When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian) novel Chapter 62

"Do you want to be branded as the other woman?" Damian gripped Whitney's hand. "I planned to go public with our relationship anyway; this was just the perfect opportunity."

Whitney pulled her hand away, her gaze dark with frustration. "You didn't even ask my opinion before announcing it. Damian, you've never respected me."

She had her own ways to clear her name, and Rachel was already backing down. But then Damian showed up, brazenly declaring their relationship in front of everyone. Now that she was about to leave Howard Group, the last thing she wanted was more complications.

The more people who knew about the engagement, the harder it would be to end it.

"I made it public out of respect for you. I want everyone to know who you are. I want to give you a title!" Damian explained, trying to take her hand again, but she pulled back.

Her expression hardened as she slung her bag over her shoulder. Before leaving, she said coldly, "I don't need it, Damian. Not everything is yours to control. I've been keeping quiet only because I don't want to disappoint Grandpa. Don't push me, Damian."

Damian had connected her with William Morris, opening new doors for her and her mother. She had been tolerating him for now because of that. But what mattered most to her was Elijah.

Whitney's grandparents passed away when she was young, so she had never known the warmth of a grandparent's love. But Elijah had given her that sense of family. He treated her like his own granddaughter and always looked out for her. She couldn't hurt him out of her own selfishness.

Whitney turned and left without another word.

Damian stared and watched as she left.

…

News traveled fast. By afternoon, everyone in the company knew Whitney wasn't Damian's mistress but his legitimate fiancée—a fact he himself had confirmed. Now, anyone who saw her treated her like royalty.

Back at her desk, things weren't any better. People were either bringing her coffee or dropping off snacks. The same colleagues who had been badmouthing her in the group chat were now silent, though a few bold ones congratulated her.

Whitney felt a headache coming on. Thankfully, Sophie stepped in to keep them at bay.

"Whitney, you sure know how to keep a secret! And you're quite patient. Getting accused of being the other woman while staying quiet about being the future CEO's wife?" Sophie teased.

Whitney forced a wry smile, unable to explain the real story. "I just wanted to keep things professional. It was for the best."

Sophie nodded, resting her chin on her hand, looking thoughtful. "But seriously, how could Rachel have been so bold, pretending to be the CEO's fiancée? Wasn't she afraid Mr. Howard would fire her?"

Whitney scoffed inwardly. Damian would never let her go.

"Maybe—"

"I've got it!" Sophie suddenly cut her off, leaning close as if she had uncovered a huge secret. She whispered, "Rachel's the real other woman, isn't she?"