Chapter 46
In the grand ballroom, Celestina adjusted the silver strap of her floor-length emerald gown, the satin fabric hugging her figure in all the right places. Her hair was styled in a sleek chignon, and a single diamond necklace rested against her collarbone, catching the light whenever she moved.
She was at a formal dinner hosted by one of her father’s closest allies, a celebration of international diplomacy and unity. The tables were laden with the finest china, and waiters glided through the room with trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
As Celestina moved through the crowd, smiling politely at familiar faces, she couldn’t shake a strange feeling—a sense of unease that prickled at the back of her mind.
“Lady Celestina,” a voice called, pulling her from her thoughts. She turned to see the host, a charming older man, approaching with a wide smile. “You look stunning tonight. Allow me to introduce you to some esteemed guests.”
“Of course,” she said with a gracious nod, slipping easily into the role of the diplomat’s daughter.
As the evening progressed, Celestina found herself drawn into polite but shallow conversations about trade agreements and cultural initiatives. It wasn’t until she stepped away to refresh her drink that she saw her.
Liora.
The sight of her former rival stopped Celestina in her tracks. Liora stood near the edge of the ballroom, her crimson gown striking against the muted tones around her. She was as beautiful as ever, her dark curls cascading over her shoulders, her makeup immaculate. A man stood beside her, tall and distinguished, clearly her husband.
For a moment, neither woman moved. Their eyes locked, and the years of tension between them seemed to resurface.
“Celestina,” Liora said finally, her voice smooth but laced with an undercurrent of something sharper. She stepped forward, her husband politely excusing himself to mingle elsewhere.
“Liora,” Celestina replied, her tone neutral. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
“Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?” Liora said, a faint smile playing on her lips. “I heard you’ve been keeping busy.”
Celestina straightened her shoulders, meeting Liora’s gaze evenly. “And I see you’ve been doing the same. Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thank you,” Liora said, her smile widening slightly. “My husband is a diplomat. It’s a demanding life, but I’m adjusting.”
The two women moved to a quieter corner of the room, their conversation drawing curious glances from nearby guests.
“I must admit,” Liora began, sipping her champagne, “I never thought we’d be standing here, having a civil conversation.”
“Neither did I,” Celestina replied, her tone cool.
Liora tilted her head, studying Celestina closely. “You’ve changed,” she said. “There’s a strength in you now that wasn’t there before.”
Celestina’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And you haven’t changed at all. Still playing games.”
Liora chuckled, the sound light but lacking warmth. “Perhaps. But I’ve learned a thing or two about survival.”
Celestina raised an eyebrow. “Survival?”
Liora’s expression darkened slightly, and she leaned in closer. “Not everything is what it seems, Celestina. Especially in rooms like these. People smile and toast to peace, but behind closed doors, it’s a different story.”
“What are you trying to say?” Celestina asked, her voice low.
“I’m saying you should watch your back,” Liora said bluntly. “You think you’re safe because you’re the president’s daughter, but that makes you a target. And not everyone in this room has your best interests at heart.”
Celestina frowned, her grip tightening on her glass. “Are you threatening me, Liora?”
Liora’s eyes widened, and she shook her head. “Not at all. Consider this… advice. From one woman to another.”
“And why should I trust you?” Celestina asked, her tone sharp.
Liora hesitated, then sighed. “You shouldn’t. But whether you like it or not, we’re more alike than you think. We’ve both had to claw our way through situations no one else understands.”
“I’m not like you,” Celestina said firmly.
“Maybe not yet,” Liora replied, her voice softening. “But life has a way of changing people.”
