SILENT VOWS

Inside the Bar – VIP Table

One of Yeager's close friends, Lucas Trent, a sharp-eyed and slightly flamboyant man, noticed the way Yeager was staring across the room.

Lucas nudged him with a smirk. "I've never seen you look at a woman like that before."

Yeager took a slow sip of his wine, silent.

Lucas leaned in, intrigued. "Don't tell me... the bartender?"

Yeager didn't shift his gaze. "She's... different."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Well damn. If this means you're actually going to pursue a woman for the first time in, what—years? I'm ready to place bets."

Yeager gave him that usual cold glance, but there was something flickering behind his eyes. Something unspoken. Something stirred.

In the Bar's Back Kitchen

Celestine was focused on preparing a tray of drinks, carefully aligning the glasses, when her co-worker Lina approached with an empty tray in hand.

"Cel, someone's asking for you outside."

Celestine paused. "Who?"

Lina shrugged. "No idea. But... he looked familiar. Kind of intense."

A cold feeling crept into Celestine's chest. She set down the bottle, untied her apron, and made her way toward the back exit with slow, cautious steps. As she stepped into the dimly lit side parking lot, her breath caught.

Darren.

Her ex. The man who once swore he loved her—then left her in pieces. His smile was the same, but the look in his eyes still carried that dangerous edge.

"Cel... finally," Darren said with a crooked smile, stepping toward her.

"I don't want to talk to you. Leave," Celestine said firmly, turning to go back inside.

But Darren's hand suddenly gripped her arm tightly. "Don't act like that. You're coming with me. We're not finished."

"Let me go, Darren!"

Out of nowhere, another hand swatted Darren's away with force.

"Let her go. She's my girlfriend."

Darren froze, surprised. Celestine's eyes widened when she saw who was standing protectively beside her—tall, calm, commanding.

Yeager.

His gaze cut through the tension like ice. His voice was cool, but filled with a quiet authority that made even Darren hesitate.

Celestine stood frozen, her heart thudding loud in her chest. She barely knew this man—yet here he was, lying to protect her.

Or maybe… it wasn't entirely a lie.

Darren's Anger

Darren clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing with fury. "Your boyfriend?" he spat, eyeing Yeager up and down with disdain. "Don't play the hero, you don't know anything about her."

Yeager remained silent, standing tall and cold, not a single trace of emotion on his face. His unflinching gaze only made Darren more furious.

"Who do you think you are, huh?!" Darren shouted.

Yeager slowly stepped forward, gently guiding Celestine behind him. In a voice as cold as ice, he responded, "If you touch her again... I'll make sure you never speak like that again."

Darren sneered, his jaw clenching. "You don't know who I am—"

"And I don't care," Yeager cut him off sharply.

The tension hung thick in the air as Darren stood frozen for a moment, seething with rage. Finally, with a grunt of frustration, he kicked a nearby empty can, throwing one last glare at them before storming off toward the parking lot, not bothering to look back.

Silence.

Celestine remained still, staring at Darren's retreating figure. Her breath was shallow, her body trembling slightly. But before she could say anything, Yeager pulled something from his coat pocket.

A business card.

Without a word, he handed it to her.

"If he comes back, or if he bothers you again... call me," Yeager said in a flat, commanding tone.

Celestine took the card with trembling fingers, her gaze drifting to the elegant text printed on it:

Yeager Aldric

CEO – Aldric Corporation

Before Celestine could ask him anything or even express her gratitude, Yeager turned and walked away. His steps were calm, his suit swaying slightly as he entered the bar again.

Celestine stood there, still holding the card. For the first time that night, her heart raced—not out of fear, but something else entirely.

Late Night – At Celestine's House

Celestine sat at the small table in her living room, staring at the business card she had just received. The dim lighting in the room reflected Yeager Aldric's name on the card. For some reason, her heart felt heavy, confused—there was a feeling she couldn't quite understand.

Her right hand slowly turned the card, ignoring the growing anxiety inside her. She took a deep breath and carefully placed the card into her wallet.

"Why is this so complicated…" she muttered quietly.

That night, she decided to sleep with her thoughts still swirling—about Darren, about Yeager, and about what she truly wanted in a life that felt more difficult with each passing day.

Morning – At Celestine's House

Morning came quickly. The sun had just risen, and Celestine was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast. The scent of eggs and coffee filled their small home. Meanwhile, Jamie sat at the dining table, seriously looking at his phone.

Celestine placed the plates on the table and sat down across from her brother. "Jamie, why the long face? What's going on?"

Jamie looked up from his phone and stared at his sister. "Kak, I have some news. I got a new job. I'm going to be a courier."

Celestine looked at him sharply, her attention fully on her brother. "Courier? Are you sure that's the right choice? You're only 17. You shouldn't be doing something so hard."

Jamie lowered his head, his voice soft. "I don't want to keep being a burden to you, Kak. I know you're tired working at the bar, and I don't want you to be the one taking on everything."

Celestine stared at him for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. "You're not a burden, Jamie... But it's a tough job. You really need to think this through."

Jamie raised his head, determination in his eyes. "Kak, I need to stand on my own two feet. I don't want to keep relying on you."

Celestine paused, her mind torn. On one hand, she wanted to protect Jamie. But on the other hand, she knew her brother was starting to make efforts to be independent. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"Alright," she said softly. "But you have to take care of yourself. Don't overwork or get into trouble."

Jamie smiled wide, his usual playful demeanor now replaced with gratitude. "Don't worry, Kak. I'll be careful!"

Celestine sighed, watching her brother, who was so eager to help. Despite her heavy heart, she knew this was a step toward Jamie growing up.