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Chapter 121 – A Public Stand and a Surprising Vow
The courthouse steps shimmered under the midday sun as I wheeled myself out into the fresh air, breathing deeply for what felt like the first time in months. Divorced. Finally free. The weight of Julian’s name had been legally removed from mine.
“We should celebrate,” Victoria declared, strutting beside me in her designer heels. “I’ve already booked us a table at La Maison. Cherry’s meeting us there.”
I smiled, grateful for my friends‘ support. “Sounds perfect. I could use a glass of champagne after-”
“Ms: Ashworth!”
The sharp voice cut through my moment of peace. I turned to see Mrs. Landon, Julian’s mother, marching toward us with several Grayson family members trailing behind her. Her face was contorted with fury, designer handbag swinging wildly from
her arm.
“Great,” Victoria muttered. “The vultures have arrived.”
Mrs. Landon stopped directly in front of my wheelchair, blocking our path. Her expensive perfume couldn’t mask the stench of desperation emanating from her.
“Are you satisfied now?” she spat. “My daughter–in–law is facing prison because of you!
Giselle’s entire life is ruined!”
I kept my face neutral. “Your daughter plotted to destroy my business and reputation. Those were her choices, not mine.”
“She’s twenty–five!” Mrs. Landon cried. “A young woman with her whole future ahead of her. Have some compassion!”
Victoria snorted. “Compassion? Like when your family showed Hazel compassion after
Julian abandoned her at the altar?”
Mrs. Landon’s eyes narrowed as she ignored Victoria, leaning closer to me. “We all know what this is really about. You’ve trapped the Sterling heir and now you’re using him to destroy us.”
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The accusation hung in the air. Several passersby slowed to watch the spectacle.
“Mrs. Landon,” I said calmly, “your family’s troubles are entirely self–inflicted. I suggest you direct your anger where it belongs–at your children’s actions.”
“Don’t pretend you’re innocent!” she hissed. “Everyone knows you’ve been warming Damien Sterling’s bed. You think you’re so clever, using your body to secure his protection. I know his mother well–she’d never approve of someone like you for her precious son.”
Victoria stepped forward, fury blazing in her eyes. “How dare you-”
“I believe that’s enough, Mrs. Landon.”
The deep, authoritative voice sent shivers down my spine. Damien had appeared seemingly from nowhere, immaculately dressed in a tailored suit that emphasized his broad shoulders. His expression was calm, but his eyes were cold as he positioned himself protectively beside my wheelchair.
Mrs. Landon’s face transformed instantly, a sycophantic smile replacing her snarl. “Mr. Sterling! What a pleasant surprise. I was just having a little chat with Ms. Ashworth-”
“I heard exactly what you were saying,” Damien cut in, his voice like steel wrapped in velvet. “And I find it interesting that you claim to know my mother well, when she specifically mentioned to me last week that she couldn’t recall ever having a meaningful conversation with you despite your numerous attempts to corner her at charity functions.”
Mrs. Landon paled visibly. “I–that’s not-”
“In fact,” Damien continued relentlessly, “she particularly remembered how you tried to orchestrate a ‘chance meeting between your daughter and me at the Harbor Foundation Gala three years ago. A meeting I deliberately avoided, as I recall.”
A small crowd had gathered now, several people not even bothering to hide their phones as they recorded the confrontation. Mrs. Landon’s companions shifted uncomfortably, edging away from her.
“Mr. Sterling,” she stammered, “there’s been a misunderstanding-”
“The only misunderstanding,” Damien said, “is your belief that you can harass Ms. Ashworth without consequences.”
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I watched in amazement as Mrs. Landon seemed to physically shrink. Then, to my shock, she dropped to her knees on the courthouse steps.
“Please, she begged, all pretense gone. “My daughter–Giselle–she made a mistake. She’s facing five years. Please, if Ms. Ashworth would just agree to a settlement, withdraw the charges-”
I stared at the woman kneeling before me, remembering all the times she’d looked down her nose at me, all the snide comments about my background, the way she’d embraced Ivy while treating me as an inconvenience.
