Chapter 79
Celestina’s steps were slow as she walked into the grand sitting room where Kael waited for her. His back was to her, his posture casual as he poured himself a glass of wine.
“You’re back late,” Kael said, his voice calm but carrying a sharp undertone. He didn’t turn to face her.
“I… I couldn’t sleep,” Celestina replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “I went for a walk in the gardens.”
Kael finally turned, his eyes locking onto hers. His smile was faint, his expression unreadable. “You’ve been restless lately, my love. Is there something you want to tell me?”
“No,” she said quickly, her palms damp with sweat.
Kael set his glass down and took a step closer. His movements were slow, deliberate. “Trust is important, Celestina. We’ve talked about this, haven’t we?”
“Yes,” she murmured, her throat tightening.
“And yet,” he continued, his tone soft but laced with menace, “I can’t help but feel you’ve been… keeping things from me. It makes me wonder—what else might you be hiding?”
Celestina forced a small laugh, though it came out shaky. “You’re imagining things, Kael. There’s nothing to hide.”
Kael tilted his head, studying her closely. “Good. Because the last thing I’d want is for something—or someone—to come between us.”
Her heart raced as he leaned in, brushing a kiss against her forehead. “You’d tell me if anything was wrong, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Kael smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “That’s what I like to hear.”
The moment she was alone, Celestina locked the door to her room and pulled out her phone. Her hands shook as she typed a message to Dimitri:
“We need to talk. I’ll help you expose Kael, but we have to be careful.”
His reply came almost immediately: “I’ve already taken steps. Stay calm and keep him distracted. I’ll send you something tonight.”
Celestina let out a shaky breath. Working with Dimitri was a risk, but she had no other choice. Kael’s control over her was tightening, and every passing day brought her closer to danger.
The next morning, Kael surprised her with an announcement over breakfast.
“I’ve been thinking,” he began, setting down his coffee cup. “It’s time we leave the palace. Permanently.”
Celestina stiffened, her fork hovering mid-air. “Leave? Why?”
Kael smiled, his tone casual. “The palace has too many eyes. It’s impossible to find true peace here, and I want us to focus on building our life together. There’s a remote estate I’ve been considering. It’s quiet, private—the perfect place for us.”
Her stomach churned. “When were you thinking of moving?”
“Soon,” he said, his smile unwavering. “I’ve already made some arrangements. I’ll take care of everything.”
Celestina forced herself to nod. “That sounds… lovely.”
Inside, panic clawed at her chest. If Kael took her to a remote estate, she’d be completely isolated—cut off from her father, Dimitri, and anyone who could help her.
Later that day, President Alvada summoned her to his office. His usual stern demeanor was softened with a hint of concern as he gestured for her to sit.
“I don’t like what I’m hearing about Kael,” he said bluntly.
Celestina’s chest tightened. “What do you mean?”
Her father leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “He’s too secretive, too controlling. I don’t trust his motives. And neither should you.”
She hesitated, biting her lip. “I… I think you’re right,” she admitted softly.
Alvada’s eyes narrowed. “If you suspect something, tell me. I can help.”
“I can’t yet,” she said quickly, glancing at the door as if Kael might walk in at any moment. “But I need time.”
Her father studied her for a long moment before nodding. “Fine. But you won’t face him alone.”
He reached into a drawer and handed her a small earpiece. “This is connected to one of my most trusted guards. He’ll be nearby, watching. If you ever feel unsafe, use this to call for help.”
Tears stung her eyes as she accepted the device. “Thank you, Father.”
“Be careful,” Alvada said firmly. “Kael is dangerous.”
That night, as she prepared for bed, her phone buzzed with a message from Dimitri. Attached was a file labeled “Evidence – Kael.”
Her heart pounded as she opened it, scrolling through the documents and photographs. Each piece was more damning than the last. There were detailed records of Kael’s involvement in political assassinations, transactions linked to bribes, and plans to dismantle her father’s government.
One document stopped her cold: “Operation Legacy – Phase Two: Neutralize Alvada family assets.”
Her hands shook as she read the final line: “Celestina Alvada – under observation. Action pending.”
The air seemed to leave the room as the weight of the evidence pressed down on her. Kael wasn’t just manipulating her—he was planning to eliminate her entirely.
