Chapter 63: Confession

Celine was in a daze, her gaze fixed on the ocean's endless blue horizon. Her mind was a whirlwind of questions, her heart heavy with worry and uncertainty.

A knock sounded at the door, jolting Celine out of her reverie. She walked towards the door with deliberate steps, as if each one were another nail in her coffin. And there, on the other side, stood her father, Aaron.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" Celine asked, her voice tinged with surprise. "How did you know I was here?"

"Don't worry about that, child," Aaron said with a reassuring smile, his voice a comforting balm. "Can I come in?"

Celine nodded, stepping aside to let her father enter. The door clicked shut behind him, and he made his way to the couch, settling into the soft cushions.

Celine sat next to him, her eyes fixed on the floor. Her father studied her, taking in the dark circles under her eyes, the tightness of her shoulders, and the tension radiating from her body.

"How are you?" Aaron asked gently, his voice low an