Celeste POV

The Lancaster estate is very busy with preparations for the grand engagement announcement between me and Noah Harrington.

Crystal chandeliers shine from above, reflecting off the marble floors. Floral arrangements of ivory roses and golden lilies adorned every corner, their fragrance mingling with the expensive champagne being poured into delicate crystal flutes.

For everyone in high society, this is a momentous occasion -- a union between Lancaster and the Harringtons, two of the wealthiest families in the country.

For me, however, this is a nightmare I had once been too blind to see.

I stand in front of the long mirror in my bedroom, dressed in an elegant silver gown that shimmers under the soft glow of the vanity lights.

A maid is helping me adjust the diamond necklace around my neck, a symbol of my family's wealth.

A cruel irony. In my past life, I had worn this same dress, this same necklace, and stepped into the same grand ballroom, completely unaware that I was walking towards my doom.

I place my finger around the necklace, my heart pounding.

Five years ago, this was the day I sealed my fate.

Back then I had smiled, accepted Noah's proposal, and trusted Sophia with all my heart. The very people I loved the most were the ones who had planned my demise.

The memory of cold water engulfing me, Noah's indifferent gaze as Sophia whispered venomous words into my ear, sent a shiver down my spine.

Not this time. This time, I am in control.

A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. The maid steps aside just as the door swings open, revealing my adoptive mother.

Estina is dressed impeccably in an emerald green gown, her hair styled in an elegant ponytail. Her eyes, the same ones that once held fake affection, gleam with satisfaction as she looks at my appearance.

"You look perfect," Estina says smoothly, stepping inside. "Just as a Lancaster heiress should."

I force a smile, my fingers unclenching from the necklace. "I suppose I should thank you."

Estina's lips curl into a pleased smirk, oblivious to the icy undertone in my voice.

"You should my love. Do you know how many young women will kill to be in your position? Noah is the perfect match for you. And this engagement will secure the Lancaster family's influence."

That's all I ever was to you. A tool! I mutter to myself

I keep my expression calm, though fury forms in my stomach.

In my past life, I had been desperate for her approval, craving even the smallest affection from the woman who had raised me.

Now, I see her for what she truly is -a master manipulator who has stolen my birthright and thrown me away when I was no longer useful.

"I'll be downstairs shortly," I say, dismissing her.

Estina gives me a final approving nod before stepping out of the room. The moment the door clicks shut, I exhale slowly, and my fingers form into fists.

My stylist quickly did some touch-ups, and we're set to go downstairs.

The large hall downstairs is full of the elite of high society, men in tailored suits and women in dazzling gowns.

Laughter and hush conversation fills the air, but I feel the weight of dozens of eyes on me as I descend the staircase.

I meet Noah's gaze from across the room. He stands at the piano, dressed in a classic black tuxedo, with a confident smirk playing on his lips.

Noah Harrington-- the man I had once loved. The man who vowed to always protect me but rather chose to betray me instead.

His brown eyes hold nothing but triumph. He believes I am still the same naive woman who adores him.

Hmmm... he must really be happy within him. My lips curl in amusement. You have no idea what's coming, Noah.

Noah made his way towards me extending his hand.

"Celeste," he greeted me smoothly, pressing a light kiss on my glove fingers. "You look stunning and... Breathtaking, my love."

I smile, but deep down there's no warmth in my gaze. "And you look pleased with yourself, Noah."

Noah's facial expression changes immediately; confusion crosses his face, but he tries to mask it with his usual fake charm. "Shouldn't I be? After all, tonight is our big night."

Before I could give him a befitting response, another voice from behind came in.

"Celeste dear, you're absolutely radiant."

I remember you--- Sophia Raynes I mutter to myself.

This woman has always been my childhood best friend. She's standing a few feet away from me; she's dressed in a champagne-colored gown, her dark eyes shimmering with pretense and fake affection.

I can actually see through her, I feel nothing but contempt.

