Celeste's POV
"Wait… you mean you and Damien haven't spoken for a while now?"
Sofia's voice carried a mix of disbelief and curiosity as she turned slightly in her seat, her eyes narrowing at me.
I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, my gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead. The afternoon sun filtered through the windshield, casting a soft glow across my face but it did nothing to ease the tension building inside me.
"To be honest, Sofia… I don't even know what to say anymore," I admitted, my voice quieter than I intended. My lips pressed together briefly before I continued. "Sometimes I wonder if I made a mistake signing that document with him… or if I should've just walked in there and called him an imposter or something."
Sofia let out a short breath, shaking her head slowly. "But you were the one at fault, you know."
My head snapped toward her for a split second before I returned my eyes to the road, my brows pulling together sharply.
"Wow," I scoffed, my voice rising. "Now you're taking his side?"
"Celeste—"
"Aren't you supposed to be on my side?" I cut in, my tone sharper now, frustration creeping in.
"Not like that," she said firmly, turning her body fully toward me. "According to what you told me, he signed the document by mistake and that mistake happened because you mistook him for your online boyfriend."
I let out a frustrated laugh, shaking my head. "And how was I supposed to know? The idiot gave me such a stupid description!"
I waved one hand briefly in the air before gripping the wheel again. "You know what? Let's not even talk about it. They're all a bunch of fools."
Sofia chuckled softly, watching me with knowing eyes, her head tilting slightly. "You need him, though. So don't take everything so personally, okay?"
I sighed deeply, my shoulders slumping slightly.
"Gosh… I can't wait for this to be over," I muttered. "I just want to be a free woman again. I can't stand his existence as a husband."
Sofia raised a brow, studying me carefully.
"By the way… what made you want to attend this get together party ?" she asked. "I thought you hated being around those girls."
"I do," I replied flatly, my lips tightening. "But it's not worth it."
She hummed thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Hmm… What are you hiding from me?"
I let out a small chuckle, shaking my head. "Nothing, my friend. I just thought… We used to be close back in school. And I didn't attend last year's get together, so… I guess it's only fair that I show up this time."
I rolled my eyes slightly. "So they don't start calling me proud."
Sofia laughed softly. "Yeah, I know you."
There was a brief pause before I glanced at her, a faint smile forming.
"So… how was your crazy night?" I asked.
Her cheeks flushed instantly, a shy smile spreading across her lips as she looked away.
"Let's not talk about it," she murmured. "You'll make me miss him."
I smirked, shaking my head. "I can already tell you loved it."
"Yes!" she squealed suddenly, her excitement bursting through, before lowering her voice again. "But honestly, Celeste… you need a man."
I groaned softly. "Here comes your preaching…"
"I'm serious," she said, her tone softening. "I know you hate men, they disgust you, I get it. But you need to feel alive again."
Her words hit deeper than I expected.
"You've mourned him enough," she continued gently. "I know you loved him… but he's gone. And I'm sure he'd want you to be happy."
My fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel.
"You deserve more, Celeste. You deserve a child… a life… your mom—"
I turned my face toward the window abruptly, cutting her off.
"Let's just focus on the event, Sofia. Please."
My voice was quiet but firm. The conversation ended there.
A few minutes later, we arrived at the venue, it was already buzzing with laughter, chatter, and clinking glasses.
"Stay close to me," Sofia whispered as we stepped out of the car.
I chuckled lightly. "Relax."
We walked in together, our hands brushing slightly as we moved through the entrance.
"SOFIA!" A loud, excited voice rang out.
Daisy rushed toward us, her heels clicking rapidly against the floor, her arms wide open as she pulled Sofia into a tight hug before turning to me.
"Celeste!" she squealed, hugging me just as tightly. "Look at you, you look amazing as always! And you finally decided to attend!"
I smiled politely, returning the hug. "I'm sorry, Daisy. I've just been busy with work."
She waved it off with a laugh. "I understand."
Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "So… how's your husband?"
Sofia only smiled, clearly avoiding the question.
"Come on, let's sit!" Daisy said, grabbing our hands as she led us to a long table where the others were already seated.
The moment I sat down beside Sofia, I felt their stares and whispers.
"Well, well… Celeste actually showed up," someone said within themselves
I smiled faintly, nodding politely as greetings and hugs went around. Conversations overlapped everyone talking at once, catching up, laughing. But me? I stayed quiet, Observing and Listening to them while they talked about their lives and families.
"So, Celeste," Naomi's voice cut through, sharp and deliberate. "How have you been coping… without a husband?"
I turned to her slowly, a calm smile settling on my lips even though I could see the mockery in her eyes.
Naomi had always been like this.. always measuring herself against me, always coming up short.
"I've been good," I replied smoothly. "Taking care of my late husband's business."
She smirked slightly. "I see. So… you're still not married? Or you just don't want children?"
I let out a soft chuckle.
"Well… I actually did get married."
That caught their attention.
"Wait—you did?" Daisy leaned forward, eyes wide with excitement. "Why didn't you tell us?"
Before I could answer—
"Maybe her husband isn't rich enough," Naomi cut in smoothly. "Or not up to her standards."
I ignored her.
"I'm sorry, Daisy," I said warmly. "Damien doesn't like the spotlight, so we had a simple wedding."
Daisy froze
.
"…Wait. Damien?" she repeated slowly. "You mean Damien from the Scotland Group?"
I nodded, maintaining my composure.
Her face lit up instantly. "Oh my God congratulations!"
"Congratulations!" the others echoed. All except Naomi.
I smiled gracefully. "Thank you."
The conversation shifted quickly after that.
Soon, the table buzzed with a different kind of discussion, one that made me slightly uncomfortable. They talked about their relationships, their men, experiences, even their intimate lives openly, shamelessly, laughing and teasing one another.
I sat quietly, my fingers wrapped around my glass listening carefully to all of them while I smiled when needed but with every word they spoke… my mind began to wander.
Images formed as I imagined moments, a life I never had or I used to have.
A life I wasn't sure I even wanted with someone else but somehow, I still longed for.
I took another sip then, another.
The burn of the drink was nothing compared to the quiet ache forming in my chest.
Sofia's words echoed in my mind…..You need to feel alive again.
I stared down at my glass, my reflection faintly staring back at me.
Maybe…She was right.
I needed a man to make me feel like a woman again.