Alpha's second chance bride

Chapter 3POV: Celeste SebastianThat man… I couldn’t remember his face or the name on that ID card I glimpsed before I left.Four years have passed, yet his image stays blurred—a stranger fading fast.He’s just a forgotten shadow in my past, nothing more.I let out a bitter laugh and stared up at the ceiling.“Four years. He’s probably married with kids now. Maybe he already had a family back then. Even if I saw him again, what difference would it make? That night was a mistake. Who’d bother remembering me?”Kezia, lying beside me, nodded slowly. Her silence said she agreed.She broke it first, eyes fixed on the ceiling with me.“Celeste, why C. S. Lawrence? It sounds like a man’s name. Is there a story behind it?”I rubbed my forehead, exhaustion weighing on me after the long flight.“Not really,” I murmured, voice barely above a whisper. “Just a gut feeling that it would stick.”Meanwhile, on a plane miles away, Liam sat beside Enzo Cole, who’d surprised everyone by smiling.Liam couldn’t hide his surprise. Enzo, so cold and reserved for years, now let the corners of his mouth twitch upward—a rare sight.Curious, Liam ventured, “Mr. Enzo, something good happen?”Enzo reclined, adjusting his sharp suit with practiced ease.“She’s back.”The single word hung between them.“Who?” Liam pressed, confused.Enzo’s glance was sharp but distant.Liam’s eyes brightened. “Celeste? Is it… Celeste?”Enzo tapped his thigh slowly.She’s back… and she called me ‘Sir.’Liam almost burst with excitement. “This is huge! Once she’s dealt with, we’re heading back to Ascalon. Mrs. Cole will be over the moon—probably throw a feast lasting days!”Enzo shot him a warning look. Liam clammed up instantly.After landing, Enzo gave orders:“Find out why Celeste returned. Track her every move. If she escapes, you’re responsible.”Liam nodded, already diving into the search.Within thirty minutes, Celeste’s profile flashed on Enzo’s tablet.She was now the screenwriter behind The Twenty-Fifth Hour, a bestselling novel with millions hooked even before the film’s production began.Enzo studied the data—the pen name S. Lawrence standing out.His face shifted from admiration to confusion, then hardened.“Contact the producers. I want in. I’ll be the primary investor.”At last, Enzo moved.Liam grinned, certain Enzo wouldn’t let Celeste slip away again.Back on set, the crew buzzed with the news of a massive investment—three hundred million.For a romance without blockbuster effects, that was absurd. Yet, who would refuse free money?Voices floated around:“Maybe the boss is just rich and naive.”“If that naive rich guy handed me cash, I wouldn’t complain.”I listened quietly. The break was welcome.Even if it hadn’t been granted, I’d have begged Mr. Henry for a day off.Tomorrow was too important.I packed my bag.“Vacation, then,” I said, standing.Everyone treated me kindly. My simple jeans and tee and youthful face made me seem harmless—just a girl, not the force I’d become.“Ms. Lawrence, the boss wants everyone to the resort. Won’t you come?”I smiled politely.“Thanks, but I have an event tomorrow. You all enjoy.”Waving cheerfully, I turned away.My smile faded as icy resolve filled my eyes.Dad, I thought, this time I’m coming back with a gift you won’t forget.Later, the grand hotel sparkled under lights. Connor Sebastian had spared no expense for his youngest daughter Clara’s engagement banquet.The elite gathered, champagne glasses chiming.Clara was the jewel of the night, draped in a million-dollar gown that hugged every curve.“Oh, Clara, you look stunning!” whispered the ladies.Clara smiled, basking in the praise.Behind the glamour, whispers drifted.“The Sebastians have forgotten Celeste completely,” one remarked. “They let her vanish, yet throw this lavish party.”“Celeste was engaged to Xavier Jason since birth,” another added. “They grew up side by side. Now, he’s marrying Clara. Life’s cruel.”“Maybe Celeste’s disappearance was planned,” a woman said with a smirk.Her companions nodded.“Connor remarried after Celeste’s mother died. How could he give Celeste his love with a stepmother like Viv in the picture?”“Perhaps Viv orchestrated Celeste’s vanishing so her daughter could take her place.”Gasps echoed.“Celeste must be dead,” someone whispered.The mystery hung heavy.Suddenly, the room hushed as a tall figure entered.Dressed in a breathtaking lake-blue gown and a ruby necklace gleaming against her skin, she moved with grace and quiet power.The crowd whispered in awe.She was…