Celine said with all sincerity, "As long as you're safe, you can go wherever you want."

Dante, mistaking her sincerity for being head-over-heels in love with him, just smirked. "At least you know your place."

He wouldn't have listened anyway, even if she’d tried to control him.

He only found it somewhat bearable that Celine usually tried to steer him away from things detrimental to his health, like excessive drinking or street racing. She never really tried to control anything else.

...

Ever since Isabella returned from overseas, Dante hadn’t bothered to hide their rendezvous.

He brought her along to friends' get-togethers and even dragged her to social functions within their elite circle.

Though Celine’s status was low, she was still the legitimate Mrs. Williams.

Within days, the gossip mill went into overdrive.

Not only was Celine the town’s new punchline, but Dante's actions were also a huge embarrassment to the Williams family name.

Dante's grandfather finally had enough. To save face for the family, he strong-armed Dante into taking Celine to formal events to shut down the rumors, threatening the Lopez family if he didn't comply.

Reluctantly, Dante agreed.

The Grand Plaza Hotel.

An engagement party hosted by someone in their social circle. Celine, clad in a designer gown, attended the evening event on Dante's arm.

At first glance, they looked like the perfect couple.

But Dante was clearly zoning out, offering only perfunctory greetings.

"Please take this seriously, or your grandfather will be furious," she whispered once the previous guests had moved on.

Dante scoffed. "Don't try to pull a fast one on me with my grandfather."

Celine pursed her lips, choosing silence. She was just worried he’d tick off his grandfather and face the consequences.

Silence fell between them again. Dante had never been one for small talk with her.

It wasn't until a new arrival entered through the main doors that Dante’s gaze snapped up, his expression immediately clouding over.

Sensing the shift in him, Celine followed his line of sight.

Isabella had arrived.

And she was with a male companion.

Most guests were well aware of the history between Dante and Isabella, and they watched the unfolding drama with undisguised interest.

Isabella, feigning innocence, approached with her escort.

"What a coincidence, Mr. Williams," she chirped.

Her eyes then flicked to Celine, a pointed look in her gaze as she drawled, "Long time no see."

Celine responded evenly, "Long time no see."

Internally, she let out a weary sigh.

Today was clearly not going to be a chill one.

Ten minutes later, Dante was gone.

Fearing he might pull a stunt, Celine rushed to find him.

Just outside the ballroom, she found him cornering Isabella against the wall.

"Who is that guy?" he demanded, his eyes dark, his voice a dangerous growl.

Isabella seemed unfazed. "What's it to you?"

Dante exploded. "What's it to me? Who gave you permission to bