But before I could make sense of it, Damian shook his head and said, “I just don’t want anything from my past showing up here. Today is about us. Having my ex here—what kind of impression does that leave? What will people think of you, Astrid?”
His tone softened as he added, “I’m only thinking of you, Astrid.”
Astrid’s expression eased slightly, but she still declared, “I’m not worried about appearances. Here in Denver, I’m the one who makes the rules.”
Afterward, she pointed at me and instructed, “Go sit down and watch the ceremony.”
I shrugged and shot Damian a faint, mocking smile before stepping off the stage.
But as soon as I reached the floor, four men in black suits surrounded me and escorted me to a corner seat.
Clearly, they were worried I might make a run for it.
From the stage, Astrid called out, “You’ll sit there and watch quietly. You’re not leaving unless I say so.”
I chuckled softly. “You may not let me leave now, but when you want me gone, I might decide to stay.”
“Shut up!” Damian barked.
I smiled but didn’t say another word. If they wanted to play, I’d play along.
Astrid added with a sly grin, “I heard you’re from Washington. Perfect timing. Some big shots from your neck of the woods will be here later—the true heirs of the capital’s elite. I’ll introduce you to them and let you see what real power looks like.”
“Thanks in advance,” I said with a laugh I couldn’t quite suppress.
Just then, a group of young people swaggered into the room. Their arrogance was palpable—it was obvious they were Astrid’s crowd.
One of them, a young man with a sneer, leaned toward me. “You should’ve stayed out of this, you know?”
“You really think Damian can protect you?” another chimed in.
“Here’s the truth,” a third said with a smirk. “Even if you hadn’t shown up today, Astrid wouldn’t have let you off. Do you really think she’d let someone who spent four years with her fiancé walk away unscathed?”
The fourth one even waved a phone at me. “Want me to call the cops for you?”
Harriet's POV
The group around me laughed openly, their taunts relentless.
Still, I ignored them, keeping my eyes on my phone. It wasn’t worth engaging with these people.
But one thing became clear amidst all this.
Damian was, in his own way, trying to protect me.
The engagement ceremony wrapped up quickly. Next came the usual mingling—guests drinking, eating, and making small talk.