Chapter 31 – Cracks in the Walls

Celeste sat at the edge of her bed, her hands clasped in her lap, while her thoughts spiraled endlessly. Alistair's words still echoed in her mind.

"I'm just waiting. Until you finally realize that you want me too."

She bit her lower lip. She shouldn't have let those words affect her. She should have stayed firm in her resolve, not giving him the slightest opening. But the truth was, something inside her had changed.

Alistair was no longer just a man who used force and power to bind her. Now, he had chosen to wait. To let Celeste make the decision herself.

And that was even more dangerous.

Celeste let out a heavy sigh. She tried to distract herself by heading to the bathroom. The cold water cascading down her skin helped calm her mind a little, but not completely.

When she stepped out, her hair still damp, she froze in place at the sight of Alistair standing in front of the large window, his back turned to her.

Celeste clenched the edge of her gown. "What are you doing here?"

Alistair turned slowly, his gaze sweeping over her with an unreadable expression. "Waiting for you," he answered calmly.

Her heart lurched. "I don't need you to wait for me."

Alistair merely gave a faint smile. He walked toward her, but this time, his movements were more careful, as if allowing her the space to run if she wanted to. But strangely, Celeste didn't move.

"I want to take you to dinner," Alistair finally said. "No pressure. I just want to spend time with you in a different way."

Celeste eyed him warily. "Why this sudden change?"

Alistair held her gaze, then spoke in a low voice, "Because I want you to see me as a man you could love, not as a man you hate."

Celeste's breath caught.

Those words, simple yet piercing.

She looked at the man before her, filled with hesitation. But deep inside, something in her chest trembled.

The walls of her defenses were slowly beginning to crack.

Celeste stood frozen, Alistair's words still echoing in her mind.

"I want you to see me as a man you could love, not as a man you hate."

Her heart pounded unknowingly. She looked at him with uncertainty, but this time—for the first time—she didn't feel the urge to resist.

Alistair extended his hand, his palm open, waiting for her to take it. "Have dinner with me," he said softly.

Celeste hesitated for a moment. But then, whether out of curiosity or a genuine desire to see a different side of him, her hand slowly lifted and touched his.

A faint smile played on Alistair's lips, as if he didn't want to scare her. He pulled her gently closer, guiding her out of the room.

When they arrived at the private dining hall, Celeste was surprised. The long table, which usually felt cold and empty, was now illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight, scattered red rose petals, and two perfectly set plates.

"This..." Celeste turned to him, her brows furrowing. "You prepared all of this?"

"I wanted you to feel comfortable." Alistair pulled out a chair for her, a gesture he rarely did before.

Celeste sat down hesitantly, and Alistair took his seat across from her. His gaze never left her, as if carefully observing every flicker of emotion on her face.

Throughout dinner, the atmosphere felt different. There was no tension like before. No sharp words or domineering stares. Instead, there was light conversation, the soft clinking of silverware, and Alistair's gaze—warmer than usual.

And when Celeste lifted her glass to sip her wine, she didn't notice Alistair already standing beside her.

"You have something here," he murmured, his fingers brushing the corner of her lips with a touch so light it was barely there.

Celeste froze. Her heart pounded uncontrollably.

She could feel the warmth of his body so close. His breath ghosted over her skin, and his hand lingered at her chin, tilting her face slightly to meet his gaze.

Their eyes locked.

The silence between them was so intense it felt as if time had stopped.

Then, suddenly, Alistair gave a small smile. "I could kiss you now, but I want you to ask for it," he whispered.

Celeste held her breath.

She could push him away. She could break eye contact and pretend her heart wasn't racing.

But she didn't.

Because tonight, for the first time, she felt like staying in his grasp.