Together for Years, but He Didn't Know My Real Identity

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?

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?”