The Ashes of Vows (Elara and Damon) novel Chapter 5

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The same night Damon came back, there was a charity gala in our circle, and I was expected to attend with him.

That evening, before the Rolls–Royce even headed to the venue, we made a quick stop at a high–end styling salon.

Damon got out himself to pick up Sloane. She stood there, frozen, in a million–dollar custom haute couture gown, clutching a diamond–encrusted exotic leather bag.

Damon awkwardly opened the back passenger door.“Elle,” he started, “look…”

But before he could finish, I got out of the car without a word and went straight to the front passenger seat, next to the driver.

The charity gala was held at a lavish estate villa. Inside the ground floor ballroom, light and shadow danced under glittering enamel chandeliers.

The moment Sloane appeared, arm–in–arm with Damon, she instantly became the absolute center of attention. A swarm of socialites from our circle immediately gathered around them.

“Sloane, Mr. Blackwood spoils you rotten! You’re literally the first person on Earth to wear this custom gown!”

“Oh yeah, I heard he was overseas just a few days ago, and to snag that custom gown from some fancy Parisian businessman, he actually raced him for it and even messed up his arm!”

Wow, so that’s why he got hurt – all for Sloane’s custom dress…

As they chatted, Sloane’s eyes got all watery.“Ugh, don’t even get me started,” she sniffled.“It broke my heart. He lost so much blood. But I just said I liked it, and he just…”

“Haha, he’s clearly so head over heels for you, he’d risk anything!”

Everyone started gushing, all talking over each other. Someone else even scoffed and shot me a look.“Some people, you know, rocking some ancient, five–year–old dress, and they think they’re a queen now.

When really, they’re not even fit to shine Sloane’s shoes!”

I glanced down at my dress. Damon had someone get it for me.

But I swallowed my anger, just squeezing my fingers tight.

Later, during the banquet, there was a charity auction. Even though Sloane wouldn’t usually bat an eye at the ‘little trinkets‘ up for grabs, Damon, wanting to impress her, splurged on almost every item, bidding generously.

Except for one thing: that emerald ring. He was a step too late; another buyer had already pulled a hostile takeover bid on it.

But of course, Sloane had to like that one. She pouted, tugging on Damon’s sleeve, “Damon, I really want that ring. If I don’t get it, I won’t be able to eat a thing tonight.”

That was all it took. As soon as the auction ended, Damon personally sought out the buyer.“Mr. Crawford,” he said, “name your price. Ten times, a hundred times the auction price, I’m good with it.”

The other man just chuckled.“Mr. Blackwood,” he said, “you should know my rules. It’s not about the money for me. I just haven’t had much creative inspiration lately, and I happen to need a model. So how about this…”

On my way to the ladies‘ room, I accidentally overheard their conversation from around the corner.

“Your wife, I find her quite striking. If she’d model for me just once, I’ll sell you that ring back at cost.”

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Damon’s face darkened. “I’ll think about it.”

In that moment, I felt like I’d been plunged into an ice bath.

What did he mean by…

“Consider it“?!

Mr. Crawford, that guy, he’s a notorious playboy in their circles. Rumor has it he’s got this weird hobby, totally obsessed with photography. Except, his models are always…

A shiver ran down my spine. I spun on my heel and practically ran.

But before I knew it, someone grabbed me in the corner of the ballroom.

“Elle, I need to talk to you about something.”

Damon stopped, then, trying to butter me up, he handed me a fruit cocktail he’d mixed himself.“You’ve seen it yourself, Sloane’s been way better recently. She just needs a little more recovery time before she can move out. It’s just…

She’s got her heart set on that ring today.”

“But the buyer said if you’d model for him just once, she could have the ring. So…”

“No way!”

I bit back a tremble, shoving him away.“Damon, what the hell do you think I am?”

A massive wave of bitterness crashed over me. I fought to control the surge of feelings, downing the fruit wine in my hand like a shot.

But just as I stepped out of the ballroom, a dizzy haze blurred my vision. My body went limp, tipping backward, completely out of

control.

The drink… it was spiked.

Through the fog in my mind, I dimly registered Damon’s arms around me. His whispered voice, a low murmur, was laced with something like regret: “I’m sorry, Elle. This is the last time.”

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