Chapter 3: Celeste's Next Move

Celeste sat in her luxury penthouse, sipping wine as she scrolled through photos on her phone. Photos of Elara, Photos of Leo.

A wicked smile curled her lips as she forwarded them to an unknown number.

Damian, sitting across from her, was brooding, something he did often when Elara's name was mentioned.

"She's working for Adrian now," Celeste said, watching him carefully.

Damian's jaw tightened. "I know." Celeste smirked.

"She's probably using him, just like she used you."

Damian didn't respond, but his grip on his glass tightened.

Celeste leaned forward, her voice dripping with venom.

"We need to make sure she doesn't get too comfortable." Damian remained silent, staring at his drink.

Celeste's smirk widened. It was time to remind Elara of her place.

"Unexpected Protection"

Elara was in the middle of organizing documents when a deliveryman entered the office, "A package for Miss Sinclair." Frowning, she took the envelope and opened it, her heart stopped. Inside were photos..pictures of Leo, Shots of him at the park, at school, outside their apartment.

Her hands trembled as she unfolded a note: "Leave while you can. Or next time, it won't be just pictures."

A chill ran down her spine. She knew exactly who was behind this. Before she could react, a strong hand took the photos from her grasp.

Adrian's sharp gaze darkened as he examined them. His entire posture shifted, his usual controlled demeanor now replaced with quiet fury. "Who sent these?" he asked, his voice dangerously low. Elara swallowed hard. "I… I don't know." Adrian's jaw clenched, his expression turning lethal. "You don't have to fight this alone, Elara." Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to cry.

She had fought alone for so long. But as Adrian's protective presence loomed over her, she realized something terrifying. She wasn't alone anymore.

Elara sat frozen as Adrian studied the photographs. His fingers curled tightly around the edges, his knuckles turning white. 

"Where did you get these?" His voice was dangerously calm, but the fury in his eyes was unmistakable. 

Elara swallowed hard. "A deliveryman brought them. No return address." 

Adrian exhaled sharply and placed the photos on his desk. "Who have you angered, Elara?" 

She hesitated. Telling him the truth meant dragging him into a war with Celeste. But keeping him in the dark meant facing this alone. 

"Elara," Adrian's voice was softer this time, but still firm. "If someone is threatening you and your son, I need to know." 

She clenched her fists. "It's Celeste," she admitted quietly. 

Adrian's expression darkened, but he wasn't surprised. He sat back in his chair, deep in thought. "She doesn't scare me." 

"She's dangerous," Elara warned. "She has money, connections, and no conscience." 

Adrian leaned forward. "And I have more power than she does. I won't let her hurt you or Leo." 

Elara's heart pounded. There was something terrifying yet comforting about the way Adrian said those words.. as if her battles were now his to fight. 

Celeste twirled a wine glass in her hand, watching Damian's conflicted expression. "She's staying close to Adrian," she mused, pretending to be indifferent. "I wonder why."

Damian's jaw clenched. "It doesn't matter." Oh, but it does," Celeste smirked. "You see, dear Damian, Elara is a woman full of secrets.

Do you know what I heard recently?" Damian looked at her, irritated but intrigued.

"What now, Celeste?" She sighed dramatically. "That little boy of her..Leo,..he's not just anyone's child." Damian stiffened.

"What are you saying?" Celeste leaned closer. "What if I told you that Leo's father… is Adrian Blackwood?"

Damian's eyes widened. "That's impossible." Celeste's smirk deepened. "Is it?" She slid a photo across the table..one of Leo, his striking dark eyes identical to Adrian's. "Tell me, Damian," Celeste whispered, "do you still believe Elara never betrayed you?" Damian stared at the photo, his heart pounding.

If what Celeste was implying was true, then everything he thought he knew about Elara was a lie.

"The Walls Close In"

Elara was tucking Leo into bed when her phone vibrated. She glanced at the screen, an unknown number.

Her stomach twisted. She hesitated before answering. "Hello?" A chillingly familiar voice came through the line. "You should've stayed gone, Elara." Celeste.. Elara's grip tightened around the phone.

"Stay away from my son." Celeste laughed, a cruel, mocking sound.

"Or what? You have nothing, Elara, no power, no influence.

Do you really think Adrian can protect you forever?"

Elara's breath hitched. "You don't know what you're talking about." Celeste's voice dropped into a venomous whisper.

"Oh, I do. And soon, so will Adrian." The line went dead.

Elara's heart pounded. Celeste knew. She knew about Leo. And if she told Adrian… everything would fall apart. As she stood frozen, Leo stirred in his sleep, his small hand clutching hers.

Elara bent down, pressing a kiss to his forehead. No matter what happened, she would protect him.

Even if it meant keeping the truth buried forever. But deep down, she knew, the truth was coming for her, whether she was ready or not.

"The Truth Begins to Unravel"

Elara barely slept that night. Celeste's words echoed in her mind, a constant reminder that her carefully guarded secret was hanging by a thread.

If Adrian found out Leo was his son… what would he do? Would he take him away? Would he hate her for keeping the truth from him?

Morning came too quickly. She went through the motions of getting Leo ready for school, plastering on a smile she didn't feel.

"Mama, will you pick me up today?" Leo asked, his bright eyes full of innocence.

Elara knelt in front of him, brushing his curls back. "Of course, my love."

She pressed a kiss to his forehead before sending him off. But as she watched him go, dread coiled in her stomach.

She knew Celeste wouldn't stop until she ruined everything.

And this time, she might succeed.

"Adrian's Doubts Grow"

At Blackwood Enterprises, Adrian watched Elara closely. She was more distant today, her usual confidence replaced with an underlying tension.

Something was wrong.

"Elara." His deep voice snapped her out of her daze.

She looked up, startled. "Yes?"

He studied her carefully. "Are you alright?"

She nodded too quickly. "I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind."

Adrian leaned back, his sharp gaze unwavering. "Does this have anything to do with Celeste?"

Elara's breath caught. Did he know? Had Celeste already told him?

She forced a small smile. "It's nothing I can't handle."

Adrian's jaw tightened. "You don't have to handle it alone."

There it was again...that quiet, unwavering promise of protection.

And it terrified her.

Because the closer Adrian got, the harder it would be to keep the truth from him.