When Vows Turn to Lies

Shattered Illusions

Chapter 10: Shattered Illusions



The silence inside Damien’s penthouse was deafening.



Elle stood in the living room, her laptop open on the marble coffee table. Damien sat on the edge of the couch, jaw clenched, every muscle in his body tight.



“I didn’t want to believe it either,” Elle said softly. “But you need to see it with your own eyes.”



She hit play.



The footage started.

There Aria was—moving through his office like it was her own.



His eyes didn’t blink. His chest barely moved.



Then came the part that nearly made him flinch:



> “Tell Vincent I’ve got the files. Damien suspects nothing.”







Elle didn’t say a word. She just let it play.



And when it ended, Damien sat frozen, as if the very ground beneath him had disappeared.



He slowly looked up at Elle.



“She’s been lying to me…” he whispered.



Elle nodded once. “Since the beginning.”



He stood, pacing. Breathing hard. Running both hands through his hair.



“I gave her everything,” he said bitterly. “I gave her the keys to my world.”



“She took them,” Elle said gently. “She didn’t earn them.”



His voice cracked. “I loved her.”



Elle’s throat tightened. “I know.”



Damien turned away, eyes glossy with disbelief and rage. “Do you know what hurts the most?”



“What?”



“I would’ve married her this week. I had the ring. The vows. Everything.”



Elle stepped forward. “She doesn’t deserve your pain, Damien. But someone else deserves your strength.”



He turned to look at her—and for the first time in weeks, really saw her.



The woman who had always been there.

The one who never asked for anything but gave everything.

The only one who told him the truth… even when it hurt.



“Elle…” he whispered.



But before either of them could say more—

Damien’s phone buzzed.



A message from Aria.



> “Miss you. I’m coming by tonight. Let’s talk about the wedding ❤️”







He stared at it, then slowly turned the phone toward Elle.



His voice was cold now. Controlled.



“Good,” he said.



Elle blinked. “Good?”



Damien looked at her, his eyes no longer broken—but burning.



“Let her come. Let her walk right into the fire.”





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[End of Chapter Ten]