Celeste's POV
"Oh my God!!!"
Sofia's laughter burst loudly through the phone, sharp and uncontrollable, forcing me to pull it slightly away from my ear for a second. I rolled my eyes, though a faint smile tugged at my lips despite my effort to keep it in.
"You're joking," she added between giggles. "So he couldn't say anything when Damien was there… but suddenly found his voice when it was just you?"
"Exactly," I replied, shifting my phone between my shoulder and ear as I moved around my office, gathering my things.
My fingers worked quickly, zipping my bag, stacking files, but my mind was still replaying Evan's expression earlier...
"That is crazy," Sofia said, her tone still laced with amusement. "They are all weaklings."
"Of course they are," I muttered, slipping a document into my bag with a little more force than necessary.
She chuckled again, softer this time. "So… are you heading to your man's house now?"
I paused mid-motion, my brows knitting together.
"Sofia," I exhaled, shaking my head slightly. "You just love making me explain things."
Her laughter only grew louder.
"What? You two are married even if it's fake," she pressed. "By right, you should be moving into his house."
"I am not moving into anybody's house," I said firmly, straightening up and slinging my bag over my shoulder. "It wasn't part of the agreement."
There was a brief pause on the other end before she sighed.
"You know that doesn't matter," she said, her tone turning more serious. "Especially now that Evan's suspects something. If there are any cracks, he will find them."
I froze for a split second, her words settling heavily in my chest. She wasn't wrong even though I hated to admit it
I walked toward the door slowly, my heels clicking against the marble floor, my expression tightening as I processed it.
"I don't think Damien would even like that idea," I said after a moment, my voice quieter now.
Sofia laughed softly. "Trust me… he would love it."
I shook my head immediately. "Why can't he just move into mine? My space is bigger anyway."
Even as I said it, I crossed my arms slightly, as though defending the idea.
"If he doesn't like it," I added with a small shrug, "then that's his problem."
"You two are actually compatible, you know," Sofia said, her tone suddenly playful again. "I really wish this were real."
I scoffed lightly. "In your dreams."
She giggled.
"Anyway, do what works for you," she said. Then her voice lifted excitedly, "I need to get ready for tonight!"
I frowned slightly as I stepped out of my office, "What's happening tonight?"
"Steven and I are about to have the best sex of our lives," she said, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper before dissolving into laughter.
I blinked.
"Oh."
A quiet, unexpected flicker of… envy crossed my features.
"Well," I said softly, adjusting my grip on my bag, "I wish you both the best."
"I think you and Damien should try it," she teased again, her voice low and mischievous.
I stopped walking.
"Sofia," I said flatly, my expression deadpan, "I think we've overstayed this conversation."
She laughed.
"Okay, okay! Wait—are you coming to the get-together this year?"
"When is it?" I asked, resuming my steps.
"This weekend. Hope your husband lets you," she added, clearly enjoying herself.
"I'll be there," I replied simply.
"Alright—"
"I need to go. Bye, Sofia."
I ended the call before she could say anything else.
I let out a slow breath, leaning back slightly against the elevator wall as it descended. My reflection stared back at me from the mirrored surface, composed, but my eyes portrayed something else.
Uncertainty.
A few minutes later, I stepped out of the building, the evening air brushing against my skin. My heels clicked steadily as I walked forward, my gaze lifting and then I stopped.
Damien's car parked right outside - sleek, commanding, and impossible to ignore.
The driver quickly stepped out as he noticed me and walked toward me with a polite bow.
"Good evening, ma'am. The boss asked me to take you home, since you didn't come with your car."
I blinked, slightly caught off guard, and a small smile formed on my lips. How thoughtful…
"Thank you," I said softly, allowing him to guide me into the car.
The ride was quiet as I stared out the window, watching the familiar streets pass by until they didn't look familiar anymore
My brows furrowed.
"This isn't my route," I said, turning slightly toward the driver.
"It is Mr. Damien's house, ma'am."
I let out a short scoff, leaning back against the seat.
Of course. "I should have known," I muttered under my breath.
"Please take me back to my house," I said firmly.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," he replied, his tone respectful but unyielding. "I was instructed to bring you here."
My jaw tightened.
"I said—" The car door opened immediately making me pause
"Welcome home, Mrs. Celeste."
I turned sharply, my expression instantly hardening as a woman stood there, smiling politely.
"Let me help you with your bag—"
"No need," I cut in, stepping out of the car on my own, "Where is Mr. Damien?" I asked, my voice clipped.
"He's waiting for you inside, ma'am."
I turned to the driver, my gaze sharp. "Do not take my bag out. And do not move this car."
Without waiting for a response, I stormed toward the entrance, my heels striking the ground with controlled fury.
"Damien!" I called out the moment I stepped inside, my voice echoing slightly through the space.
"You know," his voice came smoothly from somewhere ahead, "it's wrong to scream when you're supposed to come hug your husband."
He stepped into view, a smile playing on his lips.
I folded my arms tightly across my chest, my eyes narrowing.
"What are you doing?" I demanded. "Why did you bring me here? To your place?"
"What do you mean by my place?" he replied casually, his tone almost amused. "It's ours now, babe."
I let out a humorless chuckle.
"Do you like it?" he continued, gesturing lightly around. "I had to buy a new place that fits your taste."
My expression didn't change.
"Not funny, Damien. I want to go home."
He sighed, shaking his head slightly as though I were being unreasonable.
"You are home," he said simply. "And don't worry about your things, I had everything moved in."
My breath caught. "You did what?" I asked, my eyes widening, disbelief flashing across my face.
He smiled… That calm, irritating smile that pissed me off
"Listen," I said sharply, stepping closer, my voice tightening with each word. "Move my things back. Now. Tell your driver to take me home. Or better yet I'll get a cab myself. Just move my things home please."
He didn't move an inch, all he did was stare at me with those cold eyes.
"Are you done?" he asked quietly.
I froze.
"Now let me speak," he continued, his tone firm. "If you want this arrangement to continue, you need to live here. As my wife."
My jaw clenched.
"And I'm sure you understand," he added, pulling out a file calmly, "that after introducing me to your board… it would be absurd to suddenly change husbands. That would expose everything."
He opened the file and placed it in front of me.
"Two options," he said, clicking a pen.
I stared at the papers.
"Divorce or move in, Celeste. The choice is yours,"
My fingers curled slightly at my sides, my mind racing.
I felt cornered.