CHAPTER 8 Celeste's POV " Celeste The sound of my name , spoken in that voice , sent a shudder through me . Theo Mercer For a second , I could only stare , unable to process it . God , it had been so long since I'd last seen him . He had changed . Sharper . Stronger . The confident posture , the controlled intensity in his gaze - it was different from the young man I once knew But one thing hadn't changed . The way he looked at me . " How are you ? " His voice was gentle , but full of concern . " You look pale .. " Uh , I. " I began to answer . But no other words came out . I honestly didn't know what to say . Or perhaps I was still in shock . How was 17 I had been beaten , drugged , abandoned , and left to rot in a place that wanted me erased . And what brought me here in the first place were the two people I trusted and cared about my husband and best friend . Those traitors And yet , I was still here . I forced a tight , unreadable smile . Tve been better . Theo's expression darkened . He came forward and took my hand in his for a short while . Then taking a deep breath , he gazed into my eyes . " Celeste , I was so worried when I got that call from you . You sounded like you were in danger , and I needed to find out where you were . " I nodded , a lump forming in my throat as tears threatened to fill my eyes . He went on to explain " I had the call tracked , traced back here . My people used satellite positioning , leading me to this place . " He hesitated for a little bit , then asked , " Why are you here , Celeste ? What happened ? Before I could reply , a nurse came forward , a fake smile plastered across her face . " She's been well taken care of here , " she said . " We have experts who make sure that every patient is given the best treatments So that's why the nurses suddenly cleaned me up . Maybe they feared him . After all , Theo wasn't just some visitor they could brush aside . He was a billionaire . A man with power , wealth , and influence . Someone they couldn't afford to anger . But even knowing that , I couldn't bring myself to feel relieved My time in this place had changed me . " Are you sure about that ? " Theo responded with obvious doubt . His jaw tightened , his eyes flashing with something dangerous . He wasn't buying it . " You think I don't know when someone's been mistreated ? " he snapped in a cold , threatening voice . " Look at her !" He was seconds away from confronting them all , mall , from tearing this entire place apart . But I stopped him . I reached for his wrist , gripping it firmly . " Not now , " I whispered +25 BONUS He turned to me , looking confused and frustrated . I am sure Damien has a deep connection with this mental institution . Otherwise how dare they follow his order , even though it is against the law ? Moreover , the nurse just threatened me with the old janitor . I hadn't seen him these days . Had he been under supervision ? I couldn't take the risk . It wasn't a good time to break up with the institution now . " Please , Theo , " I pleaded . " I just need to get out of here and go to the hospital to check on my Auntie . Just take me there . " Something in his gaze shifted . He exhaled sharply but gave a tight nod . " Alright . " Without another word , he led me out . The moment I stepped outside , the sunlight struck me . I froze . It had been so long since Eve felt it on my skin . I tilted my head up , letting the golden rays wash over me , feeling something I had almost forgotten . Life . A breeze brushed through my hair , carrying the distant sounds of the city . I turned my head slightly , glancing back . The asylum stood behind me , looming in the shadows . The old Celeste had died there . 1 wasn't her anymore . I was someone NEW During the car ride , Theo and I were both silent . It felt strange to reunite with him under these circumstances . But I was glad that he came through for me . I could feel him stealing glances at me , like he wanted to ask something - but he didn't . Maybe he's afraid of upsetting me . Maybe he knows I'm not ready to talk I didn't tell him about the medications . The beatings . The days spent locked away , starving . Not yet I leaned against the cool window , watching the world outside . I should have felt relieved . But instead , all I could think about Was Auntie Please , let her be okay . We pulled up to the hospital , and the moment the car stopped , I reached for the door handle , eager to get out . But in my haste , I nearly collapsed . My knees buckled and dizziness came over me Before I could hit the pavement , though , Theo caught me . His arms wrapped around me , steadying me effortlessly " Careful , " he murmured with concern I tried to b push away , to stand on my own , but my body was still weak , still recovering from the hell I'd been through 1 Then , a sharp voice sliced through the air , freezing me in place . " What are you doing here ? " I'd know that voice anywhere . My dearest husband Damien # Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!