Chapter 56
Celestina sat quietly in the private dining room, staring at her untouched cup of tea.
The events of the previous night played on a loop in her mind: the gunfire, Kael’s steady voice commanding her to move, the moment he stepped between her and danger without hesitation. Her hands trembled slightly as she clenched them around the edge of the table.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the doors opening. President Alvada entered, his face serious but softening when he saw her.
“Celestina,” he said, walking over to her. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” she said quickly, though her voice lacked conviction.
“You don’t have to be fine,” he said, taking a seat beside her. “After what happened last night, no one would expect you to be.”
She sighed, running a hand through her hair. “It’s just… it was so close. If Kael hadn’t been there…” Her voice trailed off, her throat tightening.
Alvada reached over, placing a reassuring hand on hers. “He was there. And he made sure nothing happened to you. You’re safe now.”
The sound of firm footsteps echoed in the hall before the dining room doors opened again. Kael entered, his suit crisp and his posture impeccable, though there was a faint shadow of exhaustion under his eyes.
“Mr. President,” Kael said, nodding respectfully. “You wanted to see me?”
“Yes, Kael,” Alvada said, standing to face him. “I wanted to thank you personally for what you did last night.”
“You don’t have to thank me, sir,” Kael replied, his voice steady. “It’s my job to protect Celestina.”
“Perhaps,” Alvada said, his tone thoughtful. “But what you did goes beyond duty. You put yourself in harm’s way without hesitation. That kind of courage can’t be taught.”
Kael’s gaze flicked briefly to Celestina, who was watching him intently, before returning to the president. “She’s important to me, sir. I’d do it again without a second thought.”
Alvada’s expression softened, and he extended a hand to Kael. “You’ve proven yourself, Kael. Not just as a bodyguard, but as a man. Thank you for saving my daughter.”
Kael hesitated for only a moment before shaking the president’s hand. “I’ll always protect her, Mr. President. No matter what.”
As the president left the room, leaving them alone, Celestina finally spoke. “You don’t have to keep saying it, you know.”
Kael turned to her, his brow furrowed. “Saying what?”
“That you’ll always protect me,” she said, her voice soft. “You’ve shown it enough times. Last night… I’ve never seen anyone risk so much for me before.”
Kael crossed the room slowly, taking the seat opposite her. “I meant every word, Celestina. You’re worth the risk.”
Her chest tightened at his words, and for a moment, she couldn’t look at him. “I didn’t realize… just how much you’ve changed,” she admitted. “I thought you were just trying to make up for the past, but it’s more than that, isn’t it?”
“It is,” Kael said quietly. “When we were married, I took so much for granted. You, especially. I didn’t realize what I had until I lost it. And now, I’m just trying to be the man you deserve.”
Celestina’s gaze lifted to meet his, her emotions swirling. “Kael, you don’t owe me anything. You don’t have to do all of this just to make up for the past.”
“It’s not about owing you,” Kael said, his tone earnest. “It’s about caring for you. About wanting to be better—for you and for myself.”
She searched his face, looking for any sign of insincerity, but found none. Instead, she saw the same man who had shielded her with his own body, who had fought tirelessly to keep her safe.
“You’ve done more for me in the past few months than I ever thought possible,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “And I don’t know if I’ve ever properly thanked you for that.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” Kael replied. “Seeing you safe is enough.”
A faint smile touched her lips, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “You’ve changed, Kael. More than I thought anyone could.”
