Chapter 35
The morning sun was bright as Celestina, still known to some by her former name, Zorina, arrived at the hospital for her routine prenatal checkup. She was dressed simply in a pale blue dress that flowed over her growing bump, her hair tied in a loose braid.
Two bodyguards flanked her as she entered the private wing of the hospital. Their sharp eyes scanned the area, ensuring her safety. After the multiple threats to her life, the heightened security had become a necessity, though Celestina still struggled with the constant reminder of danger.
“Everything looks good, Lady Celestina,” the nurse said as she led her to an examination room. “Dr. Alim will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you,” Celestina replied, offering a small smile as she settled into the chair.
She glanced at her phone, scrolling through messages from her father, who was out of the city for a diplomatic meeting. He’d insisted she keep him updated on her health.
Her guards remained outside the door, stationed in the hallway. It was a calm, almost routine visit—until it wasn’t.
A sudden commotion in the hallway broke the tranquility. Raised voices and the sound of hurried footsteps reached Celestina’s ears. She sat up straight, her heart racing as her instincts told her something was wrong.
The door burst open, and one of her guards stepped inside, his face pale but composed. “Lady Celestina, we need to move. Now.”
“What’s happening?” she asked, rising quickly.
“There’s been a breach in security,” he said, already moving to escort her out. “We need to get you to safety.”
Before she could respond, a loud explosion rocked the building, shaking the walls and sending a shower of plaster from the ceiling. Celestina gasped, clutching her stomach as the sound echoed in her ears.
“Move!” the guard shouted, grabbing her arm gently but firmly.
The hallways were chaos as Celestina was rushed through the private wing. Smoke and debris filled the air, and the distant wail of alarms and panicked voices only added to the confusion. Her bodyguards formed a protective barrier around her, their eyes darting in every direction as they moved.
“Keep your head down, my lady,” one of them instructed, shielding her from falling debris.
“Who’s behind this?” Celestina demanded, her voice trembling but resolute.
“We don’t know yet,” the lead guard replied, his voice strained. “But someone wants you dead, and they’ve planned this well.”
They turned a corner, only to find the hallway ahead blocked by flames and rubble. One guard cursed under his breath before turning to the others.
“Back! Take the service stairs!”
The group pivoted, moving quickly toward the emergency exit. Celestina’s heart pounded in her chest as the guards led her down a narrow stairwell. The sound of footsteps echoed behind them, and one guard paused, his weapon drawn.
“Go!” he barked at the others, staying behind to hold off whoever was pursuing them.
Celestina hesitated, fear gripping her. “You can’t just leave him!”
“We have to keep moving!” another guard insisted, pulling her forward.
A gunshot rang out, making her flinch. Her grip tightened on the guard’s arm as they descended the stairs, the world around her a blur of noise and motion.
The service stairs led them to the underground parking lot, dimly lit and eerily quiet compared to the chaos above. A black SUV idled near the exit, its engine humming as another security team waited to extract her.
“Get in!” one of the guards ordered, opening the door and helping her inside.
Celestina barely had time to process what was happening before the vehicle sped away, tires screeching against the concrete. She glanced out the window, her heart sinking as she saw smoke billowing from the hospital above.
“Are we safe?” she asked, her voice shaking.
“For now,” the lead guard replied, his eyes on the road. “But this was no random attack. Someone knew you’d be here.”
