Chapter 5
1347 Words
Ezeckiel grabbed my arm tightly and forcibly pulled me away from Limuel. His grip was strong—painful.
“You’re hurting me, Ezeckiel,” I gasped, wincing.
Mom stood up as if she was about to intervene, but Dad held her arm and made her sit back down. I didn’t understand why they were letting me suffer right in front of them. Was I really that worthless to them? Were they choosing Eloisa over me now?
"You don’t even know, Celestine," Ezeckiel said bitterly, his voice laced with rage. "The pain I’m going through because of what you did… and here you are, pretending like you’re innocent. How dare you show your face here? You're shameless. Get out. Don’t ever come back.”
He shoved me hard. I nearly fell, but managed to catch myself by holding onto the edge of the sofa. My heart clenched. Was this still the man I once loved?
"Brother, are you even hearing yourself?" Limuel interjected angrily. "Have you even listened to her? You’re so quick to judge, so eager to condemn her—when all she’s been asking for is the chance to explain. Eloisa has been trying to steal you from Celestine for years! Open your eyes!"
Ezeckiel turned to Limuel, his brow furrowed deeply. "And who are you to tell me what to do?" he snapped. Then, without warning, his gaze turned to me with venom. "And you, Celestine… you’re good at seducing, aren’t you? Now you’ve even managed to charm my own brother.”
That was the last straw.
A loud crack echoed through the room as Limuel’s fist landed squarely on Ezeckiel’s jaw. Blood trickled down the side of Ezeckiel’s split lip.
Gasps filled the room.
“Limuel!” Mom screamed, rushing to her younger son and grabbing his arm. “Stop it, both of you! You’re brothers—you shouldn’t be fighting like this over her!”
"And you, Celestine!" she turned to me with pure disdain in her voice. "You have no shame coming here like this! Get out of here. Now!”
I bowed my head, my pride completely shattered. “I’m sorry, Ezeckiel…” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the silence that followed. Tears streamed down my cheeks uncontrollably. That was all I could say—just a broken apology.
Everyone’s anger suffocated me. I couldn’t bear another second of their judgment.
Without another word, I ran out of the mansion, down the marble steps, through the gate—away from them, away from everything. But I wasn’t alone.
"Celestine!" Limuel shouted, chasing after me.
I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. My legs moved on their own, fueled by pain, heartbreak, and shame. My tears blurred my vision until everything became a mixture of light and darkness.
It was already dark. Few people remained on the streets. I felt cold, numb, and directionless. My heart screamed silently—I love you, Ezeckiel! I always have!
But even love wasn’t enough.
My phone kept ringing inside my bag, but I ignored it. I didn’t want to speak to anyone.
Eventually, I arrived at the EMM Corp. building and saw my car still parked in the lot. I climbed in and started the engine. No, I wouldn’t go home. I didn’t want to be alone in that cold condo unit. I needed someone—someone who still saw me.
I drove straight to Merylle’s place.
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The Next Day
It was already eight in the morning, and I was still sprawled out on the bed. I hadn’t moved an inch. I knew Merylle had left early to work at her salon. She told me I could feel at home and do whatever I needed—even if that meant sulking the entire day.
Ring!
My phone vibrated and lit up. It was Merylle calling. I answered groggily, only for her to immediately end the call.
“Seriously?” I muttered, annoyed, placing the phone back on the side table. A new message popped up. I rolled my eyes as I read it.
That’s it? That’s why you called me? I grumbled to myself.
Dragging myself out of bed, I barely glanced at my reflection. I didn’t care. Even if I fixed myself up, it wouldn’t change how people saw me. They already saw a liar. A traitor. A woman not worth fighting for.
I walked out of the room sluggishly, my hair disheveled, my face tired and empty. I didn’t even bother replying to Limuel’s messages from last night. He was the only one who seemed to care, and even that scared me. What if he gave up on me too?
I didn’t realize Tita—Merylle’s mother—had been speaking to me until I was already in front of her.
“Celestine, have something to eat, dear,” she said gently. I looked up at her with tired eyes. Her expression was kind but concerned. “Come, let me walk you to the kitchen.”
She guided me with a soft hand on my arm. I sat at the table. The food looked delicious, but my hands wouldn’t move.
“You have to eat something. You haven’t had a proper meal since last night,” she said kindly. “Should I feed you myself?”
I shook my head slowly. “I’ll do it, Tita.”
“Well, after you finish, go see Merylle at the salon. She said she has something for you.”
“What is it?” I asked curiously.
She smiled and shook her head. “It’s a surprise. But she said if you don’t eat everything… she won’t give me money to pay the bills.”
I groaned. “Ugh, classic Merylle.”
A few minutes later, I changed into a pair of straight-cut jeans and a black crop top. My hair was still messy, but I let it air dry. I grabbed the food Tita packed for me and left for the salon.
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At the Salon
Fifteen minutes later, I arrived. Merylle’s shop was one of the most popular beauty salons in the area. People from all over came to get pampered here.
I slid on my shades before stepping out of my car. Through the glass, I spotted Merylle doing a client’s hair. She immediately waved me over.
“Took you long enough,” she teased. “Get ready. I need your help. There’s a rush of clients coming in today. You remember what I taught you, right?”
“I came here to sulk, not to work,” I muttered. “I don’t really have the energy for this, Merylle. My mind’s not in the right place.”
“Exactly why I’m doing this!” she said, walking over. “You need something to distract you. You need to fight back, Celestine. Take your power back. Don’t let them destroy you.”
I sighed, deeply. “…Fine. I’ll try.”
She clapped her hands. “That’s my girl! Now suit up.”
She handed me a uniform and rushed back to work. I quickly changed and stepped out to the floor. Every station was busy—some clients were getting their hair cut, others were having their nails done. I was assigned to a sophisticated woman who clearly came from wealth.
Once I finished styling her hair and doing light makeup, she looked in the mirror and gasped.
“Wow… good job!” she said, stunned.
“I can’t believe how elegant I look. You have magic hands, young lady.”
“Thank you, Ma’am,” I replied softly.
Her husband arrived and greeted her with kisses on the cheek.
“You look gorgeous, sweetheart,” he said.
“She’s the one who made me look like this,” she said, pointing at me proudly.
Then she turned back to me with a smile. “I want you to be my regular stylist from now on. Can I have you every week, dear?”
I blinked. My voice came out on its own. “Of course, Ma’am. I’d be happy to.”
- Writer
