Celestia ended up not letting Ethan take her to the hospital.

She had spent the night at the hospital with her father. Only after much convincing from him did she finally drag her exhausted self back home the next morning. But the moment she stepped into the Carrington estate, a mocking voice hit her straight in the face.

"Look who finally decided to show up." Jareth was sprawled on the couch, arms crossed over his chest, legs casually crossed, his whole posture soaked in arrogance as he stared coldly at Celestia with a twisted smirk.

"Come here."

Celestia, drained from the night, really wanted to just ignore him. But knowing him, he'd make an even bigger scene, so she let out a quiet sigh and stepped over to him. "What now?"

"Take a look at this!" Jareth snapped, then flung a pile of newspapers at her feet with a loud slap.

Celestia looked at him-he'd already gotten up, face darker than a thundercloud. She followed his sharp, stormy gaze down to the headline in blaring red: [Socialite Caught Cozying Up With Ex - Sparks Still Flying?] And right under it, a photo of Ethan pulling her into a comforting hug while she cried yesterday afternoon.

"You got anything to say for yourself?" Jareth's eyes were icy black, gleaming with a predator's anger.

Compared to him, Celestia seemed calm, almost detached. She slowly lifted her head and met his furious gaze, lips pressing into a line. "If you're taking some tabloid trash seriously, then I've got nothing to say." Her face was unreadable as she turned to walk away.

"I only believe what I see with my own eyes!" Jareth snarled as he yanked her wrist hard, veins twitching at his temple. "So tell me, where the hell were you all night? Spent it with him, didn't you?!"

Celestia didn't even flinch at his rage. Instead, she smiled faintly, almost mockingly. "Didn't you say I'm not even worth a servant in this house? So why should I explain anything to you?" She threw his own words right back at him, cool as ever.

Her indifference hit a nerve.

"Celestia!" he roared like a wild animal, the living room echoing with the sound.

But she didn't even blink. That smile still sitting on her lips.

"What? Not true? If you really think I'm cheating, then just divorce me." She sounded almost casual now. Because deep down, Celestia already knew-Jareth would never let her go that easily.

Sure enough, his face turned an ugly shade right after she said it.

"Divorce? Not a chance in hell!" His gaze narrowed dangerously, the menace in his stare practically radiating. "You think I'll just let you walk away like that? Forget it. Get that idea out of your head right now."

Then Jareth's cold expression shifted. He swept his eyes over her in a calculating way, a wicked grin slowly spreading across his face.

"Wanna prove you didn't mess around behind my back? Easy. I'll check for myself."

Before she could even process what he meant, Jareth tugged her hard into his arms, one hand gripping the back of her head while his lips descended with a twisted sort of amusement.

Unlike last time when his kiss was gentle, this one from Jareth was all about dominance and punishment.

"Mmph..." Celestia tried to push him away, but he only held on tighter.

Her eyes widened with panic, but all Jareth showed was a dark amusement flickering in his gaze.

Seeing that, something flipped in Celestia's eyes. She bit down hard on his lip without hesitation. She expected him to flinch or shove her off in pain-but he didn't. The amusement in his gaze faded, replaced by something cold and dangerous, and he kissed her even harder.

The sharp, metallic taste of blood filled her mouth, making her gag. Her stomach churned violently, and before she could make it to the bathroom, she turned her head and vomited right there.

Her body trembled from nausea, and because she hadn't eaten all day, all she could throw up was bitter stomach acid. Her face turned pale as she dry-heaved under Jareth's icy stare, tears welling in her eyes.

What he saw is-how disgusted she was by his kiss.

Humiliation cut through Jareth like a blade. His jaw clenched, and a storm of anger surged beneath his skin. His brow twitched, veins bulged at his temple-he was furious.

Until now, no woman had ever dared treat him like this.

His eyes narrowed, cold and dangerous.

