CHAPTER 24 Celeste's POV Theo's words hung between us heavily . I won't leave you again. I wasn't prepared for them . I had always known Theo as my rock - the steady , dependable presence who had once been my closest friend . But something about the way he said those words now made my breath catch . There was no hesitation , no room for doubt . I met his gaze , and for the first time , I realized something had changed . Or maybe , it had always been there , and I had been too blind to see it The way he looked at me now intensely , like I was the only thing that mattered - was different . Too different . My heart began to beat crazily . What's going on ? Had I misread him all these years ? Or was it just now that I was truly seeing him ? My pulse became a bit erratic , my emotions beginning to get tangled in knots . This was unfamiliar territory for me . But then , he moved past me , setting a bag down the counter , the scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries wafting into the air . He had come prepared , as always . " Celeste , I know you think you have to face this on your own .. but I can't just stand by while the world tries to tear you apart . " He opened his mouth to say something more , and I could feel my heart pounding harder . However , to my relief , he casually began sipping his coffee . " So …. have you thought about the gala ? Come on , Celeste , you know it'll be a big break for you . " Thea-- " You don't have to say yes right now , " he interrupted , reaching into the bag and pulling out a croissant . He placed it in my hands before I could protest . " But at least eat while you think about it . I exhaled , staring at him with a puzzled expression on my face . Whatever that moment had been just now , whatever I had seen in his eyes . I wasn't ready to face it . Not yet . So instead , I bit into the croissant and let the conversation shift . And Theo , ever patient , let me pretend like nothing had changed . leaned back against the counter , arms crossed , watching me carefully as I chewed in silence . He wasn't going to push me - he never did . But I could see the determination in his eyes , the quiet insistence that had always been his way of getting through to me " This gala Lon't just another event , Celeste , " he finally said , breaking the silence . " It's a gateway . The people attending aren't just rich socialites - they're the ones who shape industries . Investors , media moguls , fashion elites " I could feel my mouth opening in awe , even just listening to him . He continued , his tone measured but firm " Sebastian Moreau will b be there . " I nearly choked on my my bite of croissant . et influential fashion critics in the industry and a luxury brand investor with a portfolio Sebastian Moreau was one of the most worth billions . 1/3 She wasn't just a powerful name - but the kind of people who could change a designer's entire career w endorsement with a single +25 BONUS " Theo , that's " I hesitated , shaking my head . I'm not ready for something like this . " His gaze didn't waver . " You are . " Lexhaled , rubbing my temples . " Even if I go , I don't even know what I'd wear . It's not like I have a closet full of designer gowns waiting for me . " Theo's smirk deepened . " That's where you're wrong. " I frowned . " What ? " * You have something better than any overpriced , mass - produced designer gown , " he said simply . " You have your creation The dress you designed . " I stared at him , momentarily thrown . He wasn't talking about just any dress . He meant that dress - the one I had painstakingly sketched , sewn , and poured my soul into before my entire life had been ripped apart . It had been meant for another time , another version of me . A Celeste who still had dreams that felt within reach " That dress it's been packed away for months , " I murmured , more to myself than him . Theo pushed off the counter and took a step closer . Then it's time to bring it back . " His voice lowered , a challenge sparking in his eyes . " This gala is your chance , Celeste . You can either hide in the shadows , let the headlines define you - or you can walk in there , wearing your own damn masterpiece , and remind everyone who the hell you are . " I swallowed hard , staring up at him . The intensity in his words shook something loose inside me- -something I hadn't let myself feel in a long time Hope . But it also terrified me I wanted to believe him , to believe that I could step back into the world and reclaim my place . But what if I wasn't strong enough ? What if this was just another disaster waiting to happen ? Theo must have seen the conflict in my eyes because he softened , his voice losing its edge but not its conviction . " You don't have to decide now , " he said . " Just … think about it . " I nodded slowly , not trusting myself to speak . Tell me something , Celeste . " I glanced at him warily . " What ? " He set his cup down and leaned forward , elbows resting on the table . " Forget the scandals , forget the past , forget Damien . " His voice was calm : " If none of this had happened - if you were given the chance to build the career you've always wanted- what would it look like ? " I hesitated , my fingers absently tracing the rim of my cup . It had been so long since someone asked me that . Since I had let myself dream Theo gave me ti time . He e didn't much push , didn't rush . He just waited . Finally , I exhaled . " I want … to create designs that make people feel something ." My voice was barely above a whisper , but I felt the weight of my words . " I don't want to just make clothes - I want to craft stories through fabric . I want to see my designs on runways , in editorials , on people who believe in them as much as I do , " +25 BONUS I swallowed , feeling a lump form in my throat . " I want to prove that I'm more than just Damien Vaughn's ex - wife . " A slow , knowing smile tugged at the corner of Theo's lips . " Then you already have your answer , Celeste . " I opened my mouth , ready to argue , to push back , to tell him that it wasn't that simple - but before I could say anything , my phone buzzed . The name on the screen made my stomach drop . Damien . With a deep breath , I picked up the call . " What do you want , Damien ? " " I need to talk to you about the divorce , " he said matter - of - factly , making my heart jump to my throat . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!