hapter 95
Irene’s POV
I sat there, Damien’s hands still gently cupping my face, but I couldn’t find the words. No words even managed to bubble in my throat and threaten to spill. His eyes searched mine, pleading for something–some sign, some answer that I wasn’t ready to give. My heart was screaming at me to make a choice, but my mind was in chaos. Everything was spinning so fast that I didn’t trust myself to speak, to promise him anything.
“I don’t know, Damien.” I finally whispered, my voice trembling I don’t know what to say right now.”
His hands dropped to his sides, the weight of my uncertainty sinking into him. I could see the disappointment flash in his eyes, the desperation. He wanted me to say I’d stay, that I’d fight for us, but I couldn’t lie. Not with everything swirling around me, not with the doubt, the hurt, the betrayal that I couldn’t shake off.
It was too depressing to even process all at once, not to mention making a decision,
“Irene,” he began—but I shook my head, cutting him
“Please.” I said, my voice breaking. “Just give me some time. I need to think.” I told him in an almost whispery tone..
Damien didn’t argue. He stood there for a long moment, like he wanted to say more, but instead, he nodded quietly and walked out of the room. The door clicked softly behind him, and I felt the silence swallow me whole again. The weight of everything crushed down on me as I sat there, feeling more lost than ever.
I needed to clear my head, to breathe, to escape from the suffocating walls of this house. I couldn’t think straight in here, not with the ghosts of Eva’s words hanging over me like a noose. Grabbing my sweater, I made my way outside to the garden.
That fresh air was so needed to fan out my thoughts.
The cool evening air hit my face as I stepped onto the lawn, the garden stretching out in front of me. It was quiet, and peaceful–exactly what I needed to gather my thoughts. The roses were in full bloom, their sweet scent filling the air as I walked down the path toward the bench at the back of the garden. This spot had always been my retreat, my sanctuary when the world felt too heavy.
I sat down, closing my eyes and letting the garden comfort wash over me. I replayed everything over in my mind–the pregnancy. Eva’s smug declaration, Damien’s pained expression. It was all too much. How was I supposed to make a decision. when my heart was so broken?
Part of me wanted to run, to take Charlie and leave all of this behind, but another part of me was screaming to stay, to fight. I knew Darien loved me. I knew that much. But could I trust him? Could I live with the doubt that maybe, just maybe, something had happened between him and Eva? That night, that terrible night, hung over me like a dark cloud. Damien didn’t remember, but that didn’t mean it hadn’t happened.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps on the gravel path. I looked up to see Eva walking toward inea- smug smile on her face as she approached. My heart sank. I wasn’t ready for this. Not now.
I didn’t need her shoving her victory to my face, neither did I need her dirty words filling up my ears. She’s too tainted. “Well, well, well,” Eva said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “Look who’s hiding out here, all alone. Thinking about running away again, Irene?” She was smiling so widely. And I wish I could wipe the smug smile off her face.
I didn’t answer I just stared at her, my blood boiling as she sat down next to me on the bench, uninvited.
You know, Damien’s in there, probably waiting for you to make up your mind,” she said, her voice soft but filled with malice. “It must be so hard for you, having to decide whether to leave or stay. But let me make this easy for you.” She spoke as if everything from this point was already planned out by her. As if she knew my only option was to leave, again.
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Q.24%
15:02 Thu, Oct 31 R
Chapter 95
I clenched my fists, trying to keep calm, but her words were like poison, seeping into my veins, enraging the calm in me.
“What are you playing at, Eva I asked, my voice low. “What do you want?” My gaze must be displaying just how much I despise her right now,
She chuckled leaning back on the bench as if this was all just a game. “What do I want? I’ve already told you. I want what’s mine.” She said with a shrug
Fucking bitch!
I could feel the anger bubbling inside me. This woman–this manipulative, vile woman- had already taken so much from me. She had wormed her way into our lives, played innocent, and now she was carrying Damien’s child.
“You don’t fool me. Eva,” I said, my voice shaking with anger. “I know what you’re doing. This baby, your little announcement–it’s all part of your plan to drive us apart.” I pointed out the most obvious.
Eva’s smile faded, her eyes narrowing as she leaned closer to me Is that what you think? That I’m playing games? Oh, Irene, you’re so naive.” She chuckled.
She stood up, her hands on her hips as she looked down at me, her expression hardening “You’ve always been weak, always second–best. That’s why you’re sitting here, wallowing in self–pity while I’m the one who’s going to be the mother of Damien’s child. You can’t fight me, Irene. You’ll never win.” She stated firmly with pride radiating off her.
Her words stung, but they also ignited something inside me–a spark of defiance that I hadn’t felt in weeks. I stood up, facing her, my heart pounding in my chest.
“You’re wrong,” I said, my voice stronger than before. I’m not weak, and I’m not leaving. You don’t get to decide what happens in my life, I do.”
Eva laughed, but there was an edge of uncertainty in her eyes now. She hadn’t expected this, hadn’t expected me to stand up to her. And that gave me the strength I needed.
“I’m staying” I said firmly. “I’m staying, and I’m going to fight for what’s mine, You don’t get to win this time, Eva.” I smirked seeing how my words were affecting her already.
For the first time, Eva’s smile faltered, and I saw a flicker of something behind her eyes–fear, maybe. She wasn’t as invincible as she thought.
“Do what you want,” she said, her voice cold as she turned to leave. “But you’ll regret it.”
As she walked away, I felt a surge of resolve wash over me. I wasn’t going to let her win. Not this time.
I sat back down on the bench, my heart racing as I tried to process everything that had just happened Eva thought she could break me, thought she could push me out of Damien’s life and take everything from me. But I wasn’t going to let her.
I wasn’t sure what was going to happen next, or how we were going to navigate the mess that Eva had created. But I knew one thing for sure–I wasn’t leaving. Not again.
I had to fight. For me, for Charlie, and for the life Damien and had built. This wasn’t just about Eva anymore. This was abou standing up for myself, for my family, and for the love that I knew was still there, buried beneath all the pain and
contusion
I took a deep breath, the cool air tilling my lungs as I closed my eyes. This was going to be a battle, and it wasn’t going to be easy. But I was ready.
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