Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The next morning Celeste woke up feeling the cheer in the words of her father. It was the first time in many years that she was seeing him so happy. 

“Good Morning princess. I have good news for you.”

Celeste rubbed her eyes to lift away the weight of sleep after her dad pushed the drapes aside.

She looked at him questioningly. “Dave had agreed to marry you. His parents are elated. Your wedding with Dave Hawkins is fixed next Friday. I know we have very less time to do bridal shopping but….”

Celeste did not let Tom complete. “Dad, how could you take the most important decision of my life without consulting me?”

Tom stared at Celeste stunned. “Aren't you happy with this wedding, princess? I thought you liked Dave when he came to meet you at the bar.”

Celeste pushed her hands in the air exasperatedly. “Dad, liking someone and deciding to marry are far from each other.”

Unknowingly the thoughts of Mr Cold clouded her eyes. His sharp look at her, the command in his voice as if he owns her and the power in his touch which was gentle at the same time very intimate. “I need time daddy. I'm not ready for marriage now.”

Tom made a flip of his eyes. Disagreement was clear in his looks. “I cannot keep you protected from that killer for a long time. I'm getting old and my vision is turning weak. Dave is a nice guy. He will shield you from my enemies and most importantly he loves you. I could feel that in his words about you.”

“Don't I have a choice to make decisions about my life, dad? I told you I do not want to marry. Who will look after you and mama if I go away?” Celeste argued.

Tom breathed out. He was looking everywhere but her, controlling the tears in his eyes. “Ten million is not a small figure. Dave promised he will clear away all my dues. If you marry him he will take care of everything including your mom’s medical bills.”

“Dad…” Tom did not allow Celeste to speak.

“I cannot undergo the risk of losing you. I love you and I want to see you happy. With Anthony around your safety cannot be promised. How many times should I tell you, he is behind you only to avenge his animosity towards me?” Tom spoke annoyedly.

“You have two choices, Celeste. Marry Dave to see me and your mom happy or continue to be the stubborn girl you are and get killed by Anthony.” 

That was compelling! Celeste sighed, giving up. “Dad, I am ready to do anything to keep you happy. You are the most important person in my life, I can’t lose you and mom though this is something I don't like to do.

The delight in the eyes of Tom was unmatched. But Celeste? “I think you should go wedding shopping since we have very little time to do the preparation.” 

Celeste looked at her dad clueless. “Why are you in a hurry dad. We still have got five days to do the wedding work. I need to go to the club tonight.”

The joyful features of Tom were instantly replaced with anger. “You are not going there anymore. Dave was clear when I spoke to him the previous night. He doesn't want you to work. The family has enough savings to look after your needs even if you don't work. Get out of bed and start moving.”

Celeste tightened her lips in indignation. “Dad, I worked there. It is my hard earned money. I simply cannot let go. I will take my earnings from the manager and resign.” 

Tom breathed out, finally agreeing to his daughter. “I trust you. So I'm sending you out. Remember you will collect your dues and come back home. I don't want any friction with Dave.”

Collecting her salary was the only reason to state to her father. Celeste had many other things planned there in the club.

Ten hours later...

Anthony was back to the club. He had observed the brightness that he had always seen in the eyes of Celeste was missing that night.

Celeste met his gaze with a piercing stare. The words of her dad replayed in her mind. Detest shook her nerves to the man who was matching his eyes with hers. She peeled her eyes away from him like he was the Satan from the Hades who came to kill her.

Anthony is acquainted with every cell in her body. Something was bothering her. He was sure of it and that did not settle well with him. 

Taking a deep breath, Celeste silently prayed that the imposing figure who sent shivers down her spine will not do anything wrong with her life tonight. A part of her shook with terror to counter him but there was another which dared her. She needed answers on why he destroyed her life.

Reluctantly, she approached the booth of Mr. Cold, finding him engrossed in his phone, oblivious to her presence.

“Why are you here again? Was the mess you created with Dave the previous night not enough?" Her voice barely audible over the club's pulsating music. 

“You know the reason why I'm here. Don't you? Take a seat. Nobody is going to ask you why you are here instead of dancing there in your half nude state. This club belongs to mmmm'' There was detest in his speech as he abruptly stopped.

As she complied, Celeste couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly he pronounced her name, as though he knew every intimate detail about her. It sent a chill down her spine. She cursed Trevino for introducing her to this enigmatic stranger.

Lost in contemplation, Celeste cautiously took her seat, keeping a wary distance. 

His jawline was sharp, almost chiseled, giving him a rugged allure that was hard to ignore. And his lips—oh, his lips—were an unexpected contrast, too pink and plump for a man, yet undeniably enticing. Celeste couldn't tear her gaze away, her curiosity piqued by his mysterious appearance.

Suddenly, Mr. Cold glanced up, catching her off guard. Celeste swallowed nervously, feeling exposed under his intense scrutiny. A faint smile danced across his lips. 

"For starters, I can't stand seeing you on that stage. It...it pains me and that man Dave is bad news." He confessed, his words catching Celeste with a surprise.

“You don't have to worry about my wellbeing and keep chasing me. I can make decisions for my life. I'm already quitting the job. And Dave is not as bad a man as you think. He loves me. My dad’s decisions for me never failed till date. Next Friday is my wedding with Dave Hawkins. Don’t come.” She warned.

“What?” The seat fell behind him making a screeching sound as he stood up abruptly. And the fire of anger in his eyes was unmatched.