Chapter 40 – A Tense First Night

After the grand wedding ceremony, Celeste could barely remember how she had ended up in their bridal suite. Perhaps it was exhaustion from everything that had happened today—the flashing cameras, the endless congratulations from guests, and the late-night celebration dinner.

But now, here she was.

Inside a luxurious hotel room bathed in dim light, the scent of white roses filled the air. A large bed with silk sheets lay before her.

And Alistair was there.

Standing at the doorway, his shirt unbuttoned, his black tie loosened and hanging loosely around his neck. His gaze was fixed on Celeste with an intensity that made her heart race.

Neither of them spoke for a while.

The tension between them was palpable, almost tangible.

Celeste knew that, as husband and wife, there were certain expectations for this first night. But there was something about the way Alistair looked at her—as if he, too, was waiting for something from her.

Finally, he stepped forward, reaching out and gently touching her chin, tilting her face up so their eyes met.

"Are you nervous?" he asked, his voice low and deep.

Celeste couldn't answer.

She wasn't sure how she felt at that moment. Nervous? Yes. Afraid? No. There was a warmth slowly spreading in her chest, making her want to trust this man.

Seeing her expression, Alistair smiled slightly. Not his usual smirk, but something softer.

"I won't force you, Celeste." His voice was calm, reassuring. "I want you to choose for yourself what you want."

His words left Celeste speechless.

She knew, from the beginning, that this marriage had never been part of her plans. But now, being here with him… it felt different.

Alistair didn't give her too much time to think. He lifted his hand, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, then pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"You can sleep first. I'll take a shower."

And with that, he let go of her and walked toward the bathroom, leaving Celeste still frozen in place.

The sound of running water echoed from behind the door as she sat on the edge of the bed, staring at her hands.

For the first time, she felt that maybe this marriage wasn't just a contract…

Maybe something deeper was beginning to take root between them. Something she couldn't understand yet.

But sooner or later, she knew… she would have to face it.

The sound of water finally stopped. Celeste remained seated on the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting together anxiously. She didn't know what she was feeling. Since earlier, her mind had been filled with countless thoughts—about herself, about this marriage, about what would happen tonight.

The bathroom door opened.

Alistair stepped out, his hair still damp, a towel wrapped around his waist, while his nightshirt was draped over his arm. Droplets of water clung to his skin, glistening faintly under the dim bedroom lights.

Celeste swallowed.

Their eyes met.

Alistair raised an eyebrow slightly, noticing how she was still sitting stiffly at the edge of the bed. He walked closer, placed his shirt on the chair near the vanity, then sat on the bed beside her.

He didn't say anything.

He was waiting.

Celeste gripped the hem of her dress, gathering her courage. Then, before she could change her mind, she stood up and wrapped her arms around Alistair from the front.

The sudden movement startled him.

Her body felt smaller in his arms. Her hands circled his back, her face buried against his warm chest.

Alistair was silent for a moment before he finally lifted his arms, gently returning her embrace.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low, as if not wanting to break the moment.

Celeste didn't answer, only tightening her hold on him.

She knew that if she kept letting fear and anxiety control her, she would never be able to face this reality.

She was married to Alistair.

And somehow, a part of her didn't want to be away from him tonight.

Sensing her reluctance to speak, Alistair let out a quiet sigh. His hand moved up to the back of her head, stroking her hair gently.

"You don't have to force yourself," he whispered. "I'll wait until you're truly ready."

Celeste closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.

"I want to try," she finally whispered, so softly it was almost inaudible.

Alistair tensed slightly.

He pulled back just enough to look at her face, making sure their eyes met.

"Are you sure?" he asked, searching her expression.

Celeste nodded. Even though there was still nervousness lingering in her heart, there was also determination.

She wanted to fight her fear.

She wanted to be closer to the man who was now her husband.

Alistair studied her carefully before a small smile curved his lips.

"Alright," he murmured before pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

Tonight, there was no force. No fear.

Only two people, slowly accepting each other in a marriage neither of them had planned.

Perhaps, this was the beginning of something much greater.