After Semion and Celeste's solo dance, other couples who wanted to dance started to take to the dance floor."Semion, I just need to talk to someone for a moment, entertain your friends for a while," Celeste said as she released her hold on Semion's arm."Huh? Where are you going?" Semion asked with a furrowed brow, reaching out for her hand.A mischievous smile played on Celeste's lips. "I'm just going to see my friends.""Oh," Semion realized what Celeste meant from the conversation he overheard earlier from the wireless earphones. "Sure, have fun. I'll be over there if you need me.""Okay." They parted ways.At that moment, Veron, Ranina, and Anetta, who had been silent since Celeste left them standing at their stand-up table, couldn't find the words to describe the series of events that had unfolded tonight. They were all stunned.Veron, who had been leading the insults and teasing against Celeste, now felt a flutter of nerves in her chest. She had wanted to leave this place and g
"Luca, where's your brother and Celeste?" Isabella, Luca's mom, furrowed her brow as she approached the table where Luca was seated.Luca, who was eating pasta and had been observing the events inside the ballroom, responded promptly. "They went up to the third floor, probably to their room.""Oh? The party isn't over yet; they still need to say goodbye to our guests since they're the hosts here. Have they been gone for long?""About thirty minutes ago. Maybe they're feeling sick because they drank too much. I heard they had several shots of the strongest alcohol in the world," Luca added, pondering. "I wonder when I will taste it too?""What?" Isabella's eyes widened. "How did that alcohol end up at their party? And how will they end this if they suddenly disappear?""I don't know why you're asking me, Mom? You and Dad are here. You can take over."Isabella let out a sigh. "Alright, I'll go check on them. Your dad is tired too, and he's been resting since earlier. I don't want to fac
At Allegra's Residence...Darson received a strong slap from his father, Demetrio. He clenched his fists and kept his head bowed, unable to withstand his father's piercing gaze."Idiot! Do you even realize the trouble you've brought upon the entire family?!" his father bellowed in anger. "What possessed you to cause such a scene in that place? Who are you to order around your former wife like that?! You've shown everyone how you can just treat her however you want! Surely, people sympathize with her now!"He bit his tongue forcefully, restraining himself from retorting to his father, knowing he'd just end up getting beaten again."Yes, I know it's surprising that a great woman like her sided with the heir of Lombardi! But it was totally wrong of you to react like that! What?! Do you have feelings for her and it's affecting you?!" his father almost shouted, veins bulging with rage.Darson's eyes widened, his tongue bleeding from the bite as he calmly looked at his father and replied. "
The sun's rays peeked into the room where Semion and Celeste lay entwined on the bed. Both of them were naked, a bit sticky but very comfortable in that position.When Celeste moved and attempted to turn over to face Semion, he didn't allow her to move, instead, his arms tightened around her body."Mmm," Celeste complained in her sleep, trying to figure out what weight was pressing on her and preventing her from moving.Not only that, she felt her body as if it had been run over by a truck, particularly her private parts. Sticky and uncomfortable, she wanted to take a shower to feel refreshed."Don't move, sleep more," a soft, sleepy voice whispered in her ear as her face was nuzzled into a firm chest and a heavy leg was draped over her side."Uhm!" Celeste couldn't breathe properly and finally became aware. "I-I can't breathe! It's heavy!" She tapped on the man's chest, arms, and back."Hm?" Because of that, Semion also opened his eyes and loosened his embrace on the woman slightly.
Celeste had already eaten several hotdogs and eggs before she noticed the eyes fixed on her at the dining table. Her Aunt Isabella, Uncle Alessandro, and even Val were smiling at her."Is there something you want to say?" she asked shyly."Oh, nothing, nothing," Aunt Isabella waved it off. "You seem tired from last night, so go ahead, eat some more!" Her smile lingered, hinting at something. "Selya! Bring more dishes so Celeste can eat.""Yes, Seniora~""Um, I'm already full, Auntie, I might not be able to handle more!" she declined, not used to eating a lot. In fact, she was accustomed to eating only what was in front of her at the dining table, following etiquette. But now, she was being offered foods that were unfamiliar to her."You eat so little, dear," Primo Alessandro spoke up. "You won't get full like that. Look how skinny you are. You need some flesh and muscles like Valentina.""Daddy, she looks fine with her body type, maybe she's just not chubby or muscular," Valentina ret
"Formal invitations for our wedding have been sent out one by one." Semion stated with a blank expression. "The Allegra family is included. Here's the list of invitees. Do you have anyone else you'd like to add?"Celeste read through the pieces of paper containing the names of the guests invited to their wedding. Her fake friends were there, as well as the people who had once looked down on her when her family fell apart."Um, Semion, if it's possible, I'd like to invite a few more people to the wedding.""Sure, who are they?" Semion leaned back on the black couch in the living room."They're farmers from our family. Because I've been mourning so much in the past years and months, I haven't been able to check on them. I don't want them to think that the Costas have completely disappeared while I'm still here. They're almost like family to us, so I want this wedding to be more than just a show." Celeste explained."Hmm, sure. Should I send them an invitation letter as well, or do you w
"Is this your province, Celeste?" Valentina asked her, stuttering.They gazed upon a place that had been almost stripped of trees and plants. The once lush landscape was now bald, with only patches of grass and rice paddies. The beauty of the buildings that once stood there was also gone, with most of them now abandoned.Celeste hurriedly headed towards the riverbank where the beauty of the place used to be showcased. But she was surprised to see piles of garbage littering the surroundings. There were metal barriers blocking their way to the riverbank, making it seem like a private bathing area had been set up."What happened here?" she couldn't believe what she was seeing. The beauty she had expected from their province was nowhere to be found.This was the land of the Costa family, registered under Celeste's name. So she knew it couldn't be easily taken away by their relatives, especially while she was still alive."Come on, let's go visit Mama Lordes!" she hurriedly said, leading th
“I’m so sorry for the rough first impression I made on you all,” Lordes apologized to the elegant guests accompanying Celeste in her hut.The three of them responded immediately, with Valentina’s voice standing out. “Auntie, don’t worry about us. We understand your situation. We’re not here to be served; in fact, we’re here hoping to win your favor.” Valentina gave a warm smile.This behavior was unfamiliar to Luca and Semion. They weren’t used to their sister’s softer tone.“Oh, come now! You’re my guests, of course I’ll serve you,” Lordes started to stand from her wooden chair, then realized something. Embarrassed, she scratched her head. “But I’m sorry, my son Felip didn’t make any money from the fields today, so I don’t have anything prepared for you.”“Auntie, you don’t need to worry about us,” Valentina said sincerely. “If you would accept what we have to offer, we’d be delighted. But it seems like you and Celeste have more pressing matters to discuss right now, so we’ll hold off