Chapter 21

There was nothing more devastating in this world than this. When she loved him, he was too blind, too slow to realize he loved her too. And by the time he finally understood, by the time he was ready to tear his heart out and give it to her, she looked him in the eyes and said she didn't love him anymore. The pain hit so suddenly and violently that Damien clutched his chest and coughed up a mouthful of blood. Everyone was stunned. Aurelia instinctively started to rush toward him, but she stopped herself, forcing her feet to stay planted—because she had already moved on. From that moment on, no matter what became of Damien, it was no longer her concern. Damien let out a wild, broken laugh, blood trickling from the corner of his lips, his face as pale as death. "I really am the biggest fool in the world!" Still laughing, he turned and walked away from the Vance residence, staggering one step at a time. As for Sloane, she was thrown out by the maids. But Owen stayed. "Mr. Vance, I