Chapter 3

Celeste’s POV

(Six years later)

“We’re here, miss.” Richard announced when we came to a halt.

I glanced at the elderly driver through the rearview mirror before looking out the window. The grand Starling Hotel stood before me in its magnificence. Many luxury cars were lined up at the driveway, while journalists waited on one side. They were here, no doubt to capture the arrivals of the wealthy guests attending tonight’s charity auction.

Starling city’s most influential names were gathered for theprestigious event. From powerful politicians, to famous celebrities, and business moguls. They would all spend thisevening bidding on expensive and exclusive items… all in the name of charity.

I wasn’t particularly interested in any of those things set for display tonight. But I had made a generous donation to the foundation that was hosting the event. And so, my presence was expected. Besides, after six years of being anonymous, I thought it was finally time to make a public appearance.

The driver emerged from the black Mercedes-Maybach S 680 Haute Voiture, worth over five hundred thousand dollars, and registered to my name. He gently opened my door and offered a hand to help me out.

“Thank you, Richard.” I said, taking the hand of the ever polite chauffeur.

As I stepped out, my red evening gown reflected the flashing lights around. The dress on my body felt like it was made specifically for me. Its classy but simple main design was a fitted waist that revealed my hips perfectly, and a modest slit along one leg.

I let my dark hair loose in curly waves over my shoulders. On my neck hung a diamond necklace, paired with silver earrings, which had been given to me as a gift. I dressed to stand out, but not to seek attention. Though I had a feeling attention would seek me tonight.

The moment I stepped in the hotel ballroom, many heads turned.A few of them whispered among themselves. But I didn’t mind them. 

“Miss Laurent!” a voice sounded beside me. I turned to find a woman approaching me with a bright smile.

“Mrs. Robson,” I greeted her.

She was one of the foundation’s patrons, a woman whose family had made a fortune in the business of jewelry.

“I’m delighted you could make it.” She too my hand in hers. “Your donation was absolutely generous.”

“It was my pleasure.” I answered the woman with a smile.

She smiled back warmly before glancing toward the auction stage. “I do hope you’ll find something you like tonight.”

“I’ll keep my eyes open.”

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, I moved toward the drinks table and accepted a glass of champagne from a waiter. I had barely taken a sip of the drink when my ears caught the sound of a familiar laugh. My fingers tightened around the glass.

Slowly, I turned. And there she was... Camille Bell. She stood near the center of the ballroom in a silver gown that hugged her figure perfectly. Beside her stood the man I had once called my husband. Sebastian.

As for Camille, apparently, her illness hadn’t stopped her from living the glamorous life she had always wanted.

The auction began shortly afterward, and I took my seat among other esteemed guests. Camille and Sebastian were there too. One item followed another and were presented to the guests.

Then the auctioneer came to the next item that caught my attention completely. It was a rare piece of jewelry. Anexceptional golden necklace. The piece was absolutely breathtaking.

I leaned forward as the auction began, the price starting at five hundred dollars. I waited until the bids slowed down before finally making mine.

I almost thought that I won the bid after they grew quiet, then I noticed that Camille had turned it into a personal contest. I don’t what made her convinced I would back out.

She leaned toward Sebastian and whispered something in his ear. And I saw him glance towards my direction. For a brief moment, our eyes met. Then I turned away.

The bid seating at one million now, I raised my hand to make a bid no one else in the room would dare match. Not even Camilleand Sebastian.

“Five million.”

And just like that, the bidding was over. When the auction ended, I completed the necessary arrangements with the organizers for my prize and prepared to leave.

Outside, the night air was cool against my skin. Richard had gone to retrieve the car, so I waited near the hotel’s entrance, checking my phone for messages. I was about to make a callwhen a woman’s voice interrupted me.

“Well, well. Look who it is.”

I raised my head, and a tall brunette in a black dress stood a few feet away, holding her glass of champagne. I recognized herinstantly… Lucy Hamilton, one of my top business competitors.

Lucy had always been bitter towards me. And judging by hersmile now, I was about to get a piece of her mind.

She stepped closer. “I heard about your little bidding war with Camille. Five million dollars for a piece of necklace? Were you trying to prove something?”

“No.” I answered her straightly.

“Really? Because it looked really desperate, if you ask me.”

Ignoring her, I looked toward the driveway. My driver was nowhere in sight het. “Excuse me. I need to leave.”

I started walking, but Lucy followed me. “What’s the matter? Can’t handle a little conversation with me?”

“You’re obviously drunk. And I don’t have anything to say toyou.”

“Of course you don’t. Everyone in the city knows your story, Celeste. You’re the woman who kept Sebastian bed until his truelove returned.”

I stopped and turned. Lucy’s smile widened when she realized she had my attention now. Then I stepped toward her, and hersmile faded immediately.

“What’s wrong?” she asked still, in a mocking voice. “Did I say something you didn’t like?”

Something inside me finally snapped that moment. I looked her straight in the eyes. Then I raised my hand and landed my palm across her cheek, the sound echoing through the hotel entrance.