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.
Matthew fetched a glass of wine and approached Levi's door, knocking before entering.
"Sir," he greeted.
Levi turned towards him. "Good timing. Take a seat."
"What is it?" Matthew asked as he sat down.
Levi handed him a file. "Take a look."
"When?" Matthew quickly scanned the contents.
"Tomorrow. Make sure to get everything in place," Levi instructed.
"Got it. Is there anything else?" Matthew inquired, preparing to leave.
Levi chuckled. "Get an extra suit."
"What for?" Matthew looked puzzled.
Levi gestured towards him. "Just in case something goes wrong."
"Okay," Matthew replied before leaving.
Meanwhile, Celeste was on-site, meticulously inspecting the packages to ensure they were processed correctly. She made comments on the process and took some notes as she worked.
"I think changing the design will make it better," Celeste commented, observing the workers nod in agreement.
"Understood, madam," they acknowledged.
As Celeste strolled back to her car, she noticed her phone ringing. Without hesitation, she answered the call.
"Hello, Levi. What is it?" Celeste pinched the bridge of her nose, anticipating another demand or request.
"Come," Levi's voice was brief and direct.
"Where?" Celeste frowned, seeking clarification.
"I'll send you the address," Levi responded.
"Okay. I'll head there afterward," Celeste ended the call with a sigh.
'What is it this time?' Celeste wondered.
Later in the evening, Levi sent her the address to a party. Celeste recognized the name of the woman celebrating, as she had interacted with her before.
She entered the venue and presented her invitation.
"Thank you," she acknowledged with a polite nod.
Inside, the room buzzed with activity as the party was already underway. Celeste found her assigned seat and settled in, awaiting Levi's arrival.
"It seems you've also made an appearance," Vince remarked as he sat beside her.
Celeste turned to him with surprise. "Vince. What a surprise."
"Indeed. I'm delighted to see you again," Vince said, kissing her hand gallantly.
Celeste chuckled softly. "Daring as always."
"You know me," Vince quipped, accompanied by a playful wink.
Meanwhile, Levi observed the interaction between Celeste and Vince, feeling a pang in his chest. However, he chose not to confront them, opting instead suppressing his burgeoning feelings for her.
"Is she here yet?" Levi asked Matthew.
"She's entering now, sir," Matthew reported.
"Good. Let us begin," Levi nodded in response.
The host announced, "She's a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, a phenomenal actress for many years. The one and only, Lady Yttri!"
Yttri gracefully waved her hand as she made her way onto the red carpet, her smile radiant as the paparazzi clamored to capture her image.
"Thank you so much, everyone, for attending tonight. I also want to express my gratitude to my beloved friend, Leviathan, for organizing this event for me," Yttri said, casting a warm smile in Levi's direction.
Leviathan responded graciously, "The pleasure is all mine."
"Furthermore, I have a new upcoming movie, and I hope you'll all watch it," Yttri continued.
Leviathan discreetly signaled to her, "It is time."
"Lastly, I have a special announcement. I know this is unexpected, but I'm getting engaged," Yttri revealed, displaying a ring on her finger while locking eyes with Leviathan.
The spotlight shifted to Leviathan, leaving the audience shocked by the revelation. Leviathan joined Yttri on stage.
He tenderly kissed her forehead. "Thank you, darling," he whispered, adding softly, "Well done. Keep up the acting, Yttri."
"No, thank you," Yttri replied with a smile.
The paparazzi chimed in, "We are hoping for the best."
Witnessing the scene unfold, Celeste felt a surge of pain. She stood up from the table, but Vince intercepted her, pulling her into a comforting hug.
"Calm down, Celeste," Vince urged, his expression filled with concern.
Celeste chuckled, attempting to dismiss his worries. "I'm fine, Vince. There's nothing to worry about."
"You're not fine. I know you, Celeste. Let me see your face," Vince persisted.
Celeste pulled away from his grasp. "Enough, Vince. It's none of your business! Stay out of it!"
"I didn't mean to. I'm sorry," Vince apologized, taken aback by her sharp tone.
In a cold expression, Celeste retorted, "Know your place."
