The courthouse was unusually quiet that morning. Even the reporters out front kept their voices low, sensing the weight of the day ahead.
Inside, Celeste sat at the same table she had all week, her fingers laced in her lap, nerves strung tight beneath the calm surface. Damien was beside her, scanning through his phone. Every now and then, he’d glance up, like he was ready to step in and catch her if anything fell apart. But she wasn’t breaking today.
Sasha, her assisting publicist, leaned over from the row behind them. “The judge is reviewing in chambers. Might be another twenty minutes.”
Celeste nodded. “Thanks.”
Damien slid his phone onto the table, turning to her. “You didn’t sleep love.”
“I did. Just, not deeply.”
“You were dreaming. You called out once.”
Her eyes flicked to him