You wince... You smile at me like this before pushing me to my death. You won't succeed this time.

Sophia reach for my hand, squeezing them gently as if we're still close friends. "I can't believe the day is finally here. I'm so happy for you." She says.

I let out a soft laugh, tilting my head. "Are you? How touching."

Sophia blink her eyes, slightly taken aback by the Sharp edge in my voice, I guess she's trying to process what I mean.

Noah chuckles, wrapping his arm around my waist. "You'll have to excuse my fiancee, Sophia. She's just nervous." Noah says, trying to be nice or whatever, I don't care.

I turn my head slightly, meeting Noah's gaze. "Oh, I'm not nervous, Noah. In fact, I've never been more certain about life... About what I really want for myself."

His smirk widens. "That's good to hear. Soon, we'll finally be together."

I smile sweetly at his foolishness. "Of course, soon, everything will change."

Sophia shifted uneasily. "Celeste, I need to talk to you for a moment. Alone."

I arch a brow; what does she want to possibly talk about with me? "Alone?" I ask her.

Sophia bit her lip, glancing at Noah. "It's about ---"

"Ladies and gentlemen," a voice echoes through the microphone, interrupting us.

I turn round and notice my pretentious adoptive mother stepping forward, holding a champagne glass in her left hand.

"Thank you all for celebrating with us tonight. It is with great joy that we celebrate the engagement of my beloved daughter Celeste, to the distinguish Noah Harrington." She continues.

Polite applause sounded from the crowd.

The room light becomes dim as the spotlight becomes focused on the stage where Noah takes center stage from Estina. He holds the microphone, and his deep voice echoes effortlessly through the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he begins, his tone lace with charm. "As my mother-in-law-to-be has said, we thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate a love that has been in the making for years." He says smiling from ear to ear.

What a world... How was I this blind to this pretentious act I ask myself.

The crowd murmurs in delight, some sighing at the supposed romance of it all. I try to hold my expression of disgust and express polite happiness.

The next second, Noah turn his gaze towards me, that brown eyes of his.... The warmth and affection it carries are fake. Those eyes were beautiful to look at before now. FAKE! "Celeste my love, will you join me here?" He romantically asks me.

The crowd's gaze turned to me, and immediately, they parted as I made my way forward, my gown sweeping the floor with each slow and deliberate step. My heart is steady and my mind is still sharp.

As I reach the stage, Noah takes my hand, gently leading me up. He squeezes my fingers --- his way of reminding me to act properly.

I smile slowly as I curve my lips.

I won't be playing by his rules tonight.

Noah turns back to the crowd, the showman in him seeking the attention. "Celeste and I have known each other since we were young. She is the love of my life, my future, and my everything."

He turns back to me after saying those gibberish, lowering himself on one knee as gasps echo through the hall.

Noah reaches into his pocket and pulls out a velvet box. He flips the box open to reveal a stunning diamond ring.

It's time I say to myself.

The engagement ring glitters between his fingers.

"Celeste Lancaster," he calls with a smooth, confident voice and filled with rehearsed emotion. "Will you marry me?"

Celeste's POV

The room becomes silent... Like perfect breathtaking silence.

I relax and feel the moment. I know this is going to blow their minds... I just smile.

I allow the moment to stretch more, enjoying the anticipation building a mansion in Noah's eyes, even in the faces of the guests, and of course, I notice Sophia's expression; she grips tight on her glass.

I can't hold my laughter anymore. Soft at first, then I go louder and more amused until it echoes through the hall because everyone is silent and trying to understand what's going on with me.

Everyone started whispering in confusion.

Noah's smile disappeared, and his grip on the ring tightened more. "Celeste...?"

I take a step back, removing my hand from his. "No."

My reply sounded like a bomb had been released in the hall.

Noah freezes, his face creating a funny Spongebob facemask of disbelief. I think I'm already enjoying my rebirth.

"What did you say?" He asks me.

I tilt my head, amusement is written all over me. "I say no, Noah." My voice sounds clear and unwavering. "I will not marry you!"

The whispers in the crowd turn to roar.

"Noah's been rejected?"

"This is outrageous!"

"What's happening?"

Noah quickly composed himself, rising to his feet with a nervous chuckle.

"Celeste darling, I know you're nervous. It's a big moment. But there's no need to be shy."

Look at this fool... "I'm not shy," I interrupted his silly speech, my voice sounding with authority. "I simply don't want to marry you."

The crowd stops murmuring and listens in silence.

Noah's jaw dropped his perfect facade cracking. "Celeste," he calls in a low, warning tone, a voice meant only for me to hear. "This isn't funny."

I raise my brow. "Who says I'm joking here?"

A few steps from us, I can see Sophia's face has turned pale. I know she doesn't expect this turn of events, though no one expected it.

I turn back to the crowd, my voice carrying weight. "I apologize to everyone for the misunderstanding. But I will not be accepting this proposal. There was never a love story here, only an illusion."

Noah grabs my wrist. Not tight enough to hurt me but enough to remind me that he isn't used to losing.

"You don't want to do this," he whispers harshly. "Thinks about what you're doing Celeste."

I meet his gaze with a chilling smile. "Oh, I have. I've thought thoroughly about it for a long time."

He doesn't know I'm now smarter, he thinks I'm still that naive lady he throws lies at.

Noah's grip tightened slightly. "Celeste, we'll talk about this later--"

I yank my hand out of his grip in one swift movement, I take the box from his fingers. Then, to the absolute horror of the audience, I toss it off the stage.

The diamond ring hit the floor with a heavy landing, rolling away into the crowd.

Everyone is still looking at me with a stunned gaze.

Noah's face turned red with a mix of anger and humiliation at my final action. "What the hell are you doing?"

I smile calmly. "Ending this farce."

His fingers curl into a fists. "You'll regret this," he says, his voice low with barely controlled fury.

I move forward a bit, my voice is soft enough for only him to hear. "No, Noah. You will!"

The look in his eyes looks murderous.

I turn on my heels, descending the stage as the murmur grows into chaos.

My adoptive mother drags my wrist from the crowd. Her face darkens with barely concealed rage. "Celeste, what in heaven's sake are you doing?"

I turn to face my so-called family because Dad stands beside her. "I'm making my choice. My own choice."

I smile and take my hands off her grip. This is just the beginning.. mother. I mutter to myself.

Just then my phone buzz, I guess it's the call I have waited for. My purse makes a soft click sound while I try to open it. I bring my phone out and glance at the screen. I recognize the number.

I swipe the receive button.

The voice is low and efficient from the other end. "The information you requested is ready, ma'am. Want me to send it over?"

I arch a brow and smile. "Good, I'll handle it from here; just send it over."

I tap the end button and slide the phone into my purse;

I push the door and catwalk out of the hall, smiling.

I can feel their eyes on my back, Estina's, Noah's, Sophia's... each of them choking on the spectacle I leave them with.

The girl they plan to bury has just buried them instead, and this is just the beginning. I say with a smile on my lips and a fire in my spine.

My driver, Mason, is already waiting by the black SUV parked at the curb. He opens the door without a word, his expression blank as usual, but I catch the flicker of approval in his eyes.

As I slid into the leather seat, I felt my phone buzz again in my purse. The message has arrived; I guess everything is set. I swipe upwards and tap the message to read the content.

"The house is ready, ma'am; the location is Secured. The Keycard is in the glove box... Below is the attached file of Mr Damien Cross."

Perfect... I mutter.

I tap on the attachment, scanning the beginning of the file with sharp eyes. Damien Cross is elusive, brilliant, and ruthless.

This is exactly the man I need on my side if I am going to take down the Harringtons, the Lancasters, and every viper who thought they could use me as a pawn.

But that will come later.

