Chapter 48
Celestina stepped out of the car, her emerald dress fluttering softly in the cool night breeze. She was tired but surprisingly at peace.
As she entered the palace, the familiar grandeur surrounded her. She didn’t have to search for her father. He was seated in the massive living room, dressed in a comfortable sweater and slacks, a glass of red wine resting on the table beside him. The warm light from the fireplace softened his usually stern features.
“Celestina,” President Alvada said, his voice carrying the warmth of familiarity. He gestured to the seat across from him. “Come, sit. How was your evening?”
Celestina sank into the plush armchair, her heels dangling from one hand as she tucked her feet under her. “It was… better than I expected,” she admitted, placing her shoes on the floor.
“Better?” her father asked, raising an eyebrow. “I would’ve thought dining with the Veridans would bring back less-than-pleasant memories.”
She gave a faint smile, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “It did, at first. But Kaela and Lady Veridan apologized.”
President Alvada set his glass down, leaning forward slightly. “Apologized? That’s unexpected.”
“They admitted they didn’t treat me well during my marriage to Kael,” she explained. “And they said they regret it. I… forgave them.”
Her father studied her carefully, his expression thoughtful. “That’s very big of you, Celestina. Most people wouldn’t have done the same.”
She shrugged, though her tone was sincere. “I’m not doing it for them. I’m doing it for myself. Carrying around all that bitterness—it’s exhausting. I don’t want to live like that anymore.”
President Alvada nodded slowly, but his expression turned serious. “And what about Kael?”
Celestina stiffened slightly, her fingers curling around the arm of her chair. “What about him?”
“I mean, what do you think of him now?” her father asked, his tone calm but probing. “He’s been back in your life for some time, hasn’t he?”
“Yes,” she admitted cautiously. “But things are… different. He’s not the same man he used to be.”
Her father leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. “Different how?”
She hesitated, searching for the right words. “He’s kinder. More patient. He listens now. And he doesn’t try to control everything the way he used to.”
President Alvada studied her carefully. “And how do you feel about that?”
Celestina let out a long breath, her gaze dropping to the carpet. “I don’t know. Part of me still remembers how he used to treat me, how cold and distant he was. But then there are moments where he feels… genuine. Like he’s really trying to make up for everything.”
“Do you believe people can truly change?” her father asked, his voice soft but steady.
She looked up, meeting his gaze. “I think some people can. If they want to. Kael seems like he does, but… I don’t know if I can trust that.”
President Alvada nodded thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. “Would you ever consider reconciling with him?”
Celestina blinked, startled by the question. “Reconcile? You mean… as in getting back together?”
“Yes,” her father said simply. “Do you think that’s something you could ever do?”
She shook her head, leaning back in her chair. “I don’t know. Forgiving Kael is one thing. But letting him back into my life that way? That’s… complicated.”
Her father tilted his head slightly, his eyes searching hers. “Sometimes forgiveness can open doors we didn’t expect. I’m not saying you have to make any decisions now, but it’s worth considering.”
Celestina frowned, her mind racing. “Why are you asking me this? You didn’t even like him when we were married.”
President Alvada chuckled softly, his tone warm. “That’s true. But people change, Celestina. And if Kael is trying to prove himself, maybe he’s worth giving a second chance. Only you can decide that.”
Celestina was silent for a moment, her father’s words weighing heavily on her. When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet but firm. “I’ve decided to forgive him. Not just him—his family, too. I don’t see the point in holding on to anger anymore. It doesn’t serve me.”
Her father’s expression softened, and he leaned forward, resting a hand on hers. “You remind me so much of your mother,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion.
Celestina’s heart tightened. “My mother?”
“Yes,” he said, his gaze distant for a moment. “She was a remarkable woman. Strong, compassionate, and capable of great forgiveness. No matter how much someone hurt her, she always found a way to rise above it. Just like you.”
A lump formed in her throat, and she blinked back sudden tears. “I don’t feel strong most of the time.”
“You are, my daughter,” her father said, squeezing her hand gently. “Stronger than you know. And your mother would be so proud of you.”
