Celine's smile reflected at her in the mirror, radiating pure joy. Today was the day, her long-awaited wedding day. After six years of waiting, she was finally about to become Mrs. Walker. Her whole being buzzed with anticipation, filling the room with her infectious energy.
Leaving the mirror behind, Celine headed towards her walk-in closet, eager to select the perfect outfit for her pre-wedding hair and makeup session. Before she could reach the closet, a faint voice caught her attention from the next room. As curiosity piqued, Celine sneaked out from her walk-in closet to investigate. The sight that greeted her stopped her heart cold. Her world shattered into a thousand shards of betrayal as she beheld the scene unfolding before her.Leo, her soon-to-be husband, intimately engaged with her own aunt, Penelope.
Her breath hitched, a stifled sob catching in her throat as her heart shuddered into a million pieces. She blinked back tears, unable to tear her gaze away as she watched them discard their clothes, lust coursing through their bodies like wildfire.“This can't be real,” Celine mumbled in disbelief, her mind still struggling to process the scene before her.
Penelope was more than an aunt, she was a mother figure who had filled the void left by her late mother. The thought of this betrayal pierced her heart with jagged daggers.
From the shadows, she heard Penelope's voice laced with concern. “What if Celine comes in? We shouldn't do this here,” she whispered. Leo, his eyes burning with passion, responded with a scoff. “She won't come in.”“She’s too busy preparing for the wedding, her little brainless head is so focused on becoming Mrs. Walker,” he smirked, dismissing her concerns.
Celine stifled a sob, each word cutting deeper than the last. “Too dumb to even notice anything,” Penelope taunted. The hateful words only sharpened the blade of betrayal piercing Celine's heart.
“Let’s see who is dumb then,” Celine muttered under her breath, a fierce determination taking hold. With phone in hand, she recorded every gasp and moan, tears blurring her vision as the evidence mounted.
When their betrayal finally came to an end, Celine softly closed the door behind her, her lips set in a thin, fierce line. “You think I’m dumb? I’ll show you just how dumb I can be.” She whispered, her tears now fueled by a fierce, vengeful fire. Hours passed in the blink of an eye, the cold, empty feeling in Celine's chest a stark contrast to the beauty of her wedding gown.She gazed at her reflection, tears blurring the image of the bride she once dreamt of becoming.
The voice of Penelope broke through the silence, a forced smile plastered on her face.“You look beautiful,” she purred, her saccharine words grating against Celine's ears.
“Thank you,” Celine replied, her tone tight and controlled.
“Now, now, don’t look so glum,” Penelope chided. “Are you okay?”
Celine swallowed back a sob, her gaze cast downward. “I'm okay,” she whispered, “it's just… I’ve always wanted Fiona to be here for my wedding day, but her final year exams and our wedding being in Italy prevented that.” Her best friend Fiona had been by her side for eight years, and the fact that she couldn’t be here today was a dagger through Celine’s heart.
Penelope brushed a strand of hair from Celine's cheek, her smile almost predatory as she pulled Celine towards the mirror. “Don't worry about Fiona. She’s probably celebrating your special day in her own way,” Penelope soothed, her voice a sickly sweet balm.“Now, look at you!” She twirled Celine, allowing her to take in her bridal reflection. “You're about to marry the man of your dreams. Who needs Fiona when you have Leo?” Her words dripped with a mocking edge.
“I know your mother would be so proud of you,” she cooed, her eyes glittering with malice. “Even though she isn’t here with us today, she would want you to be happy.”
Celine’s smile was forced, bitter, and brittle as glass. “You’re the best,” she muttered through clenched teeth, shaking off Penelope’s attempts at consolation.
“Everyone is waiting for the bride,” Penelope urged, her smile nothing short of predatory. “It’s time to blind them with your beauty, my darling.” Celine nodded, her eyes hard and cold as she turned away from Penelope, completing the first step in her vengeful plan.As Celine made her way into the breathtaking seaside wedding venue, the enchanting ambiance seemed almost at odds with the poisonous bitterness in her heart.
Her eyes flitted about the crowd, her gaze landing on the wedding videographer. With a flash drive in hand, she approached him with a steady, confident step. “Hi, this is the wedding video,” she said, her voice carrying a note of finality.As she walked down the aisle, Celine's steps were weighted by the suffocating ache in her heart.
Her footsteps echoed through the room, every beat a reminder of the lies and betrayal that had led her here. Leo stood at the altar, a smile playing across his features. Celine forced a smile in return, refusing to let her true emotions show.“You look beautiful,” he whispered as she stopped before him, their eyes locking. Celine's mind spun, her heart heavy with the knowledge of his deception. But she kept her composure, ignoring the cold dread creeping into her bones.