Right now, I need a place that isn't clustered with betrayals. I exhale calmly and relax my back perfectly.

"Drive," I say to Mason. "Take me to the apartment."

He nods with no questions asked and no hesitation. That's why I paid him well; he comes highly recommended by their agency, and I trust him with my life since he doesn't know who I am and he can't be cornered by my so-called family. Our meeting is strictly confidential.

The building is built away in a quiet upscale neighborhood in the heart of the city, discreet enough for privacy and luxurious enough for comfort. The kind of place the press won't think to look for a humiliated heiress. Or so they thought.

We pull up into the underground parking lot. The moment I step out, the cold air bites into my skin, but I welcome it. It reminds me I'm alive.

I retrieve the keycard from the glovebox and made my way to the private elevator, alone.

As the elevator ascended, the picture of Damien's file continued to roll through my mind like a reel of unfinished memories.

I haven't seen him in years since we met at the inauguration party of an elite friend, just whispers of his name in powerful circles. People say he is dangerous.... well... I will be the woman to tame that danger or match it.

The elevator dinges softly, and the doors open to a spacious penthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows, cool modern furnishings, and a subtle scent of lavender filling in the air. It is sterile and clean. All this space of quiet and peace is mine now.

I walk in, dropped my purse on the table, and exhale slowly and deeply.

The adrenaline begins to fade, and the ache starts.

I'm walking away from everything, everything they use to control me. The Lancaster name, the fake affection, the hollow love. But now, stripped of the facade, I stand alone, finally making my decision.

I fall onto the couch, pulling my legs to my chest. For a moment, the silence returns, but it is heavier now.

It presses against my ribcage, reminding me of what I have lost and what I will never have back.

A flash of Noah's face when I said "No." The way his eyes widened, the confusion crumpling his perfect mask.

The look on Sophia's face was pale and shaking.

I had stolen the script out of their hands, and now I am rewriting the play.

But even so... my heart isn't made of steel just yet.

It ache, not for them, but for the version of myself who had once believed in their love.

That girl is dead now.

I let her go tonight.

Clarissa's POV

I smile with a poise face that I have practiced over decades in front of a camera. I raise my chin high, my expression calm, my hands delicately hold the front of my designer gown... I look every inch the gracious matriarch of high society.

Applause still echoes faintly in the grand banquet hall, though the spotlight has already turned dim, and the string quartet falters awkwardly to a stop.

But inside of me, I'm burning with rage.

Celeste had left just like that.

No explanations, no apologies for this useless act...

She just humiliated Noah, my Noah in front of the media, shareholders, sponsors, and every socialite with influence.

The engagement banquet that I have carefully planned to secure alliances and investments, has become a public disaster. And Celeste had driven off like the princess of her own rebellion, leaving behind shattered expectations and stunned silence.

My lips curl as if I'm trying to suppress a cough. In truth... I'm trying so hard to swallow a scream.

What the hell just happened?

"She... she didn't mean it," William mutters beside me his voice cracking like old paint. "Maybe it's a misunderstanding."

I didn't dignify that as a response.

I gaze around the room, scanning it like a hawk hunting for prey. Reporters whisper excitedly near the champagne table.

Several were already typing on their phones, tweeting headlines, gossip columns... more like they are racing to be the first to deliver the scandal.

Guests shift awkwardly, some leaving early with murmuring excuses, others watching me with polite pity. Pity!!!

No one dares approach me, not yet. Not while my eyes burn like they do now.

Noah stands at the center of it all, looking daze and furious. His hand is still half-lifted from where he'd held the ring box. The box lay on the floor, forgotten like trash. He isn't speaking or even blinking.

My heels click with military precision as I stride towards him.

"Noah," I call with a low and tight voice. "Stand up straight. Don't look like a wounded dog."

His head jerks toward me. "She humiliated me."

Yes, you fool. And by extension, me... I didn't say it aloud. The boy is already unraveling.

