A few minutes after Yeager left…
Celestine sat at the edge of the bed, still holding her chest where her heart had been racing moments ago. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, then stood and reached for her phone resting on the nightstand.
A new message popped up.
It was from someone she knew all too well: Rana — her best friend since high school, who had just finished studying abroad and was finally coming back.
> "Heeey Mrs. Just-Got-Married! I'm landing today! Come pick me up at the airport, pleaaaase! I've missed you like crazy! My flight lands at 2PM. Don't be late!"
Celestine smiled softly at the message. A warmth bloomed in her chest, washing away some of the chaos that had recently taken over her life.
She typed back quickly:
> "You loud creature... Fine. But don't freak out when you see me."
Rana replied almost instantly:
> "WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?! Don't scare me like that! What happened?! I expect a full story. ALL OF IT."
Celestine let out a small laugh. For the first time in days, she felt a little more like herself again.
She stood up and began getting ready—choosing something casual, tying her hair up in a quick ponytail, and grabbing the car keys from the drawer.
Before leaving the room, she caught her reflection in the mirror.
"Hope you don't faint, Rana..." she mumbled to herself.
Celestine stepped out of the grand front door, her heels clicking lightly against the stone steps. She wore a knee-length skirt and a low-cut top, drawing glances from a few house staff who quickly averted their eyes.
As she approached the main gate, a security guard stepped forward to block her path.
"Sorry, ma'am… you're not allowed to leave without Mr. Yeager's permission."
Celestine crossed her arms and gave him a sharp look.
"Do you know who I am?"
"O-of course, ma'am…"
"Then open the gate. I'm only going out for a bit. If Yeager has a problem with it, I'll deal with him myself."
The guard hesitated. "Or… I can drive you myself. One of the cars is ready."
Celestine narrowed her eyes and took a step closer, her voice low and firm.
"Listen, I've been locked up in this place long enough. If you think I'll just sit quietly, you're dead wrong."
"But—"
"Open the gate, or I'll call the media and tell them I'm being held hostage by my own husband. Your choice."
The guard's face went pale. He nodded quickly and rushed to the security post to open the automatic gate. Celestine let out a long sigh and smiled faintly in triumph.
A few minutes later, a taxi pulled up outside the gate.
She stepped in, settled into the back seat, and gazed out the window.
"To the airport. And hurry."
The car pulled away from the estate, the heavy gates closing behind them. Celestine smirked softly and muttered under her breath:
"A little fresh air… finally."
The airport buzzed with people, announcements echoing from every corner. Celestine stood near the arrival gate, eyes scanning the crowd for a familiar face.
Suddenly, a loud voice called out—
"CELESSSTIIINEEEE!!"
Celestine turned and spotted Rana, dragging a large suitcase and carrying a backpack, waving enthusiastically. Celestine let out a soft laugh and walked toward her.
The moment they met, Rana pulled her into a tight hug.
"I can't believe you actually came to pick me up! I thought you'd pretend you forgot I existed."
Celestine chuckled. "Tempting, but I'm still nice... sometimes."
Rana stepped back and gave her a once-over, eyes narrowing with amusement.
"Your style hasn't changed one bit. Still provocative… but classy."
"More like too lazy for layers," Celestine replied dryly.
"No wonder people have been staring at us since we walked in." Rana laughed.
"Come on, I need details. Let's eat—I haven't had a proper meal since the flight."
"There's a restaurant nearby. Let's go."
Restaurant Near the Airport – A Cozy Corner Table
The two of them sat at a corner table, steaming cups of tea in front of them. The atmosphere was warm and quiet—perfect for catching up.
Rana leaned in, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Okay, spill. You got married? Out of nowhere? To who?!"
Celestine twirled a small spoon in her cup, eyes drifting to the window.
"To a man I thought was just a CEO. But turns out... he's a lot more complicated than that."
Rana raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Celestine gave a faint, unreadable smile. "I don't know exactly. But I feel like I've stepped into a game way beyond my league."
Celestine and Rana were laughing softly over their drinks when the door to the restaurant swung open.
A teenage boy in a courier uniform walked in carrying a box of supplies, glancing around the room.
As soon as his eyes landed on Celestine, he shouted:
"Sis!"
Jamie rushed toward their table. Celestine's eyes widened.
"Jamie??"
Rana turned and gasped. "Oh my god—Jamie?! You've grown so much!"
Jamie dropped the box on the floor, then jumped forward and hugged Rana tightly.
"Yay! You're finally back! I missed your loudmouth!"
Rana laughed. "Feels like just yesterday I saw you in elementary school, hiding behind the fridge 'cause of a gecko!"
Jamie grinned wide and sat down without asking, grabbing Celestine's drink and sipping casually.
Celestine sighed.
"This was all his idea, Ran. He didn't want to burden me, so now he works as a courier."
Rana looked at Jamie, visibly impressed. "You've really grown into something. Still mischievous though."
Jamie shrugged. "I mean, I am the ideal little brother."
He nudged Rana's arm. "Hey, you still single?"
Celestine and Rana in unison:
"JAMIE!"
The three of them burst out laughing, like no time had passed at all.
The front door creaked open quietly. Yeager stepped inside, still half-wearing his suit jacket. He loosened his tie, eyes scanning the empty living room.
"Celestine?" he called out calmly, yet clearly.
He headed upstairs, opened the bedroom door—nothing. The bed was neatly made, untouched.
With a sigh, he descended back to the ground floor. As he passed the kitchen, one of the maids who was tidying up bowed slightly.
"Mr. Yeager," she spoke softly,
"Mrs. Celestine went out earlier this afternoon. She said she was meeting an old friend."
Yeager turned to her, his expression unreadable—but his eyes sharpened.
"She left without informing me, and without security?"
The maid hesitated.
"She said... she needed some time alone, sir."
He stared out through the darkened window, silent for a moment. Then his voice dropped lower, colder:
"From now on, don't let her leave without my knowledge."
He stepped into his study, turned on the light, and pulled out his phone. His gaze fixed on the screen...
Celestine's number—unreachable.
He stared blankly for a few seconds... then calmly picked up his jacket again.
"Celestine... you're really something."
Restaurant – Night
Their laughter was starting to die down. Celestine was finishing the last bite of her meal when Jamie's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen… Yeager's name lit up.
His expression shifted instantly.
Rana: "Who is it?"
Jamie stood up and walked a few steps away before answering.
"Hello?"
A calm but firm voice came through the speaker.
"Jamie. Where are you two? Bring her home. Now."
Jamie nodded slightly, even though Yeager couldn't see.
"Alright, Yeager."
He hung up without saying more, then returned to the table.
With a casual tone but a more serious face, he said:
"Sis, that's it for tonight. I'm taking you home."
Celestine raised an eyebrow.
"What? That's sudden. What's up?"
Jamie grinned.
"Just a gut feeling. Courier instinct."
Rana chuckled softly.
"Still as mysterious as ever, that CEO of yours."
Celestine sighed and stood.
"Fine. I'll go. But next time give me a warning. Don't suddenly go full secret agent mode."
Jamie: "Well, can't risk you getting kidnapped again."
Celestine playfully smacked his arm.
"You jerk."
They walked out of the restaurant together, unaware that down the street, a black car was already waiting.