Chapter 11
The grand gates of the Alvada Palace loomed before Zorina, towering and gilded, shimmering in the midday sun. It had been years since she’d stood here, but the weight of those memories pressed heavy on her chest. The car rolled to a stop, and a footman quickly opened the door.
“Lady Celestina,” he greeted, bowing low.
The name felt foreign to her ears, almost as though it belonged to someone else. “Thank you,” Zorina replied, her voice steady despite the storm raging within.
As she stepped out, the full splendor of the palace came into view. Marble pillars lined the entrance, adorned with cascading vines of crimson roses. The guards snapped to attention, their gleaming uniforms catching the light. Yet, none of it brought her peace.
“Father is expecting me?” Zorina asked, glancing at the head steward.
“Yes, my lady. He’s waiting in the east drawing room,” he said, motioning her forward.
Her steps echoed on the polished floors as she walked through the corridors she once knew so well. When the heavy oak doors swung open, President Alvada stood by the window, his back to her. His hands were clasped behind him, his figure stiff, but Zorina could see the tension in his shoulders.
“Father,” she said softly.
He turned slowly, and his eyes, heavy with age and regret, softened when they met hers. “Celestina,” he breathed, taking a hesitant step forward. “My child… you’ve returned.”
Her composure cracked, tears welling in her eyes. “Yes, Father. But not as I left.”
Alvada approached her, his hands trembling as he reached for her shoulders. “I’ve waited years to see you again. Years of wondering if you were safe, if you were happy.” His voice broke. “And now you stand before me, but there is pain in your eyes. What happened to you?”
For a moment, she couldn’t speak. The weight of her story threatened to crush her, but she drew a deep breath. “I married, as you arranged. I lived as you asked me to. But Father…” Her voice quivered. “He… Kael… he treated me like I was nothing.”
The words struck him like a blow. His grip on her shoulders tightened. “What do you mean? Tell me everything.”
And so, she did.
Flashback
The day of her wedding had been a flurry of golden light and music. The Veridan estate sparkled with guests, all gathered to witness the union between Zorina and Kael. Dressed in an ivory gown laced with pearls, Zorina had stood before Kael, her heart pounding as she searched his eyes for any glimmer of affection.
“You may kiss the bride,” the officiant had declared, and Kael’s lips brushed hers. But even then, his touch was cold, detached, like a man fulfilling a duty rather than a vow.
Their marriage bed that night had been equally frigid.
“You seem tense,” she’d whispered, trying to bridge the silence between them. She sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers nervously twisting the embroidered edge of her robe.
Kael, seated on a nearby chair, loosened his cravat with an air of exhaustion. “Tense?” he repeated, his voice laced with derision. “Do you honestly believe this was my choice?”
Her heart sank. “What do you mean?”
Kael finally met her gaze, his eyes cold and unyielding. “This marriage, Zorina, was arranged. You’re here because my father insisted. To me, you’re nothing more than a favor repaid.”
The words hit her like a slap, her breath catching in her throat. “A… favor?”
He stood, his silhouette casting a long shadow across the room. “Yes. A convenient arrangement to ensure my family’s stability. Don’t delude yourself into thinking this is anything more than that.”
Zorina’s voice trembled. “I thought… I thought we were starting a life together…”
Kael’s laughter was sharp, cruel. “Life? Together?” He shook his head, his smirk cutting her like glass. “Listen carefully, Zorina. I will give you the title of my wife, but nothing else. You’ll remain in the shadows, where you belong.”
Present
The memory burned fresh in her mind as she recounted it to her father, every word like an iron chain pulling her deeper into despair. President Alvada’s face darkened with every detail, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.
“He said that?” he growled, his voice low and menacing.
“Yes,” Zorina whispered. “And it didn’t stop there. His family treated me as though I were beneath them. They mocked me, belittled me, made me feel…” Her voice faltered, but she forced herself to continue. “Made me feel invisible.”
Alvada’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but they were also filled with fury. “I sent you there to be protected, to live a quiet life until it was safe for you to return. I never imagined…” He broke off, his voice cracking.
“Father, you didn’t know,” Zorina said gently. “But I’m here now. I left him. I took back my freedom.”
“But at what cost?” Alvada murmured, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I failed you, Celestina. I failed you as a father.”
She reached for his hand, holding it tightly. “You didn’t fail me. I’m stronger because of what I endured. But…” Her voice trailed off, and her eyes filled with pain. “The scars are still there.”
Alvada looked at her, his expression resolute. “No more, my child. No one will hurt you again. Kael Veridan will pay for what he’s done.”
