Worth It (Damie)

Part 27

A/N: This chapter really needs no introduction. My heart is full, this one is my absolute favorite. I highly expect it to be yours as well ;) ENJOY!

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The plug has been pulled. Evelyn officially released my divorce announcement to the public once Freed hit theaters. And luckily the film didn't take a hit because of it, which was Universal's biggest worry, and why they forced so much bullshit on us for three years.

I've been hiding in the bedroom with Dakota since. Evelyn and Robin want us both to keep a low profile for the next few weeks, but Dakota's new project is getting ready to start, so it'll help showing she's off somewhere working while I'm MIA. We've been avoiding our phones and any interaction with the real world. We don't watch the news, neither of us check social networks—we're keeping our distance from the backlash I know is occurring, and the digging all the tabloids are doing.

My family has been beyond supportive like I knew they would be. They also don't update me on any speculation or negativity that's circulating. I'm quite enjoying my bubble, while Evelyn goes to great lengths to keep my name above water. None of my future projects have been affected, so I'm feeling confident the PR worked to alleviate a huge nightmare.

We haven't explained it to the girls, but there's really no need. They understand Amelia and I aren't together nor have we been for months. They're growing used to talking to me on FaceTime, having Dakota as an active part of their lives, and they're excited about future visits to LA or mine to London. Mandy is also keeping in touch with them weekly so that they remain comfortable with her even when she isn't needed.

For the most part, it's all unfolding as expected, and I have no complaints. Except knowing Dakota and I are going to be apart for a bit while she films. But that's where my surprise comes into play—I have a plan for us before she leaves me.

She emerges from the bedroom as if my thoughts have summoned her. I move my laptop off to the side, closing the lid to keep the contents on lockdown.

"You working?" she asks. She's leaving for her table read for this new role.

"Sorta." I shrug. "Looking over some emails from Evelyn."

She saunters towards me and sits on my lap. "I hope this doesn't take all day."

I give her a swift kiss. "Don't worry about us. Zepp and I will be fine."

She sighs. "I do worry though. I know you're doing your best to avoid any backlash from your announcement. I don't want you home alone reading that shit and letting it hurt you."

"It can't hurt me, baby." I smirk at her concern. "I knew there'd be consequences. And there might be for some time to come. But it doesn't matter. I've been living that lie for far too long. I've never felt better to have it in the open, because it means I'm one step closer to having you in the open."

She blushes. "They've never seen PDA like ours."

I laugh and hold her chin so I can kiss her deeper this time. She hums her approval.

"Hurry home anyway, because I'm a selfish man."

She tugs my hair. "Will do. You boys stay out of trouble."

Zepp wags his tail when she looks over at him.

"No promises. I love you."

She kisses me one last time. "I love you more."

I wait for her to collect her things and wave her off as she closes the front door behind her.

The moment I hear her car pull away, I reach for my phone and type out a message to Mel. If by chance Dakota isn't gone all day, I need my plans set before she returns.