Chapter 61
“You shouldn’t be here,” Celestina said, her voice trembling as Kael stepped into her bridal suite. She was standing near the large window, her fingers clutching the edge of a letter, her face pale. Her wedding gown gleamed in the soft afternoon light, but her expression was far from that of a joyful bride.
“I know,” Kael replied, shutting the door quietly behind him. His usual confident demeanor was tinged with something else—concern. “I just… I had a feeling something was wrong.”
Celestina didn’t move. She stared at the letter in her hands, her knuckles white. Kael took a step closer, his sharp blue eyes narrowing as he observed her trembling frame. “What is it? Did something happen?”
Instead of answering, she held out the letter to him. Her hand shook, and her voice broke when she said, “Read this.”
Kael took the letter and scanned it, his expression hardening with every word. It was short but devastating:
Dimitri is alive. Don’t marry Kael. It will be your biggest mistake.
There was no signature, no explanation, just the cruel, cold words that sent Celestina’s world spinning.
Kael crumpled the letter slightly in his fist, his jaw tightening. “This is a joke,” he said firmly. “A sick, twisted joke.”
“But what if it’s not?” Celestina whispered, her voice barely audible. She turned toward him, her dark eyes glassy with unshed tears. “What if he’s alive? What if I…” She stopped herself, unable to finish the thought.
Kael took a deep breath, forcing calm into his tone. “Celestina, we both know that can’t be true. You saw him. We buried him. Dimitri is gone.” He stepped closer, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. “This is someone’s cruel attempt to ruin today for you—for us. Don’t let them.”
Her breathing was shallow, and Kael could see the war raging inside her. She wanted to believe him, but the letter had planted a seed of doubt. Finally, she nodded weakly, though her hands still trembled.
Kael slid the letter into the pocket of his tailored suit. “I’ll handle this. After today, we’ll figure out who’s behind it. Right now, the only thing you need to focus on is walking down that aisle.”
Celestina nodded again, but her heart felt heavy. She turned back toward the mirror, letting the maids adjust her veil, but her mind stayed on the letter, and on Dimitri. Could it be true? Was it possible?
The church bells tolled as the ceremony began. Celestina walked down the aisle, her steps slow and hesitant. The grand hall was filled with flowers, candles, and the watchful eyes of hundreds of guests. Kael stood at the altar, his gaze fixed on her, his expression calm and composed.
But Celestina’s heart raced. Her father, President Alvada, held her arm tightly, whispering reassurances as they approached Kael. She barely heard him. Her mind was spinning. The words of the letter replayed over and over in her head. Dimitri is alive…
As they reached the altar, Celestina met Kael’s steady gaze. He smiled softly, and for a moment, it grounded her. She forced herself to breathe and recited her vows, though the words felt hollow.
The reception was a grand celebration in the palace gardens. Laughter and music filled the air as guests danced, ate, and toasted to the new couple. Celestina moved through the crowd in her heavy gown, smiling and greeting everyone, but the weight of the letter still pressed on her.
Kael stayed close to her, his hand on the small of her back, guiding her through the throng of well-wishers. He spoke with the charisma and charm that had made him a favorite among the elite, but Celestina noticed the way his eyes flicked around the garden, as if scanning for something—or someone.
“You’re quiet,” Kael said softly, leaning close to her. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Celestina lied, her smile thin.
Before he could respond, the air shifted. A loud boom erupted from the edge of the garden, shaking the ground. Screams pierced the joyous atmosphere as guests scattered in panic. Smoke billowed from the explosion, and Celestina felt Kael’s arm tighten around her, pulling her close.
“Stay with me!” Kael shouted over the chaos, his voice sharp and commanding.
Amid the smoke and confusion, Celestina’s eyes darted around the garden, searching for answers. She saw Kael lean toward a man dressed in black near the edge of the crowd. They exchanged hurried whispers, the man nodding before disappearing into the.
