Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 1

Up to you

"Celeste, hurry up! The guests are arriving soon." Isabella yelled outside.

Naputol ang pag-iisip ko nang marinig ko ang sigaw na iyon mula sa labas ng kuwarto ko. It was Isabella, my stepsister, a constant reminder of the complicated web of relationships that entangled my existence.

Marahas akong bumuntong-hininga at padarag na binuksan ang pinto. Bumungad sa akin ang nakakainis na pagmumukha ni Isabella na tila nagulat pa sa itsura ko.

Halatang gandang-ganda siya sa akin. As she should. Hm.

"Wow, Celeste, you look stunning. The perfect Yuchengco princess." Isabella's voice is filled with both awe and a hint of envy.

I forced a smile and nodded at her.

"Thank you, Isabella. You look lovely as well." A lie.

"Right. Let's go. Dad and Mom are downstairs."

Habang pababa kami sa hagdan ay kitang-kita ko ang agad na pagtutok ng mga mata sa akin ng stepmother kong si Victoria, watching me with a discerning eye.

I had spent years trying to earn her approval, to be seen as more than just a replacement for my deceased mother. But no matter how hard I tried, it seemed her love remained elusive.

"You look stunning, my love, Isabella." She greeted her daughter with a soft expression.

"Thank you, Mom."

"And as usual, you're late, Celeste." She turned to me with a stern look.

"That's enough. The party will start soon." Dad interrupted before I even utter a word.

I snorted and rolled my eyes secretly. Witch!

The night unfolded in a blur of dazzling lights and polite conversations. I gracefully mingled with the guests, my every move is flawless and calculated.

"Celeste! It's great to see you again after such a long time. It's been a while since I last saw the most beautiful daughter of the Yuchengco family. I missed you, dear." Mr. Almante, our family's closest friend and business partner greeted me and gave me a peck on my cheek.

"I missed you too, Mr. Almante. Matagal din kayong nanatili sa Madrid for business matters, right? I'm glad you're back." I greeted him back as I scanned him from head to toe.

"Yes, dear. I had to accompany my wife on her engagements." He replied as he guided me to the corner so we could hear each other. "Anyway, how are you? May nobyo ka na ba?"

I winced at that question. I was so used to being asked that by people in the business world, and my answer remained the same until now. Wala naman iyon sa plano ko.

Talaga ba?

"Still the same answer, Mr. Almante. I'm not ready yet." Pag amin ko.

Mr. Almante just shrugged his shoulders and took a sip of his wine.

"Oh, dear. You know my son Gideon is also single until now. Do you want me to set you up on a date?" Tanong niya pa, pertaining to his grumpy son who has an attitude.

Oh, I really hate that guy. He's an arrogant asshole!

"Thank you, Mr. Almante, pero hindi muna siguro sa ngayon. It would be embarrassing for your son. Hanggang ngayon ay nagsusungit pa rin iyon sa akin." I laughed.

The Almante family was a close friend of our family, kaya naman madalas ko nang makasalumuha ang Gideon na iyon sa mga event na katulad nito. I just don't know where that guy is now. I haven't seen him since earlier. Marahil ay wala siya rito ngayon.