Page 150 of My Ruthless Husband

Damian Montgomery, the love of my life, my first kiss, my first and only crush, the man of my dreams is my husband.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this moment—me, married at twenty-one, sitting next to the man who now owns every inch of me, body and soul. And it happened so fast. Yesterday, I turned twenty-one. Today, I’m wearing a ring that marks me as his forever.

A soft smile blooms onto my face as I slide off my sandals and tuck my legs beneath me. Once comfortable, I lean back againstthe leather seat, staring out the window. Even the afternoon sun seems brighter today.

I’d always thought my wedding would include a stunning white dress, a long aisle, Dad walking me down it with tears in his eyes, leading me toward a smiling groom who looks at me like I’m his entire world. I thought there’d be flowers, vows exchanged, a moment that felt like a fairy tale.

But there was no dress. No flowers. No aisle. There was no bouquet, no bridesmaids, no tearful farewells.

Instead, I wore jeans and a light green sweater. Because we had a civil ceremony. And though it wasn’t the wedding I envisioned, this is so much more than that fantasy. His presence alone is more than I ever thought I could have.

I glance at him again, my heart swelling as the truth settles deep within me.

I know, without a doubt, I wouldn’t trade this reality for any dream wedding. Not for the grandest gown, the most extravagant bouquet, or the aisle lined with roses. Because this... this is what we fought for. Every painful moment, every tear, every battle that nearly tore us apart, led us here. And I wouldn’t change a single thing.

I touch the rings and shudder as I remember what happened last night. Because last night was war.

After leaving with Damian last night, everything spiraled into chaos. He brought us back to the mansion, where the paparazzi were already swarming, their cameras flashing.

Hal and his team had to push through, forming a shield around us as we made our way inside. The weight of their stares was suffocating, their words crass but Damian, with his hand gripping mine, anchored me. He was my strength.

But even their cutting remarks couldn’t compare to what came later.

My father.

He showed up an hour later, his expression colder than ice. In the past ten days when I was forced to live with him, I witnessed his disappointment, anger and even bitterness. But last night? Last night was different. When he saw me sitting beside Damian, his hand possessively draped over my knee, Dad’s eyes were full of disgust. As if I’d tainted myself just by choosing him.

That’s when I knew, he didn’t come to wish me well or to offer peace. No, he came to try and pull me back, one last time. His voice was hard, unyielding as he stared down at me. “This is your last chance to fix this, River. You’re making the biggest mistake of your life.”

I couldn’t speak. I just sat there, silent, my heart aching, knowing he wouldn’t understand, that nothing would change even if I tried. I was scared. I was trembling, couldn’t really meet dad’s eyes because I knew he was capable of dragging me back and locking me up.

But Damian’s thumb stroked my knee softly, grounding me, reminding me that I was safe. That I was doing the right thing by choosing him.

“He’s using you to get to me!” Dad’s voice had thundered in the room.

I jumped but Damian didn’t even flinch. His response was a soft, mocking drawl. “Pretty rich coming from the man who tried to sell his daughter off in a business deal.”

Dad’s face had twisted in rage at that. He lunged forward as if he wanted to hit Damian. But Hal was there, his solid frame standing between them before Dad could even get close.

I dropped my gaze, unable to look at him being manhandled and disrespected like that.

“You’re going to regret marrying him,” Dad spat, as he turned his fury on me.

“I love him,” I whispered.

Dad scoffed, his eyes narrowing as he stared at me like he didn’t even recognize me anymore. “And does he love you?” His words are sharp enough to cut. “Did you ask if it’s love that brought him to you, or was it my empire? You’re my sole heir, River. Don’t you think it’s a little too convenient?”

For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. It stung, even though I knew it wasn’t true. But that’s how Dad saw it—everything through the lens of business, of power. I wasn’t his daughter anymore. I was a pawn that he thought Damian had taken from him.

That’s when Damian stood, his stance radiating danger. “I think it’s time for you to leave, Mr. Gibson,” he said, his voice full of authority.

Dad’s face hardened. He turned toward me one last time. “If you marry him, you’re dead to me.”

I broke. The tears I’d been holding back fell, hot and fast.

I could barely breathe, my heart tearing apart at the finality of his tone. My throat burned as I forced myself to speak. “Don’t do this, Dad. Don’t make me choose. Please…”

His eyes flickered for the briefest of moments, and for a second, I thought I saw pain in them. But it was gone just as quickly. “You already have,” he said, turning away, his back rigid as he walked to the door and just like that, the man I once called my father walked out of my life.

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