Change 5

CELESTE

Property?

I was shocked, my breath stopped. Property was like an object. Like something he owned completely.

I opened my mouth to ask, but before the words came out, my phone vibrated hard in my bag. I glanced at the screen. The debt collector again. The same number that threatened to seize the house tomorrow morning if there was no payment.

I looked at Lazarrus. He just stood quietly, waiting, with that annoying calm expression.

With still shaking hands, I took the pen he offered. I signed at the bottom.

As soon as I put the pen back on his desk, he nodded slightly. “Your debt is paid.”

I stood frozen, not believing it. I had just signed my life away to him, and he said it so simply?

Then, exactly two minutes later, my phone vibrated again. Not the debt collector. A bank notification.

‘Debt repayment in the name of Harper Family. Status: PAID IN FULL.’

I still stared at my phone screen with my mouth slightly open. I did not expect everything to be settled so fast.

“You must move to my mansion right now,” he said flatly. “And tonight you will come with me to the gala event.”

I looked up, surprised. “Tonight? But I haven’t packed anything, Sir.”

“He will handle everything,” he answered while glancing at his personal assistant who suddenly appeared from the side door. The middle-aged man nodded respectfully to me, then immediately arranged a team to pick up my things from my small rented room.

I did not even have time to protest. Everything moved quickly.

That same night, I was already in his huge mansion. The house looked more like a modern palace, with high gates, large gardens, and shiny marble floors everywhere. I was taken straight to the room prepared for me. It was not an ordinary guest room, but a full suite with a big walk-in wardrobe.

When the wardrobe door opened, I almost fainted. Rows of designer gowns, high heels from brands I had only seen in magazines, expensive bags hanging neatly, and drawers full of sparkling jewelry. Diamonds, sapphires, white gold.

The makeup artist and hair stylist team were already waiting in the room. Two women and one friendly gay man treated me like a princess.

They served me with full respect, warm smiles, and none of them made me feel low. I was truly treated like a princess. Warm bath with expensive scents, light massage, perfect makeup, hair styled in soft waves.

But there was one rule that could not be broken. All clothing choices had to get Lazarrus’s approval.

I changed gowns three times just because he did not like them!

I started to feel annoyed inside, but I stayed quiet.

Finally, on the fourth try, I came out wearing a wine-red gown that was tight on top, wrapping my body curves perfectly. My chest and waist looked prominent but elegant.

Lazarrus looked at me for a long time from head to toe. His eyes were dark, his lips curved slightly. “This is the one I want.”

He stood up, came closer, and put a thin diamond necklace around my neck himself. His fingers touched my skin for a moment, making the hairs on my neck stand up.

The trip to the gala venue felt short because I was too nervous.

When we arrived, camera flashes welcomed us right away. Reporters and photographers crowded the red carpet, shouting Lazarrus’s name.

“Mr. Walkez! Smile here!” “Who is the woman beside you?”

He did not answer any questions, just nodded slightly toward them while keeping his arm firmly around me. I smiled stiffly, trying to look calm even though my heart pounded fast.

I had read about this event on the invitation given to me that afternoon. It was the annual gala for the most influential young businessmen and traders in the city. Lazarrus was the main sponsor, his name printed large on the main banner. That was why everyone respected him so much.

The ballroom was so grand, with a huge crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling, reflecting light everywhere until the room sparkled. People in formal clothes moved gracefully, champagne glasses shining in their hands, polite laughter and business talk filling the air.

Then, among the crowd of men in expensive suits gathered near the bar, I saw Leon.

Leon stood there, holding a drink, smiling widely while talking to some other men. His eyes suddenly caught mine, and his smile faded.

I froze at once. My steps stopped, so Lazarrus stopped too and glanced at me.

I did not realize I was growling softly. “How dare he show up in front of me after cheating on me and taking all my savings?”

The words slipped out without me meaning to, loud enough for Lazarrus to hear clearly. He followed my gaze to Leon, his eyes narrowing for a second.

“Oh, I understand,” he said flatly.

Then he looked straight at me. “Kiss me.”

I stared at him wide-eyed, almost choking. “What?”

Lazarrus brought his face a little closer, his hand on my waist tightening. “Kiss me deeply, Little Doe.”

“Why?” I asked quickly.

“Because your bastard ex is watching us. And let’s make him regret what he lost.”