Celia Parker is a bitch! I’ve disliked her from the day she manipulated her way into Damien’s room in the hospital pretending to be his wife and then I hated her some more when she tried to seduce him. And now, I absolutely despise her for shamelessly throwing her history with Damien in my face knowing he’s with me now.

She has this misguided notion he will marry her and it’s evident that she’s willing to go to any lengths to get him. She’s declared war by saying what she has and I will fight with every breath I have to keep him with me because unlike her, I have a lot to lose here and I don’t intend to suffer defeat.

Celia smiles at me victoriously like she has won a round of battle. She continues talking, pretending to be oblivious to the glare Damien is throwing her way.

“Oh! Sorry! Hasn’t Damien told you about our history?”

She takes a sip of her wine while Damien looks like he’s about to commit murder. I lay my hand on top of his and squeeze. He gives me an apologetic look. I give him a reassuring nod and hear his frustrated sigh as he continues to eat his lamb.

I turn to Celia, my eyes burning with fury. She continues talking as if everything is normal.

“I have so many fond memories of that special place. We used to visit so often. It was Damien’s favorite place in the forest.”

I look at her as I address Damien. “How long ago was this Damien?”

“I guess about six, seven years back, perhaps more,” he replies nonchalantly.

A cat like smile curves my lips. “Then I’m pretty sure you have new favorites now.”

“Yes, I do, in fact.”

I clasp his hand. “Take me to those alright.”

He grins and lifts my hand to his mouth. “Of course, sweetheart. Anything you say.”

The look that crosses Celia’s face is priceless and humorous.

I exchange a warm glance with Damien while she seethes in front of me.

“How is Gabe?” Celia asks me, attempting to make conversation again. “Is he expected here as well? Aren’t you both quite close?”

I release a frustrated breath at her feeble attempt to try and put a twist on my relationship with Gabe. “Gabe was fine the last time I spoke to him. And no, he isn’t expected to visit here anytime soon. And yes, we are close—he’s one of my closest friends.”

“And yet I haven’t seen you with him before.”

Damien responds before I can. “Why are you so interested in whom Gabe is friends with?”

Celia laughs. “Oh well, Gabe sure took his time to introduce Miss Singh to all of us, considering they’re such close friends. I’m just curious, that’s all.”