"Pull yourself together," I hiss. "This isn't the end unless you make it look like one. We can still control the narrative, an emotional misunderstanding, stage fright, and nerves. You let the press spin it for too long and it'll be treason. Do you hear me?"

His face twisted. "You said she loves me. That she wouldn't-"

"Yes!! I said so, and she was obedient, too." my voice cracks like a whip. "I raised her to be."

Noah recoil slightly but I didn't care.

I turn sharply and gesture to my assistant. "Clear the stage. Get PR on standby. Tell the press there's been a sudden illness... No, better, an emotional breakdown. Say she's been overworked. Distract them with something."

"Yes, ma'am."

As my assistant rushes off, I press a hand to my temple, pretending to massage away a headache.

In reality, I'm recalculating every step, every angle.

Celeste had deviated from the script. Not just deviated, she'd torched it. That wasn't a spur-of-the-moment tantrum. No. That was a strike.

A declaration of something.

But... why now? Everything has been arranged. Celeste knew what was expected of her. She had been compliant, submissive, in fact, everything I had molded her to be. The perfect pawn!!! A grateful orphan turned into a glittering heiress. She owes everything to the Lancasters.

As she should.

My nails dig into my palm.

And she dared to walk out? Celeste of yesterday? Unbelievable.

Suddenly, my memory goes back, Celeste's expression on that stage was cold and composed. Not a tear in sight. Not even anger, it felt more like .... power and no fear.

My heart thuds once and heavily.

"Where did she go?" I snap at a nearby guard. "Track her. I want her back at the estate within the hour."

"We-we tried, madam. Her driver seems professional... we couldn't get a location. She ordered him directly."

"She ordered-?" I catch myself. Take a sharp breath. My voice lowered to a blade this time. "Then find the damn car. GPS, cameras. Do your damn job, or don't bother coming back."

The guard pales and rushes off.

I'm just confused about what to do now... I turn around scanning for Sophia. The girl stands by the dessert table, her usual sparkle full, and then our eyes meet.

Sophia hurries over, her eyes wide and breathy confusion. "Aunt Clarissa, I --- I don't know what happened. I tried to talk to her before the event, but I couldn't because I noticed the way she was responding to me."

I narrow my eyes. "You said she suspected nothing?"

"She didn't. I swear. I checked her calls, her messages, before this evening while she was prepping, nothing as usual."

I grab Sophia by the wrist, nails digging in. "Then tell me, why did she look at me like she knew something?"

Sophia's lips tremble. "Maybe... maybe someone told her something? Or did she overhear something?"

My hand drops. I turn away from Sophia in disgust.

Something is wrong. Terribly wrong.

Celeste had looked at me with contempt.

As if... That's not possible

I had seen that look once before. Years ago. The day Celeste's mother had died-mysteriously, quietly, in a hospital no one had access to but the Lancasters. Celeste had been too young to remember. Too broken to question. She had cried in my arms like a wounded bird.

And now she stared at me like a hunter tracking prey.

Could it be...? No. Impossible.

My throat dries instantly. A flicker of fear passes through me.

But I dismiss it.

No. This is just a tantrum. A rebellion. Celeste might be angry; perhaps she discovered a secret or two about Noah's fling or the reason she's been married off to the Harrington.

But she doesn't know the full truth. She can't, not unless someone told her. But who? William? Never. Sophia? That girl is too dumb to plot. Noah?

I glance at him, still trembling, still staring at the place Celeste had stood.

No. He is too consumed by pride and failure to be strategic.

I just shake my head at the thought and take a glass of champagne.

She's just misbehaving as a young girl she will come around.

I turn to my husband William. "I think we need to freeze her accounts," I say, sipping my champagne with brittle calmness. "She'll crawl back soon enough."

But as I lower the glass, that look, her eyes, too calm won't leave my mind.

And for the first time in twenty years, I wonder if I've just created my own worst enemy.