The Heir's Unwanted Bride

The tea is cold. The words had barely left Margaret’s mouth before the cup flew across the dining room. Celeste stepped back, but she wasn’t fast enough. The hot tea splashed across her arm and soaked the front of her black uniform. I’m sorry,she said quietly. Sorry? Margaret stood up and pointed at the stain on the table. Is that all you ever know how to say? Celeste lowered her head. She picked up a napkin and wiped the table without another word. Vivienne walked into the dining room with her phone in one hand. She glanced at Celeste and laughed. Did she ruin breakfast again? Margaret let out a cold smile. What else is new? Vivienne pulled out a chair and sat down. Dad should’ve sent her away years ago. I still don’t understand why she’s living in this house. Celeste’s hand paused for a second. She knew better than to answer. Howard Harrington folded the newspaper in front of him and stood up. He adjusted his tie before looking at Margaret. I’ll be at the office all day. Margaret nodded. “I’ll see you tonight. Howard picked up his briefcase and walked toward the door. For one second, his eyes met Celeste’s. She thought he might say something. Anything. Instead, he walked past her as if she wasn’t there. The front door closed. Silence filled the dining room. Vivienne pushed her empty plate toward Celeste. I’m done. Celeste picked it up. Wait. She stopped. Vivienne looked at the tea stains on Celeste’s uniform. You can’t go to the hotel looking like that. I’ll change. No. Vivienne smiles. Wear it. Margaret didn’t object. She simply took another sip of her tea. Maybe people will finally learn to stay away from clumsy servants. Celeste bit the inside of her cheek. Yes, ma’am. She carried the dishes into the kitchen. The housekeeper looked at the burn on her arm and frowned. You should put some cold water on that. I’m fine. It looks painful. It’ll heal. The older woman sighed. You always say that. Celeste forced a small smile. There are guests waiting. She changed into a clean apron, but the stain on her dress refused to disappear. There wasn’t enough time to change the entire uniform. She picked up her bag and left the mansion. The Harrington Grand Hotel stood only a few minutes away. It was the pride of the city. People traveled from different countries just to stay there. Nobody knew the President's daughter scrubbed its floors. Celeste entered through the staff entrance and tied her apron properly. Morning,one of the cleaners greeted me. Morning. You’ll take the executive floor today. Okay. She pushed her cart toward the elevator. The executive suites were always spotless before noon. Rich guests complained about everything. A fingerprint in the mirror. A wrinkle on the bed. A missing flower. Celeste checked every room twice before leaving. She had just finished changing the sheets in the last suite when voices came from the hallway. The president is in trouble. She stopped making the bed. The banks are asking questions. I heard the company lost another investor yesterday. If they don’t find money soon, Harrington Hotels is finished. The voices faded as the men walked away. Celeste stared at the neatly made bed. Finally done, she exhaled. She looked around the luxurious room. Everything looked perfect. Nothing hinted that the company was drowning. A knock came from the open door. Celeste. She turned. It was one of the supervisors. Your presence is needed at the ballroom Celeste. Celeste looked surprised. Wondering why she was needed. The president specifically asked for you. Celeste blinked. For me? The supervisor nodded. I don’t know why. Just hurry. A strange feeling settled in Celeste’s chest. Howard had never asked for her. Not at home. Not at the hotel. Not anywhere. She parked her cleaning cart and headed towards the stairs down to the ballroom. The ballroom doors were already open. Executives filled the room. Lawyers stood beside long tables covered with documents. Several men in expensive suits talked quietly among themselves. Howard stood at the front with Margaret and Vivienne beside him. The moment Celeste stepped inside, the room went silent All eyes were turned towards her. Celeste looking dazed, spoke What is this? Nobody answered. Then one of the lawyers looked at Howard and spoke. Mr. Harrington. It’s time for everyone to know who she is.