DISCLAIMER: This is a creative creation of the writer. All names, personalities, organizations, settings, events, and scenarios are made up. Any resemblance to real individuals, living or dead, or to actual events is entirely coincidental.
The next day, Celeste woke up feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. She stretched her body and enjoyed a light breakfast.
"Madam, you have three meetings scheduled for today," Gianne informed her over the phone.
Celeste checked her schedule and replied, "Okay. Did Dad mention anything about meeting him?"
"Yes, madam. He mentioned around lunchtime would be suitable," Gianne confirmed.
"Alright. I'll head to the office now," Celeste said before ending the call.
She grabbed her keys and headed to her car. On the way, she noticed an old man asking for money to buy food. Touched by his plight, she decided to stop and offer him some help.
Rolling down her window, Celeste said, "Uncle, I want to give you this. I hope you and your family can have something to eat."
"Thank you, young lady. What is it you want in return?" the old man asked.
Celeste shook her head and replied, "I'm alright. I just hope you can spend some time with your family." With that, she drove off, feeling a sense of fulfillment from helping someone in need.
And with that, she resumed her journey, driving carefully along the road. Unbeknownst to her, a celestial magic unfolded around the old man she had helped.
"I will bless that kind-hearted woman," The Almighty smiled.
Meanwhile, in the meeting room, Celeste engaged in discussions with businessmen regarding various projects, their progress, and related matters.
"Additionally, do you think it's possible to complete the project within five months?" the old man inquired.
Celeste responded confidently, "Yes, it is. However, considering the timeframe, I propose exploring alternative options. Would you be open to that?"
The young man interjected cautiously, "Isn't that risky?"
Celeste maintained her composure, replying, "Are you afraid of taking risks?"
"We just want to ensure that the investment won't be in vain," the young man explained.
With controlled emotion, Celeste proposed a deal, "How about this? If I fail to complete the project within five months, you can determine the consequences. But if I succeed, the terms will be reversed. What do you all think?"
After some deliberation, everyone agreed to Celeste's proposal, signaling the end of the meeting. Despite the successful negotiation, Celeste still felt the weight of pressure looming over her.
Amidst the tension, Valentino paid his sister a surprise visit.
"Why do you seem so tense, sister?" Valentino inquired, noticing her demeanor.
Celeste turned around, "Brother, what brings you here?"
"I'm just here to check on you, regarding the projects and your health as well. I heard from Dad that you've been stressed lately," Valentino explained, gently holding her hand.
Celeste smiled, "Don't worry about me, brother. How's your work going?"
"As usual, filling in my paperwork, but I was thinking of joining you," Valentino replied.
Celeste raised her eyebrows, "Did dad call you too?"
"Yes. Come, I'll be with you," Valentino said, leading her to the Chairman's office.
Valentino knocked before entering the office, gesturing for Celeste to take a seat first. Celeste grabbed a coffee candy from the table while waiting.
"How are you and your bodyguard?" Valentino inquired.
Celeste replied casually, "Do you mean Leviathan?"
Valentino nodded, "Yes."
Celeste paused, considering her response. "Well… he's good," she replied, her voice trailing off slightly.
He takes a sip of his drink as Syron enters the office, carrying documents that Valentino had prepared and placed on the table. Syron settled into his seat, initiating the conversation.
"Did you both wait long?" Syron inquired.
"We've just arrived," Celeste replied.
"Oh, I see," Syron acknowledged, glancing at them both.
Valentino seized the moment. "It's time to tell her, Dad."
"What is it you're going to tell me, Dad?" Celeste leaned forward, curious.
Syron took a deep breath, his expression grave. "I made a deal."
"What do you mean?" Celeste's confusion deepened.
Syron reached out, taking her hand gently. "I made a deal for marriage."
"Marriage?" Celeste glanced at her brother for confirmation.
Valentino interjected, "Dad wants you to get married."
"What's going on here?" Celeste's expression shifted to one of confusion and concern.
Syron clarified, "It's actually an arranged marriage."
"With whom?" Celeste withdrew her hand from his grasp.
Syron revealed that it was a young man, showing her a picture. Celeste felt a chill run down her spine when she recognized the somewhat familiar face.
"Him?" Celeste's finger hovered over the image.
Syron explained, "He's the son of your mother's old friend."
"Why does it have to be him?" Celeste's frustration was palpable.
Valentino sympathized with her, knowing she disliked discussing such matters. But it was necessary for her to be informed before events unfolded beyond her control.
Syron reached out, offering her a hug. "It's for your own good."
"You know I don't want to marry, remember?" Celeste's expression grew somber.
Syron pressed on, "I know. But I want you to understand that if one day I'm not here anymore, you'll have someone by your side."
"Dad... We've already had this conversation..." Celeste's weariness was evident. It felt like an obligation imposed upon her from the very beginning, despite her reluctance.
Syron hugged her, gently patting her back to offer some comfort. He understood that she needed to vent her feelings. Valentino, witnessing his sister's vulnerability for the first time, felt a pang of sympathy.
Celeste detested revealing her vulnerabilities, having been raised to be independent and resilient. She believed in projecting toughness to inspire others to improve themselves.
"Thank you for telling me, Dad," Celeste said, her breath shaky.
Syron nodded, concern etched on his face. "Feeling better now?"
"Yes. I'll consider it, but please don't pressure me, okay?" Celeste cautioned him.
Valentino chimed in, "Will three days be enough for you to decide?"
"Maybe. I'll let you know, Dad. I'm going to head out now." Celeste bowed slightly before quietly exiting the room.
She stormed to the parking area, frustration pulsing through her veins. The recurring topic of marriage left her feeling enraged, and she longed for solitude to sort through her thoughts.
'What now?' she pondered, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. 'Should I entertain the idea of marriage?'
As she contemplated, a strange sense of familiarity washed over her, akin to déjà vu. The image of the man Syron had shown her, the prospective groom, bore a striking resemblance to Leviathan. Celeste gnawed on her lip, perplexed by the coincidence.
Suddenly, Leviathan appeared before her, catching her off guard. Celeste's reflexes kicked in, and she instinctively lashed out, punching him in the chest.
"AH! Why are you here?" she exclaimed, startled by his sudden appearance.
Leviathan approached her, his touch softening as he reached for her face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," he murmured.
Celeste forced a grin, her heartbeat gradually slowing as she regained her composure. "Alright," she replied tersely.
Leviathan drew closer, locking eyes with her in a moment of intensity. "I've missed you," he confessed, a grin tugging at his lips.