The strains of a love song filtered through the air, a prelude to the chaos that was about to unfold. The MC's voice cut through the music, “Now let's take a look at the wonderful memories Leo and Celine have made during their six years together!”
The audience looked up expectantly as the screen came to life, showcasing a montage of pictures—a sweet remembrance of the life Celine had built with Leo. But then, a moan pierced the room, its vulgarity cutting through the sweetness like a jagged blade.All eyes widened in horror as the scene on the screen shifted to a startling, intimate view of Penelope and Leo, their naked bodies intertwined in sinful delight.
The crowd's gasps morphed into a chorus of horrified whispers, as Celine’s heart clenched in her chest, her face frozen in a mask of icy fury.
Penelope’s head snapped towards Celine, their eyes meeting across the room. Her expression contorted into a grotesque blend of shock and anger, but it was too late. Celine had the crowd's rapt attention, and she knew exactly how to play her hand.
“Celine, what the hell are you doing?” Leo’s voice was hoarse with rage, his face a mask of frustration and incredulity.
Celine’s expression remained impassive, her voice cool and calm as she spoke, “Oh, I’m sorry, Leo. Did I embarrass you? I was just trying to share a beautiful memory of our relationship.” The bitterness in her tone was unmistakable. Leo took a threatening step towards her, his voice low and dangerous, “You had no right to do that.”“I have every right,” Celine retorted, her voice dripping with venom. “After all, you and Penelope made this little video for all of us to enjoy. How could I deprive our guests of such a delightful wedding gift?”
Leo lunged forward, seizing her by the arm. “You’re insane. This is my wedding.” The muscles in his jaw twitched, his words dangerous and low. Celine’s smile turned sharp, a wolfish grin that promised blood. “Your wedding?”The crack of flesh against flesh echoed through the stunned silence like a gunshot, a startling echo of Celine’s rage. Leo’s cheek bloomed with the angry red mark of her hand, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief.
The audience gasped, some gasps turning into murmurs as they began to process what they had just witnessed.
Celine’s tears flowed freely, rivers of raw anguish and betrayal. “Six years, Leo. Six goddamn years, I’ve stood by your side!” she cried out, her voice breaking with pain.
Mira scoffed, a cruel smirk playing on her lips as she gestured to Celine with an exaggerated wave of her hand. “My mother’s better suited for him than you could ever be.”
“This wedding must be held, with or without you” Penelope said.
“She is old enough to be your mother!”
“Yet he chose me over you”
“I took you as a mother to me!” Her words were a desperate plea, but Penelope had already delivered her cruel retort, a vicious slap that stung both Celine’s cheek and her heart. “Shut your mouth, you spoiled brat!” Penelope hissed, her eyes flashing with malice. “Your mother is six feet under, rotting in the ground like the piece of filth she was.”“Get out.” Leo roared, his voice thunderous and final.
Celine’s vision blurred through a veil of tears, her heart shattering into a thousand pieces.Without a word, Celine tore through the hall, her feet barely touching the ground as she fled the ruined wedding like a runaway bride. Her tears and the long, billowing train of her dress streamed behind her, a waterfall of heartache. She had become a living cliché, a scene from a tragic fairy tale.
The evening had bled into the late hours of the night, casting its cloak of darkness over Celine as she sat alone on a park bench, sobbing. The world seemed to move on without her as passersby cast her furtive glances, a chorus of sidelong stares and muffled whispers.Her eyes stung, raw and dry from the endless stream of tears that had cascaded down her cheeks.As if guided by some invisible force, Celine found herself standing in front of a bar, its garish, flashing lights illuminating the thick haze of alcohol and smoke that wafted out onto the street.As the nauseating aroma of cheap booze and cigarettes filled her nostrils, Celine's voice, a ghostly whisper of her former self, “Just what I need.”With shaky steps, she waded into the bar, the din of drunken laughter and raucous chatter rising to meet her. Unseen eyes, weighted with judgment, tracked her progress as she slipped into a seat at the bar, her gaze fixed on the grimy countertop.The bartender, a man with a perpetual sco
The morning light filtered through the hotel room's blinds, casting a hazy glow over the unfamiliar surroundings. Celine’s eyes fluttered open, her mind slows to come to terms with the unfamiliarity of her environment. It was only when she felt a heavy weight around her waist that she realized with a start that she was not alone.The scream that almost escaped her lips was silenced by the throbbing pain of a hangover, but her heart was racing with uncertainty and fear.Celine's heart thundered in her chest as she took in the sight of the sleeping man beside her, his hands still wrapped around her waist in a slumbering embrace.As the memories of the previous night came flooding back, a wave of shame and horror washed over her, threatening to drown her in its icy waters.“Ugh! This is why I hate drinking,” she muttered, her voice barely a whisper, as she lay still, unwilling to rouse The Sleeping Beauty beside her and face the consequences of her actions.Celine’s movements were slow a
“Or What Sweetheart?” His eyes gave away his dangerous nature.“I’ll call the police,” she threatened, her voice wavering slightly as she realized that Erammno’s eyes, dark as a storm-tossed sea, held the promise of danger.He smirked, his hand reaching to brush the stray strands of hair from her face.“Don’t play with fire, Celine.” His voice held a note of threat, like a thin layer of frost coating her skin.“What if I do?” Celine asked, her voice tinged with curiosity despite the ever-present threat of Erammno’s presence.“I will make you regret it,” he warned, his words like ice shards cutting through her resistance.Scared, Celine averted her gaze, pleading with him. “Please, leave.”“I will give you twenty-four hours to reconsider.” He concluded, heading to the door, “Goodnight Celine.” His voice faded as he walked out with his guards.Celine immediately locked her door, her heart racing in fear. She hadn’t even realized that she had been holding her breath all along.Celine's f
Celine's heart thundered in her chest as the suited men closed in, the atmosphere becoming tense and threatening. Aaron looked to her for answers, his voice edgy with concern."Celine, what's happening?" he whispered urgently, his grip on her hand tightening as their pursuers bore down on them.She shot him a glance, her own panic evident on her face. "I'll explain everything later, but right now we need to get out of here."But their escape route was blocked. They found themselves cornered, the men closing in around them.In a flurry of confusion and terror, Celine was lifted off the ground, her protests muffled as she was slung over the shoulder of one of the suited men. Aaron, seeing this, rushed towards them with a fury only love can inspire. But his attempts to save her were met with resistance, the other guards quickly overpowering him."If you harm her, I'll kill you!" he bellowed, his eyes burning with the intensity of his threat.One of the suited men, his expression unreada
Ermanno 's voice drifted through the air, smooth as silk and heavy with meaning. "You amaze me, Celine."Every glance, every word from his lips sent her nerves skittering, leaving her unsure and uneasy."Would you like something to drink?" he inquired, his tone polite, yet tinged with something more sinister."No, I'm fine," Celine replied."Let's get down to business," he declared, as one of his henchmen presented the contract to Celine.Ermanno continued, his voice like steel"That's the contract. Take your time and read it."Celine rolled her eyes, her resolve hardening. "Like I have a choice," she muttered under her breath, glancing over the contract with a sense of inevitability.Ermanno 's voice dripped with mock sweetness. "Suit yourself, sweetheart," he drawled.Celine's voice wavered as she spoke. "I don't understand. Why five years?" she pleaded, her desperation palpable. "I don't want to be married to you for that long."Ermanno 's lips curved into a cruel smile. "There's
“I am inviting the gang.”Fiona's words made Celine stop mid-bite, her fork hanging in the air. "Who and who?" Celine asked, raising an eyebrow at Fiona."Mason, Julia, and Malakia with his girlfriend," Fiona listed off, causing Celine to groan."Not Malakia and his girlfriend! You know that girl hates me," Celine protested."Come on, take a chill pill," she chuckled, planting a kiss on Celine's forehead.Celine smiled and gestured towards the pot with her spoon. "Rest assured, But right now, you'd better grab a spoon and join me before this soup gets cold," Dusk was fast approaching, and Fiona was well on her way to getting dressed for the night. Her form-fitting gown hugged her curves, revealing just the right amount of skin. The low neckline accentuated her cleavage, and the hemline grazed the top of her thighs, leaving little to the imagination. Her loose bun complemented the overall alluring look, making her the perfect picture of a seductress.Celine was still wrapped in a tow
Celine's eyes fluttered open, a pounding headache muddying her senses. She found herself in an unknown room, trying to recall the events that had transpired before the dark veil of unconsciousness had descended upon her. As fragments of the previous night's events slowly filtered back into her memory, she realized the gravity of the situation—she had been drugged, but saved by Ermanno, swinging in like a dark knight to her rescue.Celine’s disorientation was amplified by her growing uneasiness as she scanned her surroundings. She gingerly picked up the pill and the cryptic note that seemed to promise relief, Her trembling hands barely cooperating, she reluctantly took the pill and murmured to herself, "Where am I?"The question echoed eerily in the unknown room, sending a wave of panic through her body. Just then, a disembodied voice pierced through the silence, sending a chill down her spine.Ermanno's sudden appearance at the door sent a jolt of nervous energy through Celine's body.
Fiona's laughter rang through the air, the amused cackle bouncing off the walls of the room.Celine, perplexed by her friend's reaction, tilted her head to the side in confusion. "What's so funny?" she asked."You're kidding me, right?" Fiona responded, a disbelieving smile spreading across her face. "You have a new boyfriend? In the span of what, a few days?" She shook her head in amusement.Celine, her expression serious and unwavering, spoke with the assurance of truth. "I'm not kidding, Fi. This is for real," she insisted.Fiona, taken aback by this sudden revelation, responded with a mix of surprise and concern. "That's unexpected, girl. It's only been a few days since...well, you know," she trailed off, a sympathetic look washing over her features.Celine, slumping against her bed and giving in to her exhaustion, asked, "Why is it so surprising?" She fixed Fiona with a weary gaze.Fiona threw her hands up in exasperation, her brow furrowed with concern. "You moved on so fast! Tw
Celine’s PovTwo months into our honeymoon, I still woke up every morning thinking I was dreaming. Travelling from one amazing location to another wrapped in Ermanno's love and possessiveness, it had been nothing less than delight. Whether it was kissing me in bed or dragging me into quiet nooks to whisper sinful things in my ear, he spoilt me nonstop. Breakfast in bed But most of all, I loved his attitude towards me, as if I were the only thing that counted in his life. Tonight was our special dinner, just the two of us away from security's view and free from distractions.I wanted to make it special, to remind him that my desire for him had only gotten stronger after two months, and to tease him. I walked in front of the mirror and rubbed my hands over the deep-red silk dress I had selected. The fabric was so smooth that it felt like a second skin, hugging my curves until it stopped just above my knees. It was his favourite, and I knew it. I had a wicked thought. I grinned to myse
Zelda’s POVThe hotel was exquisite,a place where the wealthy whispered about power over glasses of aged whiskey. But I wasn’t here for luxury. I had walked through its pristine halls with a single purpose. Every step I took echoed my resolve. When the elevator doors slid open, I kindly stepped into the private hallway leading to the penthouse suite.Two guards stood outside,their expressions unreadable. They didn’t quite question me, didn’t even flinch. They knew who I was. Or rather, who I was about to become. One of them quickly reached for the door handle,,pulling it open for me. As I stepped In gracefully,I caught the scent of something sterile beneath the rich fragrance of fresh lilies.The suite was massive, marble floors, crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the city beautiful skyline. But I barely noticed. My eyes sparkled as they landed on the two persons patiently waiting for me. Marco was very much relaxed on the couch,a full glass of whi
Ermanno’s POVThe first thing I noticed was her breathing, ragged, uneven,too fast. Celine lay beside me, her body rigid, her fingers clenching the sheets in a death grip.Her face is twisted in discomfort, a fine sheen of sweat glistening on her forehead despite the cool morning air drifting through the open balcony door. She is clearly having A nightmare. I immediately pushed myself up onto one elbow, watching her,my chest tightening at the sight of her in distress. I had seen her in many states, laughing, teasing, moaning my name, but never like this. I calmly brushed a strand of damp hair away from her pretty face and leaned closer. “Princess,” I whispered, my voice soft yet firm. I didn’t want to startle her, but i can’t let her be in distress much longer.Her lashes fluttered, but she did not wake up.I placed my cold palm gently on her cheeks.“wake up, Love. You’re safe.” A sharp hasty breath tore from her lips,and her eyes snapped open. Wide, panicked. For a second,s
Zelda’s POVThe scent of fucking damp stone and cigarette smoke lingered in the narrow alleyway,curling into my lungs as I steadied my breath. The moment I turned the corner,a very very rough hand grabbed my wrist, yanking me backward with enough force to make me stumble. “What the fuck!”My back hit the fucking brick wall, the cold surface pressing against my exposed skin.."Are you out of your fucking goddamn mind?" Marco hissed,his voice sharp but quiet enough to avoid drawing attention. His dark eyes burned into mine,his grip tight around my wrist,firm, commanding, but not painful.I met his icy dripping glare with an impassive look,tilting my head slightly. "Relax, Marco. It was just an accident."His scoff was laced with irritation. "An accident? So Out of all the people in this city, you just happened to bump into her? Who are you kidding, love?"I smiled slightly lazily. "Hmmmmmm… Maybe just maybe fate wanted me to see her, you know?"His jaw clenched, he looks hot when angry
Celine’s POV:“It’s so beautiful out here,” I mumbled, my eyes raised to meet his. Ermanno held my gaze just as softly as he held my hands.“But not as beautiful as you,” he grinned. I rolled my eyes. This man…“I love taking pretty little walks with you, princess,” He blurted out as I took in the scene.. Some people were selling street food, while others strolled by hand-in-hand, lovers, friends, families, adults, and children, it really, really amazes me.I leaned in and tiptoed as I placed a gentle kiss on his lips, but Ermanno pulled me in for a deeper kiss. Our tongues and lips played sinful games with one another. Placing my hand gently on hischest, I pulled away from the kiss, trapped in his Hunter eyes.“Fuck! I can’t seem to get enough of you.” he chuckled.I shyly blushed, glancing around,and noticed a woman selling flowers at her little stand just across the street on the other sidewalk.“Wait here, hun,” I said and rushed off before he could say anything. Just as I appr
Celine’s POV The crowd's frenzied energy intensified as our helicopter touched down at the airport, their excitement palpable as they caught sight of us. The security team struggled to keep the enthusiastic throng at bay, but it seemed like a losing battle. "I'm sure pictures of this are already circulating online," I mused, as I stood before the private jet, emblazoned with my name and signature. Ermanno's smile was affectionate as he gazed upon me, his pride evident. "That's yours, sweetheart," Ermanno murmured, wrapping his arms around me from behind. Confused, I turned to him, my expression a mix of surprise and incredulity. "Wait, really? That's my private jet?" "All yours," he confirmed with a grin. "I wanted to get you something special for our honeymoon, and what better way than your own private jet?" I was rendered speechless, the magnitude of his gift overwhelming me. "Really?" I repeated, still struggling to comprehend his extravagant gesture. "Yes, baby,"
Celine’s POVThey say nothing can prepare you for marriage. But I'll tell you what no one mentions: the sheer amount of sex.As I lie here, basking in the afterglow of the best night of my life, I have to wonder, "Can my body handle this? Can it take much more?" But despite the lingering exhaustion, I can't deny the happiness I feel.What could possibly go wrong? What could happen at this moment that could destroy the perfect life I've created for myself?"Good morning, my beautiful wife," a soft voice cooed from above.My eyes fluttered open, meeting the charming blue gaze of Ermanno. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I basked in the feeling of his gaze upon me."So this is love?" I mused silently, savoring the feeling."Hey," I managed to croak, my voice hoarse from thirst. Ermanno, always perceptive, noticed and quickly handed me a cup of water.As I downed the water in one gulp, Ermanno helped me sit up, his strong arms supporting my back. I savored the feeling of his to
Zelda’s PovIt wasn't me who was the problem. It was her, Celine Westfield, now Celine Vitale. She was the one who had captured his heart, keeping it for herself, leaving no room for me.She was the reason I lay here, my life slipping away in a pool of blood, while he stood there, shocked and helpless. And in my final moments, I realized that she was the reason why Ermanno had never chosen me.All that drama and heartbreak lay in the past now. After being rushed to the hospital and declared dead, I thought my journey on Earth was over. But fate had other plans. That night, a mixture of tears, prayers, and sheer determination brought me back from the brink.Though I lay in a coma for some time, clinging to life, my mother's love and faith proved to be the life force that sustained me. I was alive, but only just, and the long road to recovery had only just begun.For an entire year, I lingered in that coma, caught between life and death. And when I awoke, the world was a d
Zelda’s POV Mrs. Vitale...Celine Vitale. The words were strange and unfamiliar on my tongue. Trust me, I am happy for her. As I watched her walk towards the altar, her dress shimmering like moonlight on a lake, a peaceful smile graced my lips. She looked perfect, like a vision straight out of a fairytale, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for my dear friend. And oh Gosh! Their vows, it was heart warming, touchy, full of love and adoration. Don’t ask me how I got into their wedding, uninvited. But I mean, I am an old friend of theirs so I guess I have all the rights to be present. Looking down at the flash drive in my hand, I couldn't help but think that this would make the perfect wedding gift for them. After all, what better way to celebrate the union of Mr. Manipulator and Mrs. Damsel in Distress than with a little "gift" from their past? They deserved it, if you ask me. I dialed a number, a number that would soon change everything. The voice on the other end wa