“Get up, Mrs. Landon,” I said quietly. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”
“Mother! What are you doing?
Julian’s voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd. He was being wheeled toward us by his father, looking even more haggard than he had in the courtroom. His face flushed with anger as he took in the scene.
“Get up!” he hissed at his mother. “This is disgraceful!”
Mrs. Landon scrambled to her feet, tears streaming down her face. “Julian, I was just trying to help your sister—”
“By making a public spectacle?” Julian snapped. In his agitation, he tried to stand, pushing away his father’s steadying hand. “I told you I would handle-”
His legs gave out beneath him. He crumpled to the ground with a cry of pain, his father too slow to catch him.
I felt a momentary pang at seeing him so weak, but it was quickly replaced by numbness. This wasn’t my problem anymore.
Damien placed his hands on the handles of my wheelchair. “I believe we’ve been delayed long enough,” he said, his voice carrying just enough for those nearby to hear. “Ms. Ashworth has a celebration to attend.”
As he began to wheel me away, Julian called out from where he lay on the ground, his voice bitter and spiteful.
*Enjoy it while it lasts, Hazel! He’ll never marry you. Men like Sterling don’t marry women like you–they just use them until they’re bored“”
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I felt Damien’s hands tighten on my wheelchair handles. Then, to my surprise, he stopped and turned us both around to face Julian, who was now being helped back into his wheelchair.
“Mr. Grayson.” Damien said, his voice level but carrying clearly across the courthouse steps. “I find it interesting that you believe you can speak with any authority on my
intentions.”
Julian glared up at him defiantly despite his weakened state. “I know how men at your level operate. She’s a novelty to you–nothing more.”
A small, dangerous smile curved Damien’s mouth. “Young Master Grayson, in due time, I will personally deliver the wedding invitation to your residence. Please take care of your health, and attend the ceremony then.”
A collective gasp went up from the onlookers. I felt as though the world had tilted on its axis. Had Damien just…?
Victoria, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during the exchange, broke into delighted laughter. “Oh, this is priceless. Julian, your face right now!”
I couldn’t speak, couldn’t think. Damien and I had never discussed marriage. Yes, we were in a relationship, but we’d never talked about taking that step. Was he just saying
this to put Julian in his place?
Julian’s face had gone chalk–white, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. His father gripped his shoulder tightly, whether in support or warning, I
couldn’t tell.
“Now,” Damien continued smoothly, “if you’ll excuse us, we have a celebration to
attend.”
He wheeled me away from the stunned Grayson family, Victoria walking beside us with a triumphant grin. When we were safely away from the crowd, I finally found my voice.
“Damien, what was that?” I whispered. “You don’t have to say things like that just to defend me.”
He stopped walking and came around to face me, kneeling so we were eye to eye. His
expression was serious, intense.
“I meant every word, Hazel. Perhaps my timing was impulsive, but my intentions are
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not: He took my hand in his. “We can discuss the details privately, but I want you to know I’ve considered this carefully
My heart raced. “Damien…
Victoria cleared her throat loudly. “As touching as this is, we’re still in public, and Cherry’s waiting at the restaurant” She grinned mischievously at Damien. “Mr. Sterling, would you care to join our divorce celebration lunch?”
Before I could object, Damien smiled. “I’d be honored, if Hazel doesn’t mind.”
They both turned to me expectantly. I looked into Damien’s eyes, seeing nothing but sincerity and that steady warmth that always made me feel safe.
“Of course I don’t mind,” I said softly.
As we resumed our journey toward Victoria’s car, I couldn’t help glancing back once at the courthouse steps. Julian was watching us leave, his expression a mixture of disbelief and despair.
I turned away, facing forward. Toward Damien. Toward whatever future we might build together.
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