Damien had heard the news like everyone else — through hurried whispers at the office, a phone call from a cousin who could barely contain the shock in her voice, and finally, through the silence that followed when the truth settled in.
Celeste wasn't who they thought she was.
He sat in his car for a long time after the last call, parked just beyond the estate gates, staring at the lights glowing softly in the windows. It didn't make sense. None of it did.
When he first met Celeste, she had been fragile, trying so hard to find her footing again. He'd seen the uncertainty in her eyes, the way she clung to small routines, trying to belong. And now? Now the world wanted him to believe it had all been a lie.
But Damien knew what lies looked like. He'd grown up watching people spin them for power, for gain. Celeste had never fit that mold.
He exhaled, gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white.
How could people be so quick to turn on her? How could Maureen — of all people — think humiliating her like that was right?
Before he could overthink it, he opened the car door and stepped out, the night air cool against his skin. His steps were sure as he made his way to the door, pausing only briefly before knocking.
Jean answered, his face tired but kind.
"Damien," he said quietly. "Come in."
Damien nodded, stepping inside, his gaze immediately finding Celeste. She stood near the window, her posture tense, as if bracing for another blow.
Her eyes met his, wide and uncertain.
"I heard," Damien said simply.
She swallowed hard. "I suppose everyone has."
He crossed the room in a few strides, stopping just short of reaching for her. "Are you okay?"
Celeste shook her head, her voice small. "I don't know."
Damien hesitated only a moment before pulling her into a gentle hug. She tensed at first, then let herself sink into the comfort he offered.
"I don't care what the test says," he said firmly. "You're still you. That's all that matters to me."
Celeste felt a tear slide down her cheek. "Everyone keeps saying that, but what if one day they don't mean it anymore?"
"Then they'll be the ones who are wrong," Damien said.
There was a quiet strength in his voice, the kind that made Celeste believe, for a moment at least, that she wasn't as lost as she felt.
Damien stayed there, holding her as the night deepened, silently promising himself he wouldn't let her face the storm alone.