Chapter 54
Celestina descended the staircase with effortless grace, her presence commanding attention without the need for words. She wore a gown of deep emerald green that shimmered with every step, the fabric hugging her figure before flaring out in soft, flowing layers at her feet. The off-shoulder neckline highlighted her delicate collarbones, while a subtle diamond necklace rested against her skin, complementing the intricate beading along the bodice of her dress.
Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, with a few loose tendrils framing her face, and her makeup was flawless—subtle yet striking, with a hint of gold shimmer on her eyelids and a soft rose tint on her lips.
Kael stood at the foot of the stairs, waiting for her. He wore a sharp black tuxedo, tailored to perfection, with a crisp white shirt and a simple black bowtie. The look in his eyes as he watched her descend was unguarded admiration.
“You clean up well,” Celestina said softly as she reached him, her tone teasing but warm.
“You look breathtaking,” he replied, his voice low but filled with sincerity. He extended his arm, which she took without hesitation.
As they entered the ballroom together, the whispers began almost immediately.
“Isn’t that Celestina Alvada?” one woman murmured behind a gold fan, her gaze fixed on the pair.
“Yes, the president’s daughter,” her companion replied, her tone intrigued. “But do you know who’s with her? That’s Kael Veridan. Her ex-husband.”
“Ex-husband?”
“They were married years ago. It didn’t last long—rumor has it he treated her terribly back then.”
“And now they’re here together?”
Another group nearby joined in, their voices low but animated.
“Do you think they’re back together?”
“Why else would they attend a ball like this side by side?”
“Can you imagine? From divorce to reconciliation—it’s like something out of a novel.”
Celestina was keenly aware of the stares and murmurs, but she kept her expression calm and composed. Her hand rested lightly on Kael’s arm as they moved through the crowd, exchanging polite smiles and nods with other guests.
“People are talking,” she said under her breath, her lips barely moving.
“Let them,” Kael replied, his voice low but steady. “It’s not the whispers that matter. It’s how we carry ourselves.”
Celestina glanced at him, her brow arching slightly. “Did you rehearse that line?”
He smirked. “Maybe. But it doesn’t make it any less true.”
She shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
As the orchestra began a waltz, Kael turned to her, extending his hand. “May I have this dance?”
Celestina hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his. “Just one,” she said, her tone light but firm.
They moved onto the dance floor, joining the swirling couples. Kael led her with practiced ease, his hand steady at her waist as they glided across the polished floor.
The whispers grew louder, but Kael didn’t seem to notice—or perhaps he simply didn’t care.
“They’re dancing now,” someone muttered.
“Do you think they’ll remarry?”
“They look… happy together. It’s almost hard to believe.”
Celestina couldn’t help but feel a flicker of amusement at the speculation. “Do you think anyone here has anything better to do than talk about us?” she asked Kael, her tone dry.
“Not tonight,” he replied with a small smile. “We’re the most interesting thing that’s happened to them in weeks.”
She rolled her eyes but found herself relaxing into the rhythm of the dance
