Chapter 3 A Salvation or a Living Hell
916 Words
Seraphina once thought the most painful, most difficult days of her life had ended the moment she met Damien.
She never expected that salvation could turn into another kind of hell.
*****
"Miss Mercer! Can you tell us about your relationship with Mr. Whitford?"
"Well... we grew up together, childhood friends. If I hadn't moved abroad, maybe Damien and I would have already—"
Seraphina looked up, following the voice to the TV screen.
On the screen, Celeste was dressed in an elegant gown, her striking features enhanced by the soft lighting. She gazed at Damien as if he were the love of her life.
Damien, in turn, held her hand tightly, his smile filled with tenderness.
"It doesn't matter. I believe fate separated us only so we could reunite even stronger."
Hearing that, Seraphina couldn't help but laugh.
She pushed herself up from the floor and walked toward the TV, staring at the man who once swore he'd never let her down.
She still remembered—just a year ago, when Celeste had first returned to Crestford, she had immediately joined Damien's company.
In just six months, she became a rising star in the jewelry design world, gaining widespread recognition. From that moment on, Damien never left her side.
Seraphina had felt jealous before.
But Damien would always laugh, pulling her into his arms and teasing, "What's this? Are you finally showing her claws? Don't worry. Celeste is just an old friend I haven't seen in years. It just so happens her expertise aligns with the company's needs. She's bringing value to my company. As for those interviews and paparazzi shots, they were all staged to create buzz. You still don't trust me, Seraphina? My heart is completely yours."
Seraphina believed him.
She believed everything they had been through wasn't something anyone else could replace.
But reality hit her like a slap in the face.
If those old photos were staged, then what about the recent ones—of them kissing in the street? Were those just for publicity, too?
She didn't even want to ask Damien anymore.
Taking a deep breath, she dialed a number.
"Hello, who's speaking?"
"This is Seraphina. I'd like to accept Magnate Gems' offer."
"Really, Miss Langston? That's amazing! We're so glad you've reconsidered! What about your husband...?"
The assistant on the other end hesitated. After all, the only reason Seraphina had previously declined their offer was because of her marriage.
Her eyes fell on the TV screen—on Damien's left hand. His ring finger was bare.
Her voice was steady, unwavering.
"Give me seven days. I'll wrap things up here and report to work."
*****
That night, Damien never came home.
Seraphina sat on the bed, staring at their wedding photo for a long time.
She had married him before even finishing college.
Later, several prestigious companies extended job offers to her, but she turned them all down with just one reason—because Damien had said he wanted to be with her, always.
So, she stayed by his side, dedicating herself fully to being his wife.
She never boasted about her accomplishments, but at least, during the toughest days of Damien's startup, it was her design that helped the company break into the market.
And now, Damien called her designs garbage.
Seraphina let out a quiet laugh.
Just then, her phone vibrated.
It was a message from Celeste.
When she saw the attached photo, her breath hitched.
Celeste: Seraphina, the only reason you married Asher was because I wasn't around.
Celeste: Do you really think you can still call yourself his wife?
Celeste: I can help him build his career. But you? What do you even have to offer?
The photo showed Damien asleep, his chest covered in kiss marks, his arm bearing fresh scratch marks.
Beside him, several opened condom wrappers lay scattered on the bed.
Seraphina didn't reply, but Celeste kept messaging.
Celeste: Seraphina, does he treat you like this, too? He's not gentle at all... I'm still sore.
Seraphina slammed her phone face down on the bed, her breathing unsteady.
She had already suspected Damien and Celeste had taken things to the next level.
But she never imagined Celeste would be so brazen as to send proof straight to her phone—taunting her.
The moment she closed her eyes, her mind conjured up images of them tangled together in bed.
She thought about how, just a few nights ago, Damien had still been sleeping beside her.
Suddenly, her stomach churned.
She rushed to the bathroom and retched over the sink.
Disgusting.
Her stomach twisted violently, her eyes burning with unshed tears.
Only after what felt like an eternity did she straighten up, gripping the sink for support.
Then, a ridiculous thought crossed her mind.
Her period was late.
For quite a while.
At first, she chalked it up to stress.
But now...
Seraphina lowered her gaze, placing a trembling hand over her abdomen.
She had always longed for a complete and happy family—something she never had growing up.
Yet, in their first year of marriage, Damien had always brushed off the idea of kids, claiming he was too busy with work.
As the company grew, he only became busier.
And now, with Celeste back in his life, the topic of children had completely disappeared.
And yet, at this very moment...
Seraphina's thoughts spun in chaos, but she clung to one last shred of hope.
Maybe... she was just overthinking it.
- Writer
