Chapter 14
Celestina entered the room alongside her father, President Alvada, her navy gown flowing gracefully as her heels clicked against the polished marble floor.
Dignitaries were already seated, their low hum of conversation falling silent as the president entered. Celestina, standing tall beside him, nodded politely to those who acknowledged her.
At the far end of the room, Liora Hestrel stood near the refreshment table, her emerald-green dress a little too bright, her stance a little too stiff. The governor’s daughter turned as Celestina walked in, her lips curling into a bitter smile.
“Well, well,” Liora said, her voice carrying across the room. “The prodigal daughter returns.”
Celestina stiffened but remained calm. “Liora,” she said politely, though the tension between them was palpable.
President Alvada glanced between the two women and then addressed Liora curtly. “Governor Hestrel is waiting for you at the head of the table. I suggest you join him.”
But Liora didn’t move. Instead, she crossed her arms, her sharp gaze fixed on Celestina. “I think I’ll stay right here for a moment. After all, I have some things I’d like to say to your daughter.”
The president’s eyes narrowed. “This is neither the time nor the place, Liora.”
Celestina placed a gentle hand on her father’s arm. “It’s fine, Father. I’ll handle it.”
Reluctantly, the president nodded and walked toward the table, his presence commanding the attention of the room. The dignitaries began settling into their seats, but a few couldn’t help sneaking glances at the two women.
Celestina turned to Liora, her expression composed. “If you have something to say, Liora, say it.”
“Oh, don’t worry,” Liora said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’ll say it. What I want to know is why you couldn’t just tell Kael the truth from the beginning.”
Celestina blinked, caught off guard. “What are you talking about?”
Liora’s laugh was cold and hollow. “Don’t play innocent with me. You knew exactly who you were—President Alvada’s daughter. If you had told Kael the truth from the start, none of this would have happened. But no, you had to keep your precious little secret, and now Kael is…” Her voice faltered before hardening again. “He’s distant. Cold. Indifferent to me, all because of you.”
Celestina tilted her head, her voice steady but sharp. “I didn’t tell Kael because it wasn’t safe for me to reveal my identity. You think I owed him that truth when he treated me like I didn’t even exist?”
Liora’s eyes flashed with anger. “You should’ve told him. Instead, you let me get dragged into your mess. Do you know what it’s like to have your fiancé—someone who once adored you—suddenly look through you as if you’re a stranger? He doesn’t even smile at me anymore, Celestina. And it’s your fault!”
Celestina’s composure slipped for a moment, her own anger rising. “Let me get this straight. You’re blaming me for Kael’s behavior? For his inability to love anyone but himself?”
Liora stepped closer, her voice trembling with emotion. “Yes, I am. He’s obsessed with you now! He thinks about you, talks about you, and it’s because you hid who you were! If you’d been honest, maybe things would have been different. Maybe he wouldn’t see me as second-best to the almighty Celestina Alvada.”
Celestina’s chest tightened, but she refused to let Liora’s words shake her. “I didn’t ask for Kael’s attention, Liora. And I certainly didn’t ask for him to treat you poorly. But let me remind you—he treated me worse. For years, he belittled me, ignored me, and used me. If you think I’m going to feel sorry for the man who made me feel like nothing, you’re mistaken.”
Liora’s hands clenched into fists. “You think you’re so noble, don’t you? Playing the victim while ruining everyone else’s lives.”
Celestina’s voice grew colder. “If your relationship with Kael is falling apart, maybe you should ask yourself why. Maybe the problem isn’t me, Liora. Maybe it’s Kael.”
Liora’s face turned red, her composure slipping. “You’re impossible,” she hissed. “You act like you’re above all of this, but you’re not. You’re just as selfish as the rest of us.”
Celestina took a step closer, her eyes blazing. “You’re wrong. The difference between us is that I’ve endured enough to know my worth. If Kael doesn’t see yours, that’s not my fault. And if you think insulting me will change how he feels, then you’re wasting your time.”
Before Liora could respond, President Alvada’s voice boomed from the head of the table. “Ladies, the meeting is about to begin. Take your seats.”
