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.

Jareth stared blankly at her quickly retreating figure, that familiar look of reluctance flickering across his sharp features.

Seeing him like that, Marigold nudged him, urging, "Jareth, what are you spacing out for? Go after her!"

Startled for a second, Jareth didn't hesitate and rushed off in chase.

Celestia was stunned.

And once Jareth left, the whispers and sideways glances started crashing down on her like a wave, overwhelming and suffocating.

Before long, the Carringtons also left to do their own thing, and she was left standing alone, facing the scrutiny and stares from all directions.

Celestia had already guessed Jareth had other motives for bringing her here, but she still hadn't expected him to leave her like that, chasing another woman in front of everyone. It felt like a slap to the face.

Her vision blurred suddenly, and the world spun. Just as her knees buckled-

"Careful." A worried voice came from nearby, followed by a steady hand catching her shoulder, taking her weight before she fell.

Celestia lifted her head-it was Ethan.

"Thanks, Ethan," she forced a small, weak smile as she thanked him.

Ethan furrowed his brows, clearly worried over how pale she looked even under her makeup.

"Jareth brought you?"

"Yeah," she nodded. Noticing the sidelong glances and gossiping around them, she gently pulled away and stepped back, trying to keep a bit of distance.

That deliberate pullback stung a little for Ethan, a flash of hurt crossing his eyes, but not wanting her to feel guilty, he kept it to himself.

Relaxing his expression a bit, he glanced toward where Jareth had disappeared, then asked carefully, "Was that woman who just came in... Isabelle?"

"Yeah." Celestia looked up at him, confused. "You know her?"

"Sort of," Ethan nodded, looking thoughtfully at her guarded expression. "She was a year below us in college. I didn't know her well, but she and Jareth grew up close-families are old friends. I heard they almost got married three years ago but something happened.

"When I asked Jareth about it back then, he denied it. But from what I just saw... looks like the rumors were true. And judging from his reaction, he clearly still cares about her. Guess he tricked me again."

A bitter smile played at Ethan's lips. Then seeing the heaviness in Celestia's eyes, he realized he probably shouldn't have said all that. "Sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."

"It's fine." Celestia forced a shrug, pretending not to care. But inside, every word felt like another needle in her chest, dull and aching.

She had spent almost half a month with Jareth, and not once had she seen him like that-so warm, so attentive. Clearly, Isabelle meant more to him than she wanted to admit.

That one line from her was enough to lift Ethan's spirits a bit. Knowing she wasn't into Jareth gave him a sliver of hope.

"Are you sure you're alright? You really don't look well. How about I take you home so you can rest?" he offered gently.

"Would that be okay?" Celestia hesitated, torn. She didn't want to give people more to talk about, but at the moment, she also didn't think she could handle staying here alone.

Just as she was still trying to decide, a sharp voice rang out from behind them.

"Of course it's bad. A single guy sending his married ex home? You're not worried about showing up in the tabloids tomorrow?"

Celestia and Ethan turned around at the voice.

The second Celestia saw who was standing behind them-arms crossed, sneer plastered on her face-her gaze dropped instantly. Her delicate features betrayed a flash of embarrassment she couldn't hide.

Ethan caught the shift in Celestia's mood and quickly frowned. "Sophia, what the hell are you saying?"

Sophia gave an icy laugh, eyes glinting with mockery as she stared down at Celestia, who had dropped her head like a child caught doing something wrong. "Bro, don't tell me you still have feelings for her? Did you forget how she stabbed you in the back and stole my fiancé?"

Her words hit like a slap, making Celestia flinch as if smacked. A sharp pain twisted in her chest. Slowly, stiffly, she looked up-right into Sophia's eyes, brimming with old hate.

"So? Living the high life after marrying rich feels good, huh?" Sophia's voice oozed venom. "Too bad you're now Jareth's cast-off. That's what you get for betraying your friend to steal her man."

"Enough!" Ethan finally snapped, unable to take it anymore. "You think Celestia wanted things to turn out like this? It's all because-"

"Don't, Ethan," Celestia cut him off before he could finish. She forced herself to meet Sophia's gaze again, drew in a breath, and said calmly, "Sophia's not wrong."

Yeah, she had no one to blame but herself. She just wasn't strong enough to fight back against life.

"Celestia..." Ethan looked at her, heart aching.

She quickly lowered her eyes and added, "Ethan, really, you don't need to bother. I'll go back on my own." With that, she turned and walked out of the ballroom without looking back.

Growing up shy, she had never been the social type. Sophia was the first true friend she'd ever had-they ate together, studied together, shared a dorm room, practically lived in each other's pockets.

They were like sisters. And now, after all those years, here they were, tearing into each other over a guy. It hurt-it really, truly hurt.

As she stepped out of the hotel, a wave of bitterness surged up, and before she knew it, tears just started pouring down her cheeks. She couldn't take another step. Forgetting about who might see, she crouched on the ground and silently sobbed.

Who knew how long she stayed there. When she finally stood up, still dizzy, a soft little voice piped up in front of her.

"Are you crying?"

Celestia looked down and blinked in surprise. A little girl, maybe four or five years old, stood there in a fluffy white lace dress, all dolled up like a tiny princess. She had a lollipop in one hand and wide, curious eyes locked on Celestia.

Before Celestia could even wipe away her tears, the little one rummaged through her cute little purse like she was on a mission. Then, proudly held something out.

"For you." Her chubby little hand stretched out a heart-shaped chocolate. "Mommy says candy helps when you're sad. If you eat this, you won't cry anymore."

Celestia just stood there, staring at that sweet little face beaming up at her. And then, for three whole seconds, her thoughts drifted to the child growing in her belly.

Would her baby be like this one day, offering comfort when she felt broken?