With a pain in her stomach, Celeste walked out, forgetting to eat as she drove to the party. As she reached for the car door, a hand stopped her.
"I told you to mind your own business, Vince!" Celeste shouted, assuming it was him.
But to her surprise, it was Leviathan standing there with a serious expression.
"L-Le-Leviathan? What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with your fiancée?" Celeste stammered, feeling embarrassed for her outburst.
Leviathan moved closer. "Why are you mad, hm?"
"I'm not in the mood to play your games right now—" Celeste began to confront him.
But Leviathan interrupted her, shushing her. "Stop avoiding. Answer my question."
"Why do you care? You and I are nothing," Celeste snapped, unable to contain her emotions any longer, feeling increasingly embarrassed.
Leviathan chuckled softly. "We are nothing?"
"Yes. Can I leave now?" Celeste asked, abruptly grabbing the keys from him.
Leviathan's demeanor suddenly shifted. "Ce-Celeste, wait."
"Yes?" Celeste glanced back at him, sensing something was amiss.
Leviathan was breathing heavily, his expression betraying genuine distress. "I'm not feeling well."
"Oh?" Celeste's concern deepened as she realized he wasn't joking.
Before she could react further, Leviathan collapsed in front of her. Panicked, Celeste tried to rouse him, but he remained unconscious.
"Leviathan, wake up. Don't joke around," Celeste pleaded, holding his face gently.
'I need to call Matthew. He'll know what to do,' Celeste thought, rushing to grab her phone.
"Ma-Matthew, Levi passed out. What should I do?" Celeste's voice trembled as she spoke to him.
Matthew's voice sounded urgent. "Where are you?"
"We're in the parking area near the entrance," Celeste replied quickly.
Yttri overheard their conversation. "Matthew? Where's Levi? He said he'd be back."
"I'll explain tomorrow, Lady Yttri. There's an emergency. I'll message you once everything is sorted," Matthew explained hurriedly as he rushed towards the exit.
Yttri nodded understandingly. "I understand."
Matthew's breaths were heavy over the call. "Okay, wait for me there."
"Thanks, Mat," Celeste said before dropping the call.
'You said you are strong, but here you are, vulnerable to me,' Celeste thought as she brushed her fingers through Leviathan's hair.
Matthew arrived just in time. Seeing them lying there, he helped Celeste carry Leviathan into the car.
"Did you wait long?" Matthew asked, sweating from the rush.
"Not really. By the way, thanks for driving," Celeste smiled gratefully.
Matthew nodded. "It's the least I can do. Why did he pass out anyway?"
"We were just talking, and then he seemed to get dizzy, and he just fell onto me," Celeste explained.
With a stiff expression, Matthew responded, "His time is coming near. The next full moon is approaching."
"What do you mean?" Celeste asked, growing increasingly concerned.
Matthew opened up to her, "His life is in danger. If he doesn't get his tattoo back by the next full moon, he'll disappear forever."
"Oh god! I had no idea. Why didn't he tell me?" Celeste felt a wave of sadness wash over her upon hearing the news.
Matthew smiled warmly. "He didn't want you to worry. It's complicated, especially knowing that he's a demon."
"You have a point. But why isn't he doing anything? I have his tattoo here," Celeste pointed to her hand.
Matthew hesitated. "I think he should be the one to tell you, not me, Lady Celeste."
"Oh?" Celeste murmured, feeling a mixture of confusion and concern.
As Matthew drove to Leviathan's mansion, Celeste resolved to stay by his side until he woke up. Matthew assisted her in settling Leviathan into bed and changing his clothes.
"I'll stay here until he wakes up," Celeste volunteered.
Matthew smiled gratefully. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. Thank you, Mat. You may take your rest," Celeste replied with a nod.
Understanding her decision, Matthew said, "I'll be resting then, Lady Celeste. Have a good night."
"You too," Celeste murmured as she held Leviathan's hand.
Matthew closed the door carefully, ensuring not make any noise. Meanwhile, Celeste remained worried about Leviathan's condition. Exhausted from the events of the day, she eventually fell asleep beside him.
Little did she know, it was just the beginning of their twisted fate.