Chapter 38 – The Decision That Changes Everything

Celeste sat on the balcony of her room, gazing at the star-studded night sky. The evening breeze brushed against her skin, carrying the distant scent of the sea. Her mind was still in turmoil, torn between fear and a fragile sense of certainty.

After days of weighing every possibility, she knew there was no truly safe path. Rejecting Alistair meant going back to fighting alone, facing a ruthless world with no guarantees. Accepting him meant surrendering a part of herself to a man who was dominant and ambitious.

But if she looked deeper, there was something different in the way Alistair treated her. He could be harsh, demanding, and sometimes even terrifying. Yet beneath it all, there was a real sense of protection. There was a possessiveness she couldn't ignore.

So what should she do?

At that moment, the balcony door opened, and Alistair stepped out. His white shirt had its sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and his face held that ever-knowing expression. He watched Celeste in silence before finally walking closer.

"What are you thinking about?" His voice was deep and soft, yet still carried that signature intimidation.

Celeste took a deep breath. She could feel her heartbeat quickening.

"I…" She swallowed hard before continuing, "I will marry you."

For a moment, silence enveloped them.

Alistair didn't react immediately. His face remained calm, but his sharp eyes burned with something indescribable. Slowly, the corners of his lips curved into a victorious smile.

"I knew you would make the right choice in the end," he said, his tone filled with satisfaction.

Celeste averted her gaze, feeling as though she had just surrendered herself to something far greater than she could control.

But she didn't anticipate one thing—

Alistair wasn't willing to wait long.

—*

The next morning, everything changed at a startling speed.

Celeste was awakened by the persistent ringing of a phone. She blinked, still trying to grasp the situation, before realizing that Alistair was on a call.

"I want everything ready within a week," his voice was sharp and firm. "No mistakes. I want this wedding to be the biggest event of the decade."

Celeste shot up from the bed.

One week?

She hadn't even fully prepared herself for this, and Alistair had already planned everything?

When she turned to him, he had already ended the call and was facing her with a relaxed expression, as if this was completely normal.

"I don't like waiting," he said, reading the confusion on her face. "And I won't give you the chance to change your mind."

Celeste clutched the sheets in her hands. "Alistair… Don't you think this is too rushed?"

Alistair walked over, tilting her chin up so their eyes met directly.

"Do you think I'd let you delay this?" he whispered. "I've waited long enough. Now, you're mine, and I want the whole world to know it."

Celeste couldn't deny that there was something in his tone that made her heart race. Yet another part of her was afraid—because when Alistair wanted something, he would get it by any means necessary.

—*

The following days turned into a whirlwind of luxury.

Celeste could hardly catch her breath with all the preparations. Lavish wedding gowns from top designers were sent to her daily for fittings. Gold-plated invitations were being distributed to VIP guests, including the most influential business and political figures in the world.

This wedding wasn't just an event. It was a declaration of power.

Alistair wanted to show the world that he had everything—including the woman he desired.

Celeste stood in a grand room filled with white flowers and dazzling crystal chandeliers. Designers and stylists buzzed around her, ensuring perfection in every detail.

"This gown was truly made for you," one of the stylists whispered in awe.

Celeste stared at her reflection in the mirror. The flowing white wedding dress hugged her figure with elegance, yet beneath all the grandeur, something felt surreal.

As if she were stepping into a dream too big for her.

She took a deep breath, realizing one thing—

In just days, she would become the wife of a billionaire.

And there was no turning back.

—*

That night, she sat on her balcony, savoring the cool breeze that carried the scent of the sea. Her heart was still filled with countless questions until she heard familiar footsteps approaching.

Alistair.

He stood behind her, resting one hand on the balcony railing as he gazed at the night sky alongside her.

"You look restless," he finally said.

Celeste sighed, pulling the thin blanket tighter around herself. "Everything is happening too fast..."

Alistair tilted his head, studying her. "Do you regret it?"

Celeste bit her lip. "I'm just scared…"

"Scared of what?" Alistair turned fully toward her, his sharp eyes searching hers as if trying to read her mind.

"Scared that I'm not good enough for the world you belong to," Celeste admitted. "Scared that this is all a one-sided arrangement, and I'll get lost in a life that isn't mine…"

Alistair was silent for a moment before tilting her chin up with a single finger.

"Listen to me carefully, Celeste. I didn't choose you by chance. I didn't ask for this marriage just for a show."

Celeste searched his gaze for the truth. "Then why?"

Alistair stepped closer, his fingers brushing against her cheek as he whispered near her ear, "I will not let you go. Not now, not ever."

Her heartbeat quickened.

"I know this world scares you," Alistair continued. "But I won't let you get lost in it. You are mine, Celeste. And I will make sure you understand that."

Celeste's breath hitched. There was something absolute in his voice, something deeply possessive, yet at the same time, there was an assurance that calmed her heart just a little.

"I just want you to trust me," he added. "I may not be an easy man to love, but I will make sure you never regret this decision."

Celeste looked at him, seeing the sincerity behind those piercing eyes.

And for the first time since all of this began, she felt... slightly lighter.

—*

The next day, Alistair took her to their wedding venue—a magnificent castle atop a hill, overlooking the breathtaking ocean.

As Celeste stepped out of the car, her eyes widened. The castle looked like something out of a fairy tale, with towering spires, vast gardens filled with white roses, and stained-glass windows shimmering under the sun.

"What do you think?" Alistair asked, standing beside her.

Celeste was still in awe. "It's… incredible."

"Of course. I never do things halfway," he said with a triumphant smile.

Celeste shook her head. "I didn't expect the wedding to be this grand…"

Alistair smirked. "I'm a billionaire, darling. I don't do simple weddings."

Celeste let out a small laugh, though she still felt overwhelmed by everything.

But as she stepped inside the castle, seeing how meticulously Alistair had planned every detail—from the candlelit halls to the white roses filling every corner—she realized something.

Alistair wasn't doing this just for himself.

He was doing this for her too.

—*

The night before the wedding, Celeste stood by her window, gazing at the bright moon.

Then, the door opened, and Alistair entered without knocking.

"You should be resting," he said.

Celeste turned to him, watching as he leaned against the doorframe with an unreadable expression.

"I can't sleep," she murmured.

Alistair walked closer, pulling a chair and sitting in front of her. "Nervous?"

Celeste nodded slightly.

Alistair gave a small smirk. "Don't worry. Tomorrow, you just have to say 'I do,' and the rest will be history."

Celeste exhaled. "You make it sound easy."

"Because it is." He leaned back, his eyes locked on hers. "And after that, you'll be my wife."

Celeste bit her lip. "And if I change my mind at the altar?"

Alistair's gaze sharpened. "I won't let that happen."

Her breath caught.

This man… would never let her go.

He wasn't just a billionaire.

He was someone who always got what he wanted.

And this time, he wanted Celeste.