Chapter 4

Chapter 4

After the fight between Anthony and Dave, Celeste rushed to her home. So many things occupy her mind.

Three years ago 

Her dad is a mafia boss. The bloody enemy even reached their home. While dodging the bullets she fell from the stairs. But luckily she escaped the cataclysmic place. 

Tonight she felt the same sort of confusion and anxiety. Somehow this guy, Anthony brings strange feelings in her ... .as if she knew him from her past. 

Her father was watching a football match on the television and smiled after Celeste walked in. “You're home early today my child?”

Unlike earlier Tom discovered Celeste's face was not glowing. After the heavy tips she got from club members Celeste would buy food and medicines for him and Lucy while coming home. Tonight her hands were empty and she was earlier than time. The enthusiasm in her eyes was missing. She slumped on the couch feeling worn out. Did she lose her job here too? Tom was worried.

He hated his dependence upon his daughter. But did he have a choice? “Is everything alright with you, Celeste? Are you drunk again tonight?”

Both her parents love her so much that after she was born to them they did not opt for a second child. 

But everything turned topsy after Tom lost his leg. All his deals failed. The men whom he called his ‘most trusted’ plowed holes on his back exploiting his handicap. As a result his whole mafia empire crumpled.

All the wealth he amassed over the years went away boiled like smoke. Her father became a gambler to fetch money for his family and ran under debts everywhere. Her mom became a drug addict unable to see the pain of her father and at a young age of eighteen Celeste had to shoulder the responsibility of her family.

She completed her fashion designing course with great difficulty working two shifts per day at the cafeteria nearby but it felt like God hadn't tested her enough. She ran out of jobs everywhere she applied with her designs.

“There is something I need to talk to you, dad. A guy called Anthony frequents my club. He watches me like a ‘stick in the mud’ all night and asks me for a dance which I kept denying till date. 

No sooner did Celeste utter the name Anthony, the serens feelings on Tom’s erstwhile features changed to tsunami. “You keep asking me how I lost my leg. It is because of this devil. Stay away from him.” He warned in fury.

That was so sudden and unexpected. Celeste was flabbergasted after hearing the news about his leg from Tom. All this while she thought her father lost his leg in an accident because that was what her mom told her.

Celeste understood her parents hid many things from her about their past. But why? Wasn’t she their daughter to share their grief and pain? She had never seen such fury in the eyes of her father. “Anthony Rodriguez, is a predator CEO who rules his criminal empire Night Eagles with an iron fist.”

Celeste’s eyes were wide like saucers at the breaking narration of her father about the guy. “Is he from the mafia?” 

“Yes Princess and he is lying to you. I owe him nothing. He cheated upon me by making a trade against my knowledge while both of us were partners. When I came to know about it and reprimanded a reply, he did this to me.” Tom showed his amputated leg to Celeste.

It was Celeste’s turn to get angried this time. “How could he make such a grave lie to me?” She whispered in disgust. All the erstwhile feelings for him in her mind vanish away like thick smog.

Tom continued. “Because of the failed deal there was a mafia war between Night Eagles and Dare Devils. He broke my leg because I questioned his dishonesty towards me. He is the reason for all the troubles our family is facing today. I kept you away from him all this while but now that he caught you he wants to destroy you too like me. He is an anthropoid under the disguise of an Angel. His words are very sweet but they are only a trap. I suffered a lot due to him and I'm still suffering but I will not let that happen to you.”

Celeste took the hand of her father in consolation and shared. “The Micromax owner Dave often asks me on a date. Anthony destroyed everything when he found me talking to him.”

“Do you Dave Hawkins? Is he interested in you?” Tom held the chin of Celeste in tender love and asked her in a sweet surprise.

“I think so, dad. But I'm only a stripper. We are their play toys. Men don't seek us as wife material.” There was wetness in the eyes of Celeste.

Tom wiped the tears of Celeste. “Dave’s father is a good friend of mine. He earlier worked with me for Dare Devils. I don't think Dave would have any objection to marrying you. It is obvious that he is attracted to you if he frequents the club to talk to you. You are very beautiful and kind, the choice of every man. If you are comfortable with the thought of marrying him, I will talk…”

Celeste did not allow Tom to complete his sentence. “I hate marriage, dad.” 

While speaking, she ends up with the sharp gaze of the monster who eyes her like a hawk all through her dance at the club. She knew she was trying to be the Eve to taste the forbidden fruit. How can his touch make her ache with such need? Celeste hates him when her dad says Anthony is the reason for all the catastrophe in her life. He wants to claim a debt from her dad from her quivering body. So how can his touch make her ache with such need? Her thoughts were interrupted by the words of her dad.

“Do not talk so negatively, Celeste. I'm sorry you had to experience the most sinful things in life at such a tender age. But everything that you see is not true. Maybe your future days are turning out to be good. I have seen Dave grow up right in front of my eyes. He is understanding and a good person.” 

The next morning when she woke up little did Celeste know she was going to expect the unexpected from her father.