Chapter 88

"Lenora killed Mason’s mother?" Damon’s disbelief was evident.

"My mom is not a killer. I refuse to believe that." Blair interjected firmly.

Julie stepped forward, her voice laced with accusation. "Was that why Dad insisted Mason marry Blair? Because of the name? How could you make him marry you when you knew who killed his wife?"

Margaret looked down, her face etched with guilt. "I was scared at first, but then, when Lenora promised to help me marry Charles, and I had always loved him, but he was so in love with her. I had no hope that he was married. I was so selfish."

"So you waited until she died and made sure you were a part of his life." Damon’s eyes were filled with anger.

Margaret bowed her head in shame. "I was wrong… and I realize now Lenora wasn’t doing it for me."

"This is all a lie. I know you think she tried to kill you, but you don't have to lie." Blair’s frustration was clear.

"I have evidence to prove it," Margaret declared, dropping Raven’s original birth certificate onto the table. "This is Raven’s original birth certificate, I stole it before the nurse could dispose of it. I also have a video recording of Lenora’s conversation with the nurse. Mason and Charles were going to help me find the nurse before all this happened. But I found her and she’s willing to testify against Lenora."

"Great. Suddenly everyone has a video recording. Perfect." Blair said sarcastically.

"This is..." Raven began, her voice trembling. "This is too much... The woman I’ve called mom all these years, you’re saying she’s not my mom? All these years, she made me believe I had no right to be treated like a Prescott like there was no place for me. When in reality, I was letting imposters walk all over me, treat me like trash, and make me feel bad about myself in my own father’s house?" Raven couldn’t process any of it. She didn’t know whether to feel angry or sad. "Why can't my life just be normal? All I wanted was to be happy, with Mason and my kids. But no, something always gets in the way."

Tears brimmed in her eyes, and Damon reached for her hand, kneeling before her.

"Raven... just breathe," he murmured, gently squeezing her hand.

Raven shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "You don’t understand. I longed for her affection, I always wished that she'd give me half the attention she gave Blair. I--"

"Shh. Don’t say anything. Just try to stay strong," Damon whispered, wiping away her tears.

Julie tried to find her voice, her head a mix of emotions.

"What about me?" she asked Margaret. "Ever since Raven talked about the possibility, I've been thinking. Lenora helped you get a child, and now she's been arrested for kidnapping. Am I...?"

"Julie, I promise, I had no idea. She told me you were from an orphanage. I didn’t know she took you from your family.” Margaret cried, her voice breaking. “That child is you, Julie."

\~~~~

Raven was still quiet after everyone had left, and Damon hadn’t pressed her to speak, but he finally decided that they had to talk, and she appeared in the kitchen and sat on the bench she liked to sit on when he was cooking. It was his favorite part of the day.

“I was thinking of making pizza tonight,” he said. “The most important question is: does pineapple belong on pizza?”

Raven chuckled.

“Absolutely!” she insisted, grateful to have a playful moment. “What do you think?”

“I think I’ll put up with it this time.”

They locked eyes. He took her hand, staring down at the ring she still wore.

“Damon… who am I supposed to be?” she whispered.

“Raven,” he answered, running his thumb over her hand. “You’re supposed to be Raven. The amazing, kind, sweet, beautiful Raven. Would a rose of any other name smell as sweet?”

Raven smiled.

“You’re quoting Shakespeare?”

Damon stepped closer, placing his hands on her hips.

“None of this changes who you are,” he spoke gently, his heart racing in his chest when she rested her forehead on his. “Raven-”

Raven gently pressed her lips against his. They both hesitated but couldn't deny their feelings, deepening the kiss. Raven held him closer until he gripped her hips tightly, their need for each other growing urgent.

Damon lifted her from the bench and she wrapped her legs around him, making sure he wouldn’t let her go. She felt his need for her; it mirrored her desire when he laid her gently on the couch. He pulled away, knowing he had to ask a question he didn’t want to hear the answer to.

“Are you sure-”

Raven smiled, pulling him into another kiss, more passionate this time, Raven undid his shirt.

“I’m not sure of much, right now. But this? I’m sure.” she whispered, holding him a little tighter.

Damon trailed kisses down her neck, settled himself between her legs, returning to her lips again.

“I’ve wanted to kiss you for so long-”

“Me too-”

They pulled apart, growing serious.

“Don’t say his name, Damon,” she whispered, turning away from him.

“Raven-”

“Don’t. Please.”

Damon kissed her softly.

“This doesn’t have to be over,” he assured her, stroking her hair. “I have feelings for you.”

“Me too.”