"I'm letting you go this time. But if I catch you tangled up with another guy again, don't expect me to play nice." He threw out the words and spun on his heel, storming out without another word.

Celestia watched his back disappear down the hall, then collapsed to the floor with a thud, too weak to stand.

After that night, she didn't see Jareth around again for days.

The early signs of pregnancy were hitting full force now. Celestia had become hypersensitive-even the smell of grease made her nauseous. Daily vomiting left her drained, barely able to move, spending most of her time curled up in bed.

She was already thin, but now she looked even frailer.

One evening, Jareth walked into the room right as she was hunched over the toilet, throwing up. At the sound of his heavy, distinct footsteps, she quickly tried to gather herself, flushed the toilet, and started running water to cover the noise.

Bang, bang, bang-he knocked hard on the door, his deep voice cutting through like a blade. "What are you doing in there?"

Celestia leaned over the sink, frantically rinsing her mouth to get rid of the bitter taste. She took a few deep breaths to keep from gagging again before opening the door.

"Need something?" Her voice was flat as she looked at him and stepped past, trying to keep her head low so he wouldn't pick up on anything strange.

"What were you doing in there?" Jareth stared at her, like he was trying to read every line on her face. The housekeeper had already told him she'd been acting weird-barely eating, locking herself in the bathroom for long stretches. It was obvious she was hiding something.

Celestia avoided his suspicious gaze, lowering her eyes and tossing back, "What else would I be doing?"

Jareth opened his mouth like he wanted to argue, but ended up saying nothing.

"If that's all, please leave. I need some rest," she said, lifting the blanket and easing onto the bed. After throwing up like that, her whole body felt drained-she just wanted to lie down and shut her eyes for a while.

But Jareth didn't leave like she'd hoped. Instead, he pulled a gown out from behind his back and tossed it onto the bed, his voice cold and commanding. "Put it on. There's an event tonight. You're coming as my date." Every word rang with authority.

Celestia just glanced at the dress, her tone flat. "I'm not feeling well. Go with someone else." She knew he had no shortage of women dying to be his plus-one.

"I won't repeat myself." His voice dropped low and hard, leaving no room for negotiation.

Celestia ignored him completely, turned her back, and lay down on the bed, eyes shut tight.

For someone like Jareth, always surrounded by women falling over themselves to please him, being ignored like this lit a fire under him. His brows drew together in a sharp frown, and his eyes turned icy cold despite the blazing July heat-he looked like walking winter.

"Not gonna wear it? You really want me to force you?" He stormed over, reached out, and yanked her up from the bed. One hand gripped her shoulder, the other went straight for the silk nightgown on her body.

Before Celestia could react, she heard the nasty sound of fabric tearing. Her gown was ripped wide open.

Only then did she panic.

"Stop it!" she cried, trying to push him back. But she was no match-he was too strong, too ruthless. The more she struggled, the rougher he got. Within moments, her gown was in shreds, and her fair skin was marked with bright red scrapes from the scuffle.

Jareth's dark eyes flicked over her bare figure, desire burning hot behind his frosty gaze. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard.

Realizing his look was far from innocent, Celestia's heart sank. She instantly pulled her arms across her chest and scrambled backward.

"Wear it," he repeated, voice rough and low, something about it unmistakably intense.

When she didn't move fast enough, the corner of his lips curved up. "Or do you need me to help you change into it?"

"Fine! I'll do it, okay?" Celestia gave in, her voice shaky with frustration and fear.

"Hmph." His expression chilled again, satisfied just enough. "Don't forget to do your makeup." And with that, he turned and walked out.

The banquet was decadent.

She wore a floor-length black chiffon dress with an off-shoulder cut that showed off her pale skin like porcelain. Diamonds sparkled on the neckline, catching the light and making her delicate features shine like a star. Her soft smoky makeup added just the right amount of drama-she looked breathtaking.

When Celestia stepped into the ballroom holding Jareth's arm, all eyes turned to them instantly.

