REBORN AS A RUTHLESS HEIRESS

Celeste's POV The room becomes silent... Like perfect breathtaking silence. I relax and feel the moment. I know this is going to blow their minds... I just smile. I allow the moment to stretch more, enjoying the anticipation building a mansion in Noah's eyes, even in the faces of the guests, and of course, I notice Sophia's expression; she grips tight on her glass. I can't hold my laughter anymore. Soft at first, then I go louder and more amused until it echoes through the hall because everyone is silent and trying to understand what's going on with me. Everyone started whispering in confusion. Noah's smile disappeared, and his grip on the ring tightened more. "Celeste...?" I take a step back, removing my hand from his. "No." My reply sounded like a bomb had been released in the hall. Noah freezes, his face creating a funny Spongebob facemask of disbelief. I think I'm already enjoying my rebirth. "What did you say?" He asks me. I tilt my head, amusement is written all over me. "I say no, Noah." My voice sounds clear and unwavering. "I will not marry you!" The whispers in the crowd turn to roar. "Noah's been rejected?" "This is outrageous!" "What's happening?" Noah quickly composed himself, rising to his feet with a nervous chuckle. "Celeste darling, I know you're nervous. It's a big moment. But there's no need to be shy." Look at this fool... "I'm not shy," I interrupted his silly speech, my voice sounding with authority. "I simply don't want to marry you." The crowd stops murmuring and listens in silence. Noah's jaw dropped his perfect facade cracking. "Celeste," he calls in a low, warning tone, a voice meant only for me to hear. "This isn't funny." I raise my brow. "Who says I'm joking here?" A few steps from us, I can see Sophia's face has turned pale. I know she doesn't expect this turn of events, though no one expected it. I turn back to the crowd, my voice carrying weight. "I apologize to everyone for the misunderstanding. But I will not be accepting this proposal. There was never a love story here, only an illusion." Noah grabs my wrist. Not tight enough to hurt me but enough to remind me that he isn't used to losing. "You don't want to do this," he whispers harshly. "Thinks about what you're doing Celeste." I meet his gaze with a chilling smile. "Oh, I have. I've thought thoroughly about it for a long time." He doesn't know I'm now smarter, he thinks I'm still that naive lady he throws lies at. Noah's grip tightened slightly. "Celeste, we'll talk about this later--" I yank my hand out of his grip in one swift movement, I take the box from his fingers. Then, to the absolute horror of the audience, I toss it off the stage. The diamond ring hit the floor with a heavy landing, rolling away into the crowd. Everyone is still looking at me with a stunned gaze. Noah's face turned red with a mix of anger and humiliation at my final action. "What the hell are you doing?" I smile calmly. "Ending this farce." His fingers curl into a fists. "You'll regret this," he says, his voice low with barely controlled fury. I move forward a bit, my voice is soft enough for only him to hear. "No, Noah. You will!" The look in his eyes looks murderous. I turn on my heels, descending the stage as the murmur grows into chaos. My adoptive mother drags my wrist from the crowd. Her face darkens with barely concealed rage. "Celeste, what in heaven's sake are you doing?" I turn to face my so-called family because Dad stands beside her. "I'm making my choice. My own choice." I smile and take my hands off her grip. This is just the beginning.. mother. I mutter to myself. Just then my phone buzz, I guess it's the call I have waited for. My purse makes a soft click sound while I try to open it. I bring my phone out and glance at the screen. I recognize the number. I swipe the receive button. The voice is low and efficient from the other end. "The information you requested is ready, ma'am. Want me to send it over?" I arch a brow and smile. "Good, I'll handle it from here; just send it over." I tap the end button and slide the phone into my purse; I push the door and catwalk out of the hall, smiling. I can feel their eyes on my back, Estina's, Noah's, Sophia's... each of them choking on the spectacle I leave them with. The girl they plan to bury has just buried them instead, and this is just the beginning. I say with a smile on my lips and a fire in my spine. My driver, Mason, is already waiting by the black SUV parked at the curb. He opens the door without a word, his expression blank as usual, but I catch the flicker of approval in his eyes. As I slid into the leather seat, I felt my phone buzz again in my purse. The message has arrived; I guess everything is set. I swipe upwards and tap the message to read the content. "The house is ready, ma'am; the location is Secured. The Keycard is in the glove box... Below is the attached file of Mr Damien Cross." Perfect... I mutter. I tap on the attachment, scanning the beginning of the file with sharp eyes. Damien Cross is elusive, brilliant, and ruthless. This is exactly the man I need on my side if I am going to take down the Harringtons, the Lancasters, and every viper who thought they could use me as a pawn. But that will come later. Right now, I need a place that isn't clustered with betrayals. I exhale calmly and relax my back perfectly. "Drive," I say to Mason. "Take me to the apartment." He nods with no questions asked and no hesitation. That's why I paid him well; he comes highly recommended by their agency, and I trust him with my life since he doesn't know who I am and he can't be cornered by my so-called family. Our meeting is strictly confidential. The building is built away in a quiet upscale neighborhood in the heart of the city, discreet enough for privacy and luxurious enough for comfort. The kind of place the press won't think to look for a humiliated heiress. Or so they thought. We pull up into the underground parking lot. The moment I step out, the cold air bites into my skin, but I welcome it. It reminds me I'm alive. I retrieve the keycard from the glovebox and made my way to the private elevator, alone. As the elevator ascended, the picture of Damien's file continued to roll through my mind like a reel of unfinished memories. I haven't seen him in years since we met at the inauguration party of an elite friend, just whispers of his name in powerful circles. People say he is dangerous.... well... I will be the woman to tame that danger or match it. The elevator dinges softly, and the doors open to a spacious penthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows, cool modern furnishings, and a subtle scent of lavender filling in the air. It is sterile and clean. All this space of quiet and peace is mine now. I walk in, dropped my purse on the table, and exhale slowly and deeply. The adrenaline begins to fade, and the ache starts. I'm walking away from everything, everything they use to control me. The Lancaster name, the fake affection, the hollow love. But now, stripped of the facade, I stand alone, finally making my decision. I fall onto the couch, pulling my legs to my chest. For a moment, the silence returns, but it is heavier now. It presses against my ribcage, reminding me of what I have lost and what I will never have back. A flash of Noah's face when I said "No." The way his eyes widened, the confusion crumpling his perfect mask. The look on Sophia's face was pale and shaking. I had stolen the script out of their hands, and now I am rewriting the play. But even so... my heart isn't made of steel just yet. It ache, not for them, but for the version of myself who had once believed in their love. That girl is dead now. I let her go tonight.