Celeste’s POV

This morning was bittersweet. I didn’t have to wake up before sunrise to press and lay out Damien’s clothes, get Bonnie ready for school, and do a million other things.

But I was still heartbroken.

I mourned my marriage and missed my daughter.

The noon sun felt nice on my skin as I walked down bustling streets. I was paying Grace, an old friend from college, an overdue visit.

I wished I’d made more time for her after I got married. We used to have so much fun.

She had a keen sense for people, too. When we met Vanessa, she warned me something was off. I should have listened.

Grace’s jewellery boutique came into view. She’d decorated it exquisitely, with stylish pieces of jewellery that sparkled under the lights.

I stood outside the entrance and took a deep breath. I wanted to hide this shameful aspect of my life. But I knew I needed to rely on my friends.

The familiar ring of the bell comforted me as I pushed open the door. Grace looked up from behind the counter. A delighted smile spread across her face.

“Celeste! I’m so glad it’s you!”

She came over and wrapped me in a tight embrace. I squeezed her back, realising how badly I needed this.

Then she held me at arm’s length. Her eyes scanned me from head to toes.

“Damn girl. I was worried when you postponed your wedding, but you look fantastic.”

I blushed.

Then a swell of emotions hit me.

“Grace, I feel like my world is falling apart.”

Her eyebrows furrowed. She took my hand and led me to a seating area in a quiet corner of her store.

“Talk to me, Celeste. What’s going on?”

I couldn’t find the words to explain how my life was turned upside down in a day.

Grace gently asked, “Why was your wedding really postponed?”

I was stunned.

“What did they tell you?”

“Vanessa told everyone you had food poisoning and postponed the wedding indefinitely.”

Knowing Damien, he probably didn’t want his image as a devoted husband with a perfect family to be ruined. But still, how could they lie like that?

“Vanessa just seemed too pleased. I had a feeling something was wrong.” Grace gave me a pointed stare. “Especially when you ignored my calls.”

Her concern warmed my heart. I took a deep breath.

“Grace, I didn’t postpone my wedding. I cancelled it. I’m getting divorced.”

She gasped.

“I walked in on Damien and Vanessa fucking just before our wedding.”

Grace’s eyes popped out of her head.

“The audacity.” She stood up, rage colouring her voice “I’ll rip off that bastard’s balls and stuff them down that two-faced–”

“Whoa calm down.”

I guided her back to her seat.

“Are you trying to get yourself arrested?” I tried to sound stern, but I couldn’t keep the humour from my voice.

“Fine,” Grace grumbled and sat back down. “He doesn’t have balls, anyway.”

I packed out laughing and she joined me.

“How are you holding up?” She asked once we calmed down.

“I don’t know. I just feel so stupid. I was the one who got Vanessa that job. I practically set them up.”

Grace squeezed my hand. “Hey, you were helping a friend. This is on them.”

I sighed. “That’s not even the worst part.”

“I’m listening.”

“Bonnie is staying with Damien. She wants Vanessa to be her mom.” My throat choked. “I feel like a failure.”

Tears pricked my eyes. Grace patted my back.

“I don’t know how Vanessa pulled this off, but I know you’re an excellent mother, Celeste. None of this is because of you.”

“I keep reminding myself of that.”

“Don’t worry. I’m here to remind you, too.”

Her smile was genuine, and I knew I could count on her.

“So what are you going to do now?” Grace asked.

“I don’t know. I didn’t have a plan. I just packed a suitcase and went to a hotel.”

“A hotel? Celeste, you should have come straight to me!”

“I guess I just needed to be alone for a while.”

She simmered down. “I’ll let it slide this time, but you can’t keep staying there. Move in with me.”

“Don’t be crazy.”

“I’ve been thinking of getting out of my cramped apartment, anyway. I want something bigger with extra space to work on more projects.”

My spirits sank.

“It won’t work.”

“Why? We lived together for a bit in college. It’ll be fun.”

She seemed so excited. I hated to let her down.

“It’s just that I have nothing. No savings, property, or career. And I refuse to accept any money from Damien. I can’t afford it.”

“You don’t have nothing. Your jewellery designs were some of the most breathtaking ones I’ve seen. Remember all those awards you won in college?”

I smiled.

“You’re extremely talented, Celeste. It’s time you pursue your career.”

The doorbell jingled.

Grace excused herself. “Sorry, it’s a customer. I’ll be right back.”

“Sure go.”

A bubble of excitement grew as I considered designing jewellery again. I was always a little jealous that Vanessa got to work my dream job while I was stuck at home folding laundry.

Now was my chance.

Curious, I fished my phone from my handbag and scrolled through Vanessa’s I*******m. The most recent post was like a knife to the gut. Vanessa, Damien and Bonnie were eating together like a family.

They looked happy.

How could Damien and Bonnie replace me?

The pain of their betrayal fuelled my determination. I would pursue my career as a jewelery designer and prove my worth.

The store’s bell rang again as more customers came in. It looked like Grace needed to work.

I was gathering my things to leave when my phone buzzed. I declined it the moment Damien’s name flashed on my screen. He called three more times, and I declined those, too.

It gave me a sense of satisfaction.

I waved goodbye to Grace and pulled open the door. My phone buzzed again. Damien had given up calling and sent a text.

I read the message and my heart stopped beating.

“Why won’t you answer your phone??? Bonnie is in the hospital.”