Chapter 57
The palace garden was quiet, bathed in the silvery light of the full moon. Celestina sat on a wrought iron bench near the fountain, the gentle sound of the water trickling behind her. The floral scents of jasmine and roses filled the cool night air, but her mind was far from the serenity of her surroundings.
Her thoughts were a whirlwind, circling around one central question: Why?
Why did it feel like the world wanted her gone? Why had there been so many attempts on her life? Why now?
She hugged her arms around herself, the events of the past months playing over and over in her mind—the betrayals, the secrets, the assassinations. Each attempt felt like another reminder of how precarious her position in life was. She was the president’s daughter, yes, but she was also a target. And no matter how much security surrounded her, danger always seemed to find her.
She let out a long breath, leaning back against the bench and staring up at the stars. “How much longer can I live like this?” she whispered to herself.
Her thoughts shifted to Kael, his recent proposal lingering like a warm ember in her chest. This wasn’t the first time he had asked her to marry him, but it felt different now.
The first time, it had been a union of convenience, arranged for reasons that had nothing to do with love or even compatibility. Back then, Kael had been distant, cold, and indifferent. Their marriage had been a lonely one, a partnership in name only.
But this time… this time felt real.
She had seen the sincerity in his eyes, the way he had transformed into someone kinder, more patient, and infinitely more selfless. He wasn’t just asking her to be his wife again—he was asking for a chance to make things right, to protect her and care for her in ways he hadn’t before.
And despite her doubts, she couldn’t deny the truth that had been growing inside her: she cared for him too.
She felt him before she saw him, the faint sound of footsteps on the gravel path alerting her to his presence.
Kael stopped a few steps behind her, hesitant. “Celestina?” he said softly, his voice breaking the stillness of the night.
She turned slightly, her heart fluttering at the sight of him standing there, his hands tucked into the pockets of his dark jacket. The moonlight cast a faint glow over his face, highlighting the shadows of concern in his expression.
“I didn’t mean to disturb you,” he said, taking a step closer. “I just… wanted to make sure you were okay.”
She gave him a small smile, her eyes glistening. “I’m fine. Just… thinking.”
Kael nodded, his gaze searching hers. “Do you want me to leave you alone?”
“No,” she said quickly, shaking her head. “Stay.”
He hesitated for a moment before moving to sit beside her on the bench. The silence stretched between them, comfortable but charged with unspoken words.
Celestina glanced at him, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the weight of her decision pressing against her, but for the first time in a long time, the uncertainty began to dissolve.
“Kael,” she said softly, breaking the silence.
He turned to her, his brow furrowing slightly. “Yes?”
She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “Yes.”
Kael blinked, clearly confused. “Yes… what?”
Her lips curved into a faint smile, and she reached for his hand, her fingers brushing against his. “Yes, I do. I’ll marry you.”
His eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he just stared at her, as though he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing.
“You’re saying yes?” he asked, his voice low, almost disbelieving.
“Yes,” she repeated, her smile growing. “I’m saying yes, Kael. This time… it feels right.”
Kael’s face lit up with a smile so genuine and full of joy that it took her breath away. “You don’t know how much that means to me,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
He reached out, taking both her hands in his, his grip warm and steady. “I promise, Celestina, I won’t let you down. Not this time. I’ll protect you, care for you, and love you with everything I have.”
Her throat tightened at his words, and she blinked back the tears threatening to spill over. “I know,” she said softly. “That’s why I’m saying yes.”
Kael exhaled a soft laugh, his smile never faltering. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”