This was Celestia' first time attending an event like this after getting married, and she knew damn well that most people here couldn't stand her.

In their eyes, she was the scheming woman who stole her best friend's fiancé-a homewrecker, plain and simple. Of course she wanted to leave, but she had no choice. All she could do was grit her teeth and push through.

"Smile. Don't let everyone think I've been abusing you," Jareth leaned in, voice low but firm.

Celestia curved her lips into a smile, though it was more bitter than anything else. Abusing her? Was that even a question? From the second she married him, he'd been making her life hell.

She reluctantly let Jareth pull her close by the waist.

"Jareth! You're finally here-I've been waiting forever!" A shrill, sugar-sweet voice rang out before Celestia could even react. A glamorous figure shoved past her, forcing her aside like she wasn't even there.

Of course it was Natalie.

Natalie's gaze darkened the second she laid eyes on Celestia. "Why'd you even bring her? That scandal in the papers wasn't enough?"

Jareth shot Celestia, who was wearing a blank expression, a sideways glance. "No matter how much she flirts around, she's still my wife on paper," he said lazily, then leaned in and kissed Natalie full on the lips without a care for the audience. "babe," he murmured to her, "I'll come find you in a bit."

His "babe" came out so naturally it made Celestia's stomach twist.

Natalie pouted for a second before shifting back into a sultry smile. "Coming over after the party? Or should I come over to yours...?"

"Can't tonight," Jareth cut her off coolly. "Gotta take my wife home first."

The moment he said that, Natalie's glare shot straight to Celestia like daggers. And it wasn't just her-suddenly, every pair of eyes in the room seemed fixed on Celestia, like she was the one who'd done something wrong.

So that was the whole point of dragging her here? To humiliate her in front of everyone? Celestia's heart went cold. Without saying a word, she turned and walked toward the exit.

But Jareth moved faster, grabbing her wrist. "Where do you think you're going?"

She looked at him calmly. "You've already got a date. I'll just head home."

"Did I say you could leave?" His sharp glare silenced her instantly.

After Natalie begrudgingly walked off, Jareth slid his arm back around Celestia's waist, leading her somewhere without saying a word.

When they finally stopped, Jareth spoke, "Sorry we're late."

Celestia looked up-and froze. Standing in front of her was Marigold Carrington.

Out of all the Carringtons, Celestia had only met Marigold once, the night before Sophia and Jareth's wedding. Even though it had been brief, the woman had left a strong impression: strict, dignified-intimidating.

"Grandmother, this is Celestia. My wife," Jareth introduced her, then turned to Celestia. "What're you standing there for? Aren't you gonna say hello?"

Celestia blinked, her lips parting hesitantly. She managed a soft, "Gran-" but before the word was fully out, a sharp voice cut through like a knife.

"Who gave you permission to call me that?" Marigold's icy tone sliced the air. Her face was stern, commanding.

"So the rumors were true. You really stole your friend's fiancé. I don't accept you as part of this family!" A verbal slap right out of the gate.

Her sharp, raised voice instantly drew everyone's eyes. Celestia felt the heat rush to her face in embarrassment.

Jareth watched her with a smirk, not even trying to ease the tension.

Just as things were getting unbearably awkward, a cheerful voice piped up behind them.

"Jareth, there you are!"

He turned his head-an elegantly dressed woman was headed their way.

"Mom," he greeted her politely.

Hearing this, Celestia looked up curiously. So the rumors were true-Victoria Owens, the former international supermodel, was really his mother. She'd always thought it was gossip.

Victoria looked great for her age, dressed simply but oozing class. Despite being over fifty, time had barely touched her. She still looked like a glamorous woman in her thirties-it was hard to believe she was the mother of a man nearly that age.

After saying hello to Jareth, Victoria turned her attention to Celestia. Her gaze lingered for a few seconds before she blinked and said, "So the rumors about your marriage are actually true?" Her tone was skeptical as she looked between the two.

When Jareth nodded, her expression hardened a little. "You brat. Always running wild and never telling us anything. First you almost marry the Quinn heiress without a word, and then we find out about this marriage through a newspaper? You don't think your dad and I matter at all, do you?"

Jareth raised an eyebrow but didn't argue.

Victoria kept muttering her complaints. But when he didn't respond, she gave up with a sigh.

"Oh, by the way, Isabelle's back. Did you know?"

The moment she said it, Jareth froze.

Celestia wasn't sure if she imagined it, but she thought she saw him flinch slightly, and for just a second, his eyes softened.

"She's back? When did that happen?" he asked quickly, clearly startled.

"She got back on the twelfth. No one's really seen her though," Victoria replied, shooting an almost casual glance in Celestia's direction.

"After she saw the news of your wedding in the paper, she cried all day. The next morning, she vanished-just left a note saying she was coming to find you. Such a shame... she's always loved you so dearly. I really thought you two would end up together..." She stopped mid-sentence, suddenly remembering Celestia was still standing there.

She offered an apologetic smile. "Oh dear, sorry, Miss Brooks. I wasn't thinking. I probably shouldn't have brought that up in front of you."

"It's alright," Celestia said, shaking her head. She didn't look too bothered.

They chatted a bit longer, when suddenly the air behind them stirred with a low commotion.

Jareth was just about to talk to his mother about Isabelle Ryan when his eyes wandered, landing on a figure in white that made him freeze.

"Isabelle."

Celestia followed his gaze, curious. Then she saw her.

What a stunning woman-delicate and graceful.

Isabelle wore a flowing white chiffon dress that hugged her figure just right. The soft fabric fluttered with each step. Her long hair tumbled down her back like silk. She wore no makeup at all, yet her beauty outshone even the most glamorously dressed women-fresh, light, and pure.

The way she walked, it felt like a butterfly gliding through the air-so out of reach, so effortless. Unsurprisingly, everyone turned to look.

"You're finally here, Isabelle." Marigold, who'd been aloof all evening, visibly softened the moment she saw her. The contrast between how she treated Isabelle versus Celestia couldn't be starker.

So, this was the woman Jareth's mother had always hoped he'd marry.

Celestia couldn't take her eyes off Isabelle's ethereal face.

Then it hit her-this was the same woman from the photo she'd glimpsed in Jareth's office that day. Even if she'd only taken a quick glance back then, she was certain it was her.

Isabelle really was breathtaking. Even though she looked a bit pale and frail, it only made her more otherworldly. So much so that even Celestia, as a woman, felt a strange sense of affection toward her.

She glanced up at Jareth-and saw he was completely stunned.

Isabelle gave a soft little smile and said sweetly to Marigold, "Grandma, happy birthday. I got you something." She held out an elegant gift box.

"You're always the most thoughtful," Marigold said warmly as she accepted it. Her eyes then slid-deliberately-to Celestia standing off to the side.

Getting caught in that glance, Celestia felt the awkwardness return to smack her right in the face.

Wait-was today Marigold's birthday? Celestia honestly hadn't even realized.

After exchanging pleasantries with Marigold and Victoria, Isabelle finally turned her gaze to Jareth, who hadn't stopped watching her since she walked in.

"Congratulations on your marriage, Jareth," she said with a gentle smile. But her eyes... they were filled with sorrow that hit him hard.

"Isabelle..." he looked at her, a mix of emotions in his eyes. He seemed like he had a lot to say-but nothing came out.

Watching the two of them, clearly lost in their own world, Celestia felt an ache in her chest, like someone had placed a stone right over her heart.

It wasn't long before Isabelle looked away. "Grandma, my driver's waiting outside. I should go."

"So soon? You just got here. At least stay a little while and chat with me," Marigold said, clearly reluctant to see her leave.

"I really can't." Isabelle shook her head, and after saying her goodbyes, she turned and quickly walked out without looking back.