As they settled on a bench surrounded by blooming flowers, the world outside faded away. A sense of calmness filled the area both as both hearing the sound of the birds and the wind blowing through the trees, Aether's gaze held hers steadily. "To start with we should show them who you really are. Let's create opportunities for you to shine. We can host events, engage in community projects, and demonstrate your strength and resilience. You have a chance to reclaim your narrative."
Celeste listened to him, her eyes full with hope. "You think people will listen? Will they change their minds?" she asked, knowing full well that the people of both the high society and common folks are quick to judge others based on nothing but rumors, "people fear what they don't understand," Aether replied confidently. "But actions speak louder than words. If you show them your worth through your deeds, they will begin to see you for who you truly are, not just the woman they think they know."
Celeste taking a deep breath, determination blooming within her. "Then let's do it. I want to change the world view of me and his highness regret having betrayed me." As they walked toward the bustling town square, a sense of purpose enveloped as she felt ready to confront the judgments that had plagued her and the prince's betrayal. With the help of Aether, they would challenge the mindset of the people around her and prove that she was not as the rumors had pictured her to be.
As they were talking while making their way towards the town square, the vibrant atmosphere buzzed with laughter and chatter, contrasting sharply with Celeste's inner turmoil. Merchant called out, children played, and townsfolk gathered, their faces animated with the day's gossip. "Look" Aether said, gesturing toward a small gathering near the fountain where townspeople exchanged stories and news. "That's our first audience."
Celeste hesitated, her heart racing. "What if they only see me as the arrogant noble lady? What if they won't listen?" Aether turned to her, his expression earnest "you won't know until you try. Remember, it's not just about them changing their minds; it's about you standing tall and reclaiming your story." Taking a deep breath, Celeste nodded, summoning her courage. Together, they approached the group, the air thick with anticipation. As they drew closer, she could hear snippets of conversation.
"Did you hear about young Lady Celeste? Poor girl," one woman whispered, her tone dripping with pity. "How could his highness do such a thing to her,"Celeste's stomach churned as she listened to the crowd, hidden just beyond the gathering. She could hear their voices, some laced with sympathy, others with judgment. While some were taking her side, feeling pity for her fall from grace, others blamed her, feeding on the vicious rumors that had spread like wildfire throughout the capital.
"She was never fit to be with him, anyway," another voice sneered. "Maybe he left her because she couldn't live up to his expectations.Celeste felt her heart sink, each word slicing through her defenses. She had always been raised to stand tall, to present herself with dignity. But now, her confidence falters. Her fingers trembled slightly as she pulled her hood closer around her face, wishing to block out their voices. The judgments, the whispered accusations—they were crushing, far heavier than she'd anticipated.
Feeling the urge to escape, she took a step back, heart pounding. She knew that lingering would only worsen her pain, and the need to breathe, to find some semblance of calm, overpowered her. Quietly, she turned, retreating down a side path that led out of the square. The further she moved from the crowd, the more she felt a sense of relief, though the sting of their words clung to her like a shadow. Reaching a quiet alley, she leaned against a wall, closing her eyes and taking slow, steady breaths. But the words of the townspeople replayed in her mind, each harsh syllable leaving her feeling more vulnerable, more isolated.
"Trying to run from the gossip?" Aether said with his voice softly from behind her. Celeste turned to see Aether, his expression gentle yet understanding. He had seen her slip away and followed, sensing her distress. "You don't have to listen to them," he continued, stepping closer. "They see only what they want to see." She looked down, fighting back the sting of tears. "It's as if they were saying I wasn't fit to be his fiancee." Aether placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Then we'll remind them that you're worth more than his highness."
As Celeste and Aether begin to walk back where her escort was waiting for her, the lively noise of the square faded into the gentle sounds of birdsong and children's laughter, a soothing contrast to the judgmental whispers she'd just endured. Her steps slowed as she took in the sight of the modest building, its ivy-clad stone walls familiar despite the years that had passed. She remembered walking these grounds as a child, hand in hand with her mother, who had taught her that compassion was a noble duty. Now, the memory was bittersweet, filling her with both warmth and a renewed sense of purpose
Aether noticed the shift in her expression. "Did you come here often?" he asked softly, She nodded, a faint smile touching her lips. "My mother believed it was important for me to understand life beyond the palace walls. She said there's dignity in every heart, regardless of wealth or status." Aether's gaze softened, admiration clear in his eyes. "She sounds like she is a wise woman."
"She is," Celeste murmured, her fingers absentmindedly brushing the stone wall. "I've stayed away for too long. A group of children playing near the gate spotted them, and a few of the older ones recognized Celeste immediately, rushing over with wide smiles and giggles. "Lady Celeste!" one girl exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. The children's heads turned, and soon they were all gathering around, their curiosity and warmth a welcome relief from the cold stares of the town square. Celeste knelt, her heart lightning as she reached out to the children. "Hello, my little friends! You've all grown so much since I last saw you."
One of the older boys grinned, gesturing to a patch of newly tilled soil. "We're planting vegetables there! Miss Agnes says they'll be ready by spring." with a warm smile "That sounds wonderful," she replied. She knelt beside the patch, gently picking up a small seedling, her movements careful and deliberate as the children watched her every move. As she worked alongside them, the tension from the town square faded. The caretakers noticed her presence and exchanged nods, quietly acknowledging her sincerity. One of the women, Miss Agnes, approached Celeste.
"We're grateful to see you here Lady Celeste," Miss Agnes said in a low voice, a touch of respect in her tone. "The children always asked about you, even when it's been years. They've never forgotten your kindness." Aether nodded, his gaze never leaving Celeste while thinking. "She needed to be reminded that her worth doesn't lie in what others say of her. This was the perfect place to come." Meanwhile, Celeste's hands moved deftly through the soil, her heart swelling with a sense of calm. As the children laughed and chatted, she felt something shift within her, a small spark of hope that perhaps her actions would speak louder than the gossip that trailed her.
Just as she finished planting the last seedling, one of the younger boys looked up at her, his eyes wide with innocence. "Will you come back to see the plants grow, Lady Celeste?" She paused, her heart clenching at his hopeful expression "Yes, I will," she promised, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "And not just to see the plants, but to see all of you, too. I'll visit as often as I can." Aether approached, his presence steady and reassuring. "there's more we can do for them—ways to support this place and the children here."
Celeste looked up at him, realizing what he meant. "Perhaps we can gather supplies, organize lessons, and… well, create more opportunities for everyone here." Miss Agnes beamed, her eyes misty. "That would mean the world to us, Lady Celeste." As Celeste rose, the weight of her pain seemed to ease. The children's smiles and Miss Agnes's gratitude were reminders of her purpose beyond the walls of her broken engagement. Standing there, her hands dirt-stained and her heart filled with a renewed determination, she understood that her path forward wasn't about simply reclaiming her reputation. It was about forging a new one—one built on service, empathy, and resilience.
Aether met her gaze, his eyes shining with approval. "I think you've found the start you needed," he said softly, his words filled with admiration.With a final glance at the orphanage, Celeste nodded, her resolve firmer than ever. "Yes, I think I have." Together, they walked away, knowing that this visit was only the beginning of a journey that would prove her strength to the world—and to herself.