Chapter 21
Celestina paced her bedroom, her hands gripping the fabric of her robe as she replayed the events of the morning. Kael? Her ex-husband? Out of all the men in the world, how had it been him?
Her chest tightened with disbelief and anger. In all the years they were married, Kael had never touched her, never kissed her, never even looked at her with anything resembling affection. To him, she had been invisible—a duty, a pawn in his family’s ambitions. He had treated her as though she were a stranger.
And now, she realized with horrifying clarity, that was exactly what he had been to her last night—a stranger. How could she have known it was him behind the mask, his voice softened by laughter and champagne?
She groaned, her fingers tugging at her hair in frustration. “Of all the people,” she muttered, her voice filled with disbelief. “It had to be Kael.”
She threw on a simple yet elegant outfit—a fitted cream blouse tucked into tailored navy trousers, her heels clicking as she walked to the door. She had no choice but to retrieve the ring herself. Leaving such an heirloom in Kael’s possession was unthinkable.
The Veridan estate loomed before her, as imposing as she remembered. The tall iron gates opened with a groan, and Celestina’s heart pounded as she stepped out of her car.
The door was opened by Kaela, Kael’s younger sister, her bright smile faltering slightly at the sight of Celestina. “Lady Celestina,” Kaela said politely, her voice strained but pleasant. “What a surprise. Won’t you come in?”
Celestina nodded curtly, stepping past her without a word. She had no interest in exchanging pleasantries.
Lady Veridan appeared next, her expression a practiced mask of warmth. “Celestina,” she said, her tone dripping with false sweetness. “It’s been too long. How are you, dear?”
Celestina met her gaze coolly, her voice flat. “I’m here for my ring.”
Lady Veridan’s smile faltered, but she quickly recovered. “Of course. I’ll have someone fetch it immediately. Please, come sit.”
“I’ll stand,” Celestina replied, her tone leaving no room for argument.
As she waited in the grand foyer, her eyes wandered, taking in the opulence of the space she had once called home. And then she saw him.
A man stepped into the room, and for a moment, Celestina forgot why she was there. He was striking, his features sharp and refined, his presence magnetic. His hair was thick and dark, styled effortlessly in a way that seemed both deliberate and carefree. His deep-set eyes, framed by thick lashes, were the color of rich espresso, and they glimmered with a spark of intrigue.
He had a strong jawline, softened by a neatly trimmed beard, and his full lips curved into a polite smile as he noticed her gaze. His skin, a warm olive tone, caught the light, highlighting his high cheekbones. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored black suit that fit him like a second skin, his shirt open at the collar to reveal a hint of a gold chain resting against his collarbone.
There was something in his eyes—a playful spark, a quiet intensity—that made Celestina’s breath hitch. She straightened her posture, refusing to let him see the effect he had on her.
“Good afternoon,” he said, his voice low and smooth, with a faint accent she couldn’t quite place.
“Good afternoon,” Celestina replied, her tone measured, though her pulse quickened.
The man inclined his head, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he turned and walked toward the sitting room. Celestina watched him go, her thoughts racing.
Who is he?
“Here’s your ring.”
The familiar voice pulled her attention back. She turned sharply to see Kael standing behind her, the diamond ring gleaming in his outstretched hand.
Celestina’s expression hardened as she stepped forward and took the ring, her fingers brushing his briefly. “Thanks,” she muttered, tucking the ring safely into her bag.
Kael’s eyes lingered on her, his jaw tightening as though he wanted to say more. But before he could, Celestina reached into her bag and pulled out a bundle of money.
Kael frowned, holding up a hand to stop her. “Don’t worry about that,” he said firmly.
“You don’t need to pay me for what’s already yours,” Kael said, his voice quieter now.
Celestina hesitated, then shoved the money back into her bag. “Fine,” she said tersely. “But don’t expect me to thank you for anything more than this.”
