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

world spinning as my car broke through the bridge railing. That weightless moment of suspension before

The water rushed up.

the sound ending in a gurgle as icy water filled my lungs. As I sank, I saw them standing on the bridge. Rose Stefan. My parents. All watching impassively as I drowned. Rose waved goodbye, her smile

call someone?" my

"She was

over my head, and darkness pulled me down,

I woke gasping, sheets

legs like grasping hands. For terrifying seconds, I couldn't remember where I was. The ceiling above me

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

ChaMer

to myself

pale as paper, hair wild from

my face, Trying to wash away the nightmare's residue. But when I closed my eyes, I saw them again. Laughing Toasting Celebrating

between a laugh and a sol The

by one of the world's wealthiest women,

louder this time, edged with brysteria. I pressed my hand against my mouth, trying to hold it in, but it

hit the floor, laughter transforming to sobs that tore through my chest. Every breath hurt my

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

physical pain was almost a relief, something solid to focus on

"Enough."

cut through my breakdown like a knife. Victoria stood in the doorway, silver hair loose around her shoulders, wrapped in a black silk robe. Her face gave nothing away, but her eyes were sharp, assess Shame burned through me. She'd offered me strength, power, a