I was also supposed to marry for family alliances. But it wasn’t necessary anymore—our family’s status in Washington was secure without it.
“Love? Stop joking, Harriet,” Damian said, his voice laced with mockery. “I’ve known since I was a kid that I’d marry for my family’s sake. Love has never been real to me. The only reason I dated you was because you were pretty and seemed poor enough to be easy to control.”
His lips curled into a derisive smile. “There you have it—the truth you wanted. Now, leave.”
So, what I thought was a sweet, deep love between us... was all just in my head.
Harriet's POV
So, in Damian’s eyes, I was nothing more than an obedient, presentable trophy girlfriend? How ridiculous.
I nodded to myself. If that’s how it is, so be it.
It hurt, sure. But I’d always been someone who could pick up the pieces and move on.
I came here hoping to salvage things. If that wasn’t possible, I’d walk away.
Looking at Damian, I forced a bitter smile. “Alright then. I wish you happiness.”
With that, I turned to step off the stage.
I even caught a glimpse of Damian clenching his fists and avoiding meeting my gaze. But Astrid wasn’t about to let me leave.
She blocked my way, sneering. “Since you’re already here, you might as well stay and watch the ceremony. Otherwise, you’re disrespecting me. And disrespecting me means disrespecting my family. And disrespecting my family means disrespecting all of Denver!”
“So dramatic,” I replied with a smirk.
I’d heard similar nonsense before.
Back in the Washinton, there were plenty of people who didn’t know who I was and tried to pull stunts like this. But after I dealt with a few clueless fools, no one dared speak to me this way anymore.
Astrid didn’t catch the disdain in my tone. Instead, she clapped her hands, summoning a group of men in black suits. They surrounded the stage, closing in.
“You filthy little tramp,” she said coldly. “If I’m not happy, you’re not leaving this room.”
Suddenly, Damian rushed over, glaring at me. “Get out! I don’t want to see you again!”
But Astrid snapped at him. “Did I tell you to speak?” Her face turned icy as she continued, “Do you think I’m stupid? I can tell you’re trying to protect her.”
Protect me?
I glanced at Damian, catching the worry in his eyes.
Was he lying to me earlier?