Chapter 43
Celestina stood in front of her mirror, securing the final pin in her hair. Her sleek chignon complemented the tailored navy dress she had chosen for the meeting. A string of pearls adorned her neck.
As she smoothed down the front of her dress, a soft knock came at the door.
“Come in,” she called, already knowing who it would be.
Kael stepped inside, dressed in his usual black suit. His tie was perfectly knotted, and his polished demeanor had become a constant in her life. But there was something different about him today—an almost mischievous glint in his eyes that immediately made Celestina suspicious.
“Good morning, Celestina,” he said, his tone smooth.
She raised an eyebrow. “You’re in an unusually good mood. Should I be worried?”
Kael chuckled, closing the door behind him. “I thought I’d start the day with a little… surprise.”
Celestina crossed her arms, tilting her head. “What kind of surprise?”
Kael hesitated, his expression turning playful. “You’ll see.”
“Kael,” she said, her tone warning.
“Patience, my queen,” he teased, reaching behind him.
Celestina’s eyes widened as Kael pulled something from behind his back—a fluffy ragdoll cat with piercing blue eyes and soft cream fur. The kitten blinked lazily, completely unbothered by the world around it.
“Meet your new friend,” Kael said, his grin widening as he held the kitten out to her.
For a moment, Celestina was speechless. She stared at the kitten, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to find the right words.
“You got me… a cat?” she finally managed.
Kael nodded, stepping closer. “I did. I thought you could use some company. Someone to keep you grounded.”
She blinked, her arms falling to her sides. “I—I don’t know what to say.”
The kitten meowed softly, its tiny paw batting at the air. Celestina’s heart melted instantly. “She’s beautiful,” she whispered, reaching out to take the kitten from Kael.
The moment the kitten was in her arms, it nuzzled against her chest, purring contentedly. Celestina smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing as she stroked its soft fur.
“What’s her name?” she asked, her voice softer now.
“That’s up to you,” Kael replied, his tone gentle. “She’s yours.”
Celestina looked down at the kitten, her fingers brushing lightly against its fur. “She looks like a Luna,” she said after a moment.
“Luna,” Kael repeated, nodding approvingly. “I like it.”
Still cradling Luna, Celestina turned to Kael, her brow furrowing slightly. “Why would you do this, Kael? It’s not exactly… protocol for a bodyguard to buy their charge a pet.”
Kael shrugged, leaning casually against the edge of her desk. “You’ve been through a lot, Celestina. I thought you could use something to bring a little joy into your life.”
Her heart tightened at his words, and she looked away, focusing on the kitten in her arms. “You’ve been doing a lot for me lately,” she said quietly. “More than I expected.”
“It’s the least I can do,” he said, his voice serious now. “You deserve to feel cared for.”
Celestina met his gaze, her expression unreadable. “Thank you, Kael. Truly.”
He smiled, a rare softness in his eyes. “Anything for you, Celestina.”
