Chapter 80
Kael’s demeanor had shifted, and Celestina could feel it. Over breakfast, he casually placed his coffee cup down and looked at her with an unreadable expression.
“I’ve been thinking, Celestina,” he began, his tone calm but laced with intent. “It’s time you distanced yourself from your father’s politics.”
Celestina froze mid-sip, her hand trembling slightly. “What do you mean?”
Kael leaned back in his chair, studying her carefully. “Your father has too many enemies, and his position puts you in constant danger. If you’re no longer seen as part of his circle, you’ll be safer—and it’ll strengthen our independence as a couple.”
Celestina forced a smile, her stomach knotting. “You think distancing myself from my own father is the answer?”
Kael smiled faintly, though his eyes were sharp. “It’s the only logical move. I’ll handle everything else. You just need to trust me.”
Celestina nodded, though her heart raced. His push to separate her from her father wasn’t about safety—it was about control.
The charity gala that evening was Kael’s idea, presented as an opportunity to rebuild her public image. The grand hall was filled with glittering chandeliers, flowing gowns, and the hum of polite conversation.
“You look beautiful tonight,” Kael said, guiding her into the room with a hand on her back. His smile was warm, but Celestina couldn’t shake the feeling that his touch felt more like possession than affection.
As the evening progressed, Celestina noticed Kael speaking to various people in hushed tones, his smile tight, his gestures controlled. She wanted to ask him what he was planning, but before she could, he approached her with an announcement.
“They want to hear from you,” he said, his tone insistent. “Take the stage and say a few words.”
Celestina hesitated. “I didn’t prepare anything.”
“You’ll be fine,” Kael said, his grip on her arm tightening slightly. “They love you. Just speak from the heart.”
Reluctantly, she stepped onto the stage, her heart pounding as she faced the crowd. The bright lights made it hard to see the audience clearly, but she took a deep breath and began to speak.
“Thank you all for being here tonight,” she said, her voice steady despite the anxiety clawing at her. “Your support means everything to us as we work toward a brighter future for everyone.”
Just as she started to continue, a sharp creak echoed through the hall. She glanced upward in time to see one of the massive chandeliers swaying ominously.
Her eyes widened. “What—”
The chandelier suddenly broke free, crashing to the stage just feet away from where she stood. The impact sent shards of glass flying, and screams erupted from the crowd.
Kael was the first to reach her, pulling her off the stage as security rushed forward. “Are you hurt?” he demanded, his hands gripping her shoulders.
“No,” she said, her voice trembling. “I’m fine.”
He exhaled deeply, pulling her into his arms. “Thank God.”
But as Celestina clung to him, her mind raced. The chandelier fall didn’t feel like an accident—it felt like a warning. Or worse, a test.
Late that night, after Kael had fallen asleep, Celestina slipped out of bed and made her way to the library. She had arranged to meet Dimitri there, away from prying eyes.
“Dimitri,” she whispered as he stepped out of the shadows.
“Celestina,” he said, his voice soft but urgent. “Are you alright? I heard about the gala.”
“I’m fine,” she said quickly, though her hands still trembled. “But it wasn’t an accident. I’m sure of it.”
Dimitri’s jaw tightened. “Kael’s escalating. He’s testing you, pushing boundaries to see how far he can go before you break.”
“I don’t know how much longer I can do this,” she admitted, her voice breaking.
Dimitri reached out, gripping her hand firmly. “You can. And you will. You’re stronger than you think, Celestina. And you’re not alone.”
She nodded, wiping her tears. “I found a way to give you access to his files. But we have to act fast—he’s starting to suspect me.”
Dimitri nodded. “Send me what you can, and I’ll handle the rest. We’re close, Celestina. We just need to hold on a little longer.”
The following morning, Kael’s suspicions became more apparent.
“You seemed restless last night,” he remarked over breakfast, his tone light but probing. “I didn’t hear you come to bed until late.”
Celestina’s heart skipped a beat, but she forced a smile. “I couldn’t sleep, so I went to the library to read.”
Kael nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. “You’ve been spending a lot of time alone lately. I hope you’re not overthinking things.”
“I’m fine,” she replied quickly.
“Good,” Kael said, his smile faint. “Because I wouldn’t want you to feel like you can’t trust me.”
His words sent a chill down her spine, and she forced herself to nod. “Of course not.”
That evening, as Celestina sat alone in her room, her phone buzzed with a message. She picked it up, her breath catching as she read Dimitri’s words:
“You need to leave. Tonight. Trust no one but me.”
