Elias

CELESTE

“Watch her,” Jade cautioned Noah and Liza immediately upon our arrival at the hotel.

“Why can’t we simply tie her to our suite, Mom?” Liza suggested, causing me to heave a deep sigh. “This bitch will undoubtedly cause a scene,” she added.

Good gracious with these demons. They should allow me to stay at their house.

When I touched my left shoulder, I winced. Even though the bruise is hidden, the pain is still felt.

I sighed as I attempted to ignore their blabbering and concentrate on the hotel’s view.

It’s opulent and exudes glamour. Dad used to bring me to every party he attended years ago. He was always proud of me and never failed to demonstrate it to anyone he met.

However, things have changed.

“Let her look for new things,” Jade mumbled and smiled at Liza.

They’re conversing as if I’m not hearing them.

“Celeste, you will not enjoy it when I am enraged.” I gasped at the sound of Noah’s voice and grimaced at the sensation of his breath brushing against my skin.

I backed away slightly, which surprised him, I’m sure since he arched his brow and clenched his jaw.

“Noah…” I heard the warning from Liza’s voice, making me look away.

“M-May I have a glass of water or any other beverage—”

“No,” Jade replied, eliciting a sigh from me.

I am powerless to do anything but nod.

“You may do so after you fix our belongings,” Jade added.

“Assist her to our suite, Liza. And then return here—”

“Permit me, Mom,” Noah pleaded. Liza, on the other hand, slapped his chest.

“There is no way. I’m so familiar with you, baby. As I previously stated, you cannot have her. If you wish, you may come, and we shall fuck—”

“People are listening,” I interjected, drawing Liza’s death glare.

“Are you willing to die?” Liza walked up to me and grabbed my arm as she stretched. When I felt her fingernails dig into my skin, I winced. “So what if they overhear me? We’re a couple—wait,” she said, arched her brow, and smirked her lips, “are you jealous?”

I pressed my lips together, determined not to smile or laugh, but my thoughts betrayed me. I laughed. “How come I should be envious?”

Liza was about to speak when Jade cut her off. “Enough. Come, Noah, and allow the ladies to do their thing. Let’s meet some investors in the banquet hall.” She then took Noah’s hand in hers, and they walked away from us.

Great! This is a chance.

“Let go of me,” I said coldly.

Liza arched her brow as she released her grip. “Carry all of our belongings—”

“I only have two hands—” I didn’t finish my words when her palm landed on my left cheek.

“I am directing you—”

“What’s wrong here?” A deep, stern voice interjects itself into the scene. I clenched my jaw and straightened my posture.

Liza flashed a fake smile and shifted her gaze to my side.

I sensed the aura of the man standing beside me. I straightened my posture and shifted my gaze to my left. I gasped when I locked eyes with him.

My eyes widened, and my heart thumped rapidly. I’m not sure why, but it could be that I now have this opportunity to seek his assistance.

Numerous guests are entering the hotel, but others are unconcerned about our presence. Not until this gentleman approached us.

I noticed how others were staring at us as they walked away.

Liza laughed softly and flirtatiously. “It’s nothing, Mister. I’m merely instructing our maid—”

“Heron Barlowe. He’s your father, right?”

I was taken aback by surprise for the nth time.

“I…”

“Oh,” Liza said as she walked alongside me and pressed her arm into mine, “Yes. This is her first visit to Cali—”

“It is impolite to speak when the other person is not speaking to you, Miss.”

Liza’s body stiffened, and she let out a soft gasp. “I…”

“Are you indeed Heron’s daughter?” The gentleman inquired, oblivious to Liza.

I’m at a loss for words. I was perplexed and wanted to laugh out loud at the same time. I wish to express my gratitude for the man’s presence.

“Take a look, Mr. Green eyes—”

“It’s bottle green.”

Liza’s jaw dropped as she locked her gaze on the man.

“I was referring to the color,” the man continued, refocusing his gaze on me.

“My name is Celeste, Sir—”

“I am Elias. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Celeste,” he said, extending his hand.

I hesitated for a few seconds but eventually grabbed it, but immediately let go when I sensed something within the friction of our palms.

I saw how lines were drawn into Elias’s forehead due to my actions.

“I apologize. I had no intention of being disrespectful—”

“It doesn’t matter. Enjoy the party,” he stated, turning his back away from us.

For a brief moment, I forgot Liza was holding me.

No, I do not wish to miss this opportunity.

‘Help me!’ I pondered.

I’m not sure why I feel the need to scream that within my thought.

“You scumbag! I will inform Noah of this! And who does he believe that fellow was?!!” Liza’s hatred was palpable as she let go of me. “Grab all of our belongings, and let’s proceed upstairs. Celeste, fifty whips from me,” she added as she began to stride away from me.

I sighed deeply as I attempted to carry all of their luggage.

I looked in the man’s direction one final time, but he had vanished.

Did he pick up on the fact that something was wrong with my situation?

How did he become aware of my father?

Have I met him previously?

However, why didn’t he ask more?

Damn! Have I blown a chance?

Or is it a sign that I am about to be released from this misery—

“What the hell are you doing?”

When I heard Liza’s voice, I sighed. I scanned the interior with my eyes and noticed people entering the banquet hall from the left side, slightly far from where I was.

“Celeste—”

“I’m on my way!” I muttered and approached her.

“Oh, you wretch! Faster. I’m giddy with anticipation of administering 50 whips to you.”

“Could you just leave it until we return?” I wondered aloud.

I saw how Liza’s face was engulfed in madness. “So, you’re now talking back?”

“N-No. I was mere—”

“A hundred then,” she said.