Chapter 7
Memories from the past five years flashed before Damien’s eyes like a cruel slideshow.
The way he’d deliberately worked late on their anniversaries, yet set off millions worth of fireworks for Scarlett’s birthday.
How he’d invented excuses to avoid visiting Juliette on her mother’s death anniversary, unable to face her grief.
His silent approval when others mocked Juliette’s “hillbilly manners,” while flying into a rage at the slightest criticism of Scarlett-even though they’d come from the same humble beginnings.
In college, Scarlett had always claimed to be bullied. Only later did he realize her so-called “bullies” had simply refused her unreasonable demands. Each time he’d intervened on her behalf, she’d escalated her cruel pranks against others.
Now he wondered-had Juliette ever truly stolen that scholarship? Had it all been another of Scarlett’s made-up stories?
How could I have been so blind? Julie was never that kind of woman that Scarlett described. He should have known it
better.
When Damien rushed back to the penthouse, workers were unpacking anniversary photo frames. He tore one open-and
froze.
The couple in the picture wasn’t him and Juliette.
It was Sebastian.
Sebastian carrying Juliette piggyback through a food market, both laughing as they shared a taco.
Juliette standing on tiptoe to wrap a scarf around Sebastian’s neck at sunset, her smile radiant in the golden light.
Damien had never seen her look so…alive.
Had never noticed how charming her dimples were when she genuinely laughed.
Sinking onto the sofa, a tidal wave of emotion crashed over him.
He was jealous.
Jealous of his own damn stand-in.
Pressing fingers to his throbbing temples, Damien rasped, “Redo everything. Use photos of ME and my
wife.”
The butler hesitated.
The realization hit like a bullet: he’d been too impatient, too dismissive to bother taking photos with Juliette.
His gaze landed on the life-sized portrait of Scarlett dominating the foyer. Suddenly, it seemed grotesque.
“What the hell does Scarlett Donovan have to do with this house?” he roared. “Remove every trace of her!”
Staff stood paralyzed-no one had ever seen the composed Mr. Kingsley so unhinged.
As workers scrambled to comply, a more devastating truth emerged: the mansion contained not a single photo of Damien
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and Juliette together.
He buried his face in his hands.
All this time…I’ve been cherishing the wrong person.
On the evening of the anniversary, Kingsley Manor glittered like a jewel box.
Damien and Sebastian stood at the entrance in bespoke Tom Ford tuxedos, drawing admiring whispers:
“Pity that one of the brothers married a gold-digger…”
“The younger brother’s still single! Though he keeps checking his watch-waiting for someone special?”
יג
Scarlett preened as Lynch ushered in a squad of live-streamers, thrilled at the prospect of exposing Juliette’s “slutty
secrets” to millions on youtube.
Everyone should understand that it was a total mistake that Juliette Beaumont became the Mrs. Kingsley five years ago, Scarlett secretly thought so, now it’s the time to make things right. Cinderella is never meant to marry the prince, she
belongs to the broom closet. Only a noble girl like her should marry into the Kingsley family and share the honor of
standing beside Damien.
These thoughts brought an uncontrollable smile to Scarlett’s face.
Viewers, mistaking Scarlett’s elaborate wedding gown for bridal attire, flooded the chat:
[gorgeous bride!].
[Is this Sebastian’s wedding?]
Scarlett giggled behind her hand. “Oh no, I’m just the Kingsleys’ dearest friend! They spoil me rotten-of course I’d dress
up for their special day. Not to mention that we’ve known each other for ten years. Time flies, right?”
Her smile faltered when neither brother appeared to be listening. Both were frantically dialing phones, their frustration
mounting with each failed call.
“Stop worrying!” Scarlett forced a laugh. “She’s just playing hard to get. Where could a pregnant woman possibly go? For
god’s sake, I’m sure she’ll come back before midnight.”
A courier arrived with a parcel.
Damien tore it open-just as every camera zoomed in.
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