Chapter 22
The room was alive with chatter as Celestina entered the conference hall, the polished marble floors reflecting the grandeur of the space. Delegates from across the world had gathered to discuss economic partnerships, their vibrant attire and murmured conversations creating a symphony of culture and diplomacy.
Celestina, dressed in a tailored ivory suit with gold accents, commanded attention as she moved gracefully toward her seat. Her hair was swept into an elegant bun, and the diamond ring her father had entrusted her with sparkled subtly on her finger.
As she scanned the room, her gaze caught on a figure seated at the far end of the table. Her breath hitched. It was him—the man from the Veridan estate.
He was just as striking in the daylight, if not more so. Dressed in a dark suit with a crisp white shirt open at the collar, he exuded effortless confidence. His dark eyes caught hers, and a small, knowing smile played on his lips.
Before she could look away, the moderator of the meeting spoke. “Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. Today, we are joined by a special guest: Dimitri Al-Sayeed, the eldest son of Sheikh Rami Al-Sayeed, one of the world’s leading oil magnates.”
Celestina froze. Dimitri. So that was his name.
Dimitri stood, offering a polite nod to the room. “Thank you for having me,” he said, his voice rich and smooth. His gaze lingered on Celestina for a fraction of a second before he took his seat.
As the discussions began, Celestina found it increasingly difficult to concentrate. Every so often, she felt Dimitri’s eyes on her, and each time, her pulse quickened. When it was her turn to speak, she presented her points on sustainable development with practiced ease, but her mind kept drifting back to the man sitting just a few seats away.
After the meeting adjourned, Celestina gathered her notes, ready to leave, when Dimitri approached her. His presence was magnetic, and she had to steady herself as he offered her a charming smile.
“Lady Celestina,” he said, his voice warm. “It seems fate has brought us together again.”
She raised an eyebrow, trying to maintain her composure. “Dimitri, is it?”
He nodded. “And you’re just as poised as I remember. Would you allow me the honor of taking you to lunch? I’d like to hear more about your thoughts on sustainable development—or anything else you’d care to share.”
Celestina hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “I suppose I could spare some time.”
The restaurant was an elegant, airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline. Dimitri and Celestina were seated at a corner table, their plates filled with vibrant Mediterranean dishes.
“This is one of my favorite places in the city,” Dimitri said, leaning back in his chair. “The food is exquisite, and the view isn’t bad either.”
Celestina smirked. “It’s certainly impressive. Though I suspect you could afford far more exclusive places.”
Dimitri chuckled, his dark eyes glinting. “True, but exclusivity doesn’t guarantee charm. This place has charm.” He paused, his gaze meeting hers. “Much like you.”
Celestina felt a blush creep up her neck but quickly masked it with a sip of water. “Flattery, Dimitri? How predictable.”
“Not flattery,” he countered, his tone serious now. “Just honesty.”
Their conversation flowed easily after that, touching on everything from politics to art. Dimitri’s stories about his upbringing—traveling between estates, learning the intricacies of his family’s business—were told with a mix of humor and humility that made him all the more intriguing. He also tells her that he is a cousin of Kael and that’s why he is staying at the Veridan estate. This is his first time in the city, because his father usually comes.
“And what about you, Celestina?” he asked, his voice softening. “You carry yourself with such grace, yet there’s an intensity behind your eyes. What drives you?”
Celestina hesitated, caught off guard by the question. “I suppose… my desire to make a difference,” she said carefully. “To live up to the legacy my father has built.”
Dimitri nodded, his expression thoughtful. “A noble goal. But don’t forget to live for yourself as well.”
Before she could respond, a deafening explosion rocked the air.
