Chapter 5
Zorina stood tall before the grand gates of the governor’s mansion, her resolve as unshakable as the morning sun. “Tell the governor,” she said to the guards, her voice firm, “that Celestina Aldara is here to see him.”
The guards exchanged quick glances before bowing slightly. “Right away, Madam.”
Minutes later, the doors swung open, and Zorina was ushered into the luxurious living room. The governor stood as soon as she entered, his eyes widening in recognition.
“Celestina Aldara!” he exclaimed, his voice a mixture of surprise and reverence. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit? And how is the president?”
Zorina knelt gracefully, lowering her head. “I have come as a child to you, my Lord.”
The governor stepped forward, gesturing for her to rise. “Stand up, Celestina. This is no place for such formalities. Now tell me, what brings you here?”
Straightening, Zorina took a deep breath. “I am married to Kael Veridan,” she announced, her voice steady but piercing. “The same man your daughter is about to marry.”
The governor’s jaw dropped as he stumbled back a step. “You? Married to Kael?” His voice rose in disbelief. “Oh my God.”
Zorina’s expression remained calm, though her heart pounded fiercely.
The governor paced the room, running a hand through his hair. “This changes everything. I cannot allow Liora to enter such a union, not when you—the daughter of the president—are already married to him.”
“No,” Zorina interjected firmly, shaking her head. “That is not why I am here.”
The governor turned to her, confusion clouding his features. “Then what is it you seek?”
“A divorce,” Zorina stated, her tone unwavering. “I don’t care if Kael marries your daughter or someone else. All I want is my freedom. I need your support to ensure that divorce happens, even if it delays Kael’s marriage to Liora for a while.”
The governor hesitated, his brows furrowing. “A divorce before a new marriage is considered a bad omen,” he muttered.
Zorina’s lips twitched with impatience. “Governor, I have no interest in omens or traditions. I need my life back, and if delaying their marriage for a year or more is what it takes, then so be it.”
The governor nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes. “Very well. If that is what you truly want, I will delay the marriage and ensure your divorce is finalized.”
Zorina’s shoulders relaxed slightly, though her voice remained firm. “It is what I want.”
He studied her intently. “You’re sure? This will not create enmity between us or harm my daughter’s future?”
Zorina gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. “You have my word, Governor. I hold no ill will toward you or your daughter. This is about me, not her.”
The governor took a deep breath, then spoke with solemn authority. “Then so be it. Celestina, I hereby grant you what you desire—a divorce.”
As the words left his lips, a gasp echoed from the doorway. Both Zorina and the governor turned to see Liora standing there, her face pale, her eyes wide with shock.
“You…” Liora’s voice trembled, barely above a whisper. “You’re her. The president’s daughter?”
The realization crashed over her like a tidal wave, leaving the room heavy with tension.
