SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 8

CAMILLE'S POINT OF VIEW

The nightmare grabbed me by the throat, dragging me under before I could fight back.

I was standing in the rain outside a restaurant, my face pregard against cold glass, watching Rose and Stefant inside. They sat at a candlelit table, champagne glasses raised in a toast. Stefan wore the tie I'd gi Their

laughter reached me somehow, cutting through the glass barrier. They were laughing at me.

"Did you see her face?" Rose's voice echoed unnaturally lour "When she found the divorce papers? Like a stupid. puppy being abandoned at the shelter."

Stefan chuckled, pouring more champagne. "And when she realized it was you? God, I almost felt sorry for her."

"Almost," Rose agreed, her smile shark-

like. “But not quite. She made it too easy, Stef. Always so desperate to be loved. So willing to believe the lies."

They clinked glasses again. The sound transformed into breaking glass, shattering windows, car metal crumpling

The scene shifted. I was in my car, rain hammering the windshield, wipers fighting a losing battle against the downpour. My cheeks were wet- tears or rain, I couldn't tell anymore.

Headlights appeared behind me, too bright, too fast. Gaining.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, foot pressing the accelerator. The headlights grew closer, lighting up my rearview mirror until I was blind.

Metal against metal. My

world spinning as my car broke through the bridge railing.

The water rushed up.

screamed, the sound ending in a gurgle as icy water filled my lungs. As I sank, I saw them standing on the bridge.

my mother

father replied. "She was always such

my head, and darkness pulled

I woke gasping, sheets

I couldn't remember where I was. The ceiling above

skin like river mad. I pushed myself upright, ignoring the protest from any healing ribs, Sweat plastered by

ChaMer

peac swung my legs over the side of the bed, needing to move, to prove to myself I wasn't drowning deep. I The marble floor was

hair wild from thrashing in my

cold water on my face, Trying to wash away the nightmare's residue. But when I closed my eyes, I saw them

a laugh and a sol The

in a mansion owned by one of the world's wealthiest women, who wanted to adopt me

against my mouth, trying to hold it in,

through my chest. Every breath hurt my bruised

three years of marriage to a man who'd never truly seen me. For the weak, trusting fool I'd

was almost a relief, something solid to focus on instead

"Enough."

Her face gave nothing away, but her eyes were sharp, assess Shame burned through me. She'd offered me strength, power, a chance at revenge,