steely. “As do I.”
me child you managed to Lenora laughed, a sound cold and sharp. “Please. Everyone knows he isn’t Damien’s. He’s just push into this family, hoping it would secure you a place here. But you’re only fooling yourself, Irene.”
Eva’s hand drifted to her stomach in a calculated gesture. “Unlike you, I carry Damien’s real child–his blood, his legacy. You and your son are nothing, Irene. You’re just hanging on to scraps hoping no one will notice
The weight of their words pressed down on me, each insult sharper than the last. But instead of breaking. I felt a quiet strength building. I’d been their target for too long, letting them chip away at me bit by bit. Today, I wasn’t backing down.
I smiled, a small, knowing smile that seemed to unsettle them both, “You really think you can break me with petty insults? I’ve faced worse than the two of you put together. So if this is your best attempt at intimidation, I’d say you’re both wasting your time.”
Lenora’s face flushed, a flicker of anger in her eyes. “Don’t think you can talk to us like that. Irene. We’re the real family here -you’re just a guest who overstayed her welcome.”
Chapter 117
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I raised an eyebrow, refusing to be baited. “A guest? I’m Damien wife, Lenora. The only Mrs. Chad, in fact. And while I’m here, nothing changes in this house without my say. So if either of you thinks you’re going to redecorate, make any changes, or disrupt my life, think again”
Eva’s eyes narrowed, her facade cracking just slightly. “You really think you’re that powerful, Irene? One phone call, and I can have this house decorated exactly how I want. You don’t scare me.”
“I already spoke to the decorators,” I said, meeting her gaze with a quiet calm. “They’re not coming. I paid them for their time, and I told them there was no need for their services here.
Eva’s face twisted in frustration, her mouth opening to retort, but no words came. Lenora seemed equally thrown off, her smugness fading as she realized I hadn’t given them the reaction they’d wanted.
“So please,” I said, adjusting my bag on my shoulder. ‘Spare yourselves the trouble. I’ll be going now, and I trust this house will still be standing when I return
I started to turn, ready to walk away from this toxic exchange, when a familiar voice broke through the tension.
“Irene, Damien’s voice, laced with concern, reached me. He stepped into the room, his eyes searching mine, brows drawn together. “Are you okay?”
The sight of him, the concern in his voice, softened something in me. But I didn’t let it show. Not here, not in front of them. “I’m fine,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral. Thank you for asking.
I noticed the uncertainty in his eyes, the pause, but I lacked the strength to respond. I had let these people bother me for too long, making me feel inadequate in my own house.
Eva shifted her eyes rapidly between Damien and myself, her face becoming shadowed as though she could perceive that she was losing power. “Damien,’ she said, her voice soft and pleading, her hand still resting protectively on her stomach. “Please, tell Irene that she can’t just dismiss us. I’m carrying your child–doesn’t that mean something?”
Damien’s eyes shifted to her, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. He looked back at me, something like apology in his eyes, but I didn’t wait for him to speak.
“Goodbye, Damien. I have to go. I’m heading to work, I told him, my voice firm.
He blinked, surprise lighting his eyes. “Work?”
I nodded. “Yes. I’ve accepted a job as the head chef at La Vanguardia.”
The room fell silent, and for a moment, I could see the shock register on all their faces–Eva, Lenora, and even Damien. “You’re working for La Vanguardia?” Lenora sneered. “That hotel is far beneath your so–called status as Mrs. Chad,” “Doesn’t matter what you think,” I replied, shrugging off her scorn. “It’s my life, my choice. I don’t need your approval.” Damien’s expression hardened, something intense flickering in his gaze. “No, Irene,” he said, his voice low but firm. “You can’t work there. You can’t work for him.”
I suddenly froze, taken by surprise by the abrupt order in his voice. The quiet that came after scented heavy, nearly suffocating, as though the room had been deprived of all its air.
What did he mean? What was the reason for his reaction? I had many questions running through my head, but I maintained a neutral expression on my face, despite feeling both confused and curious
