Chapter 49
Kael stood in President Alvada’s private office, his shoulders squared and his posture straight. The president sat behind his grand mahogany desk, the weight of his role evident in the faint lines of weariness on his face.
Kael inhaled deeply, trying to calm the nervous energy that had taken hold of him. He had rehearsed this moment a dozen times in his mind, but now that he was here, every word felt inadequate.
“Mr. President,” Kael began, his voice steady despite his nerves, “I wanted to speak with you about Celestina.”
Alvada’s sharp eyes lifted from the papers in front of him, fixing on Kael. “Go on.”
Kael took a breath. “I’ve arranged a getaway for her—a trip to the Maldives. I think it would do her good to get away from the palace, from the weight of everything she’s been through. To have time to just… be herself.”
The president’s brow furrowed, his hands folding neatly on the desk. “You’ve arranged this trip without consulting me first?”
“I wanted to have everything ready before I approached you,” Kael said carefully. “But I wouldn’t take her without your permission.”
Alvada leaned back in his chair, his expression hardening. “Kael, you were married to my daughter once. I gave her to you in trust, and you failed her. You didn’t take care of her when she needed you most. Tell me, how am I supposed to trust you to take her away again?”
The words hit Kael like a blow, but he held his ground. He had anticipated this.
“You’re right,” Kael said, his tone filled with regret. “I failed her before. I didn’t treat her the way she deserved, and I’ve spent every day since trying to make amends for that.”
The president said nothing, his gaze unrelenting.
Kael continued, his voice steady but heartfelt. “I’ve grown, Mr. President. I’ve had to face my mistakes, to see the man I was and make the choice to be better. Celestina deserves someone who will protect her, care for her, and put her happiness above everything else. I want to be that person now. Not because I feel obligated, but because I care for her deeply.”
Alvada’s expression softened, just slightly, though his tone remained firm. “And you think a trip to the Maldives will fix everything?”
“No,” Kael admitted. “But I think it’s a start. She needs space to breathe, to heal. And I want to give her that.”
For a long moment, the president studied him in silence. Then he nodded slowly. “You have my permission—but know this, Kael. If you hurt her again, there won’t be a second chance.”
Kael met his gaze, his voice unwavering. “I won’t, sir. You have my word.”
Celestina stepped off the small seaplane, her breath catching as she took in the view. The Maldives were a paradise she hadn’t even realized she needed. The turquoise waters stretched endlessly, their clarity revealing schools of vibrant fish darting beneath the surface. White sand beaches sparkled in the sun, dotted with swaying palm trees.
Kael stood beside her, his expression calm but pleased. “What do you think?”
“It’s… beautiful,” she said, her voice filled with wonder.
“Only the best for you,” he replied with a faint smile.
They were taken to a private villa perched on stilts over the water. The structure was stunning, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered panoramic views of the ocean. A private infinity pool glistened on the deck, and steps led directly into the warm, shallow waters below.
As they entered, Celestina turned to Kael, her brow arched. “This seems a little extravagant.”
Kael shrugged, setting their bags down. “You deserve extravagant.”
