Chapter 13
Three years later, Damon was back in the limelight.
But, to everyone’s surprise, he seemed completely indifferent. There wasn’t even a trace of the disappointment, hurt, or embarrassment they had expected
All they saw was a quiet kind of acceptance–the kind that came from someone who’d been through it all and was finally at peace with it.
From across the crowded room, his eyes found Giselle, who was standing motionless on stage. Her face was deathly pale. She was the woman he’d loved for years but could never really keep, the bride who had left him on their wedding day.
Now, she felt like a stranger. He felt like he was seeing her for the very first time. And yet, they had known each other for 18 years.
Amid the whispers from the crowd, Damon spoke with calm control. “I heard every ward, loud and clear. Thanks for finally being honest with me, Giselle.”
He didn’t sound like he was calling her out. He sounded more like he was commenting on the weather.
Seeing Damon’s response, his friends on stage couldn’t help but flash back to the day Clara first showed up before them three years ago
She had worn the same look and used the same tone. “I’m single right now. If you’re not against it, Daman, I could be your bride.”
After calmly saying his plece to everyone in the room, Damon looked down. A small smile spread across his face.
His thoughts were with Clara. It was only now that he understood the kind of pressure she must’ve been under when she stood by him that day.
Clara was so quiet and careful, but she’d done so much for him. It had taken him three years to fully grasp the depth of her love and passion. Thankfully, it wasn’t too late.
Damon made up his mind. He wasn’t going to waste another second on people who didn’t matter. Without a second thought, he turned and walked away. Step by step, he moved forward with unshakable determination.
Back in his car, Damon pulled out his phone and sent the message he’d already typed up. He was expecting a reply right away, so he quickly checked the
screen
In the chat, the single gray tick stared back at him. He noticed her profile picture and status were gone. Blinking a couple of times, he focused on the contact name in the middle of the screen.
It was definitely Clara. Why on earth would she suddenly block him?
Damon couldn’t make any sense of it. He sent a few more messages, but it still showed he was blocked. His heart, which had been calm just moments ago, started to churn with angely
His mind told him something had to be wrong
- ng. But his feelings kept trying to brush off the worry. He was scrambling for other reasons to calm himself
down,
After all, she’d still seen him off that morning, looking fine as usual and even waving goodbye. Maybe she just hit the wrong button by mistake.
Damon kept trying to convince himself. But the way he slammed down on the gas, blowing through ten red lights just to get home before dark, made it clear how rattled he really was.
When he pulled up, the house looked exactly like it did when he left, but it felt cold and empty–nothing like the home it once was.
Damion saw the kitchen light on and immediately thought Clara was in there, making a hangover remedy. Without a second thought, he hurried inside. Sure enough, a pot of hangover remedy was simmering on the stove, but it wasn’t Clara tending to it. It was the housekeeper.
Noticing him, she quickly greeted him. She fumbled a little as she handed him a cup
Damon hadn’t been drinking, but he still took a small sip. It tasted off, nothing like the usual flavor.
Frowning, he asked, “Mrs. Croft didn’t make this hangover remedy?”
The housekeeper’s eyes went wide with panke. “I–I’m so sorry, Mr. Croft. Mrs. Croft showed me how to make it before she moved out, but I didn’t write it down. Let me brew a fresh pot for you right away.
Damon’s mind zeroed in on just four words–before she moved out. His heart sank as if it were falling into a bottomless plt
“When did she move out?” he asked.
“This morning, right after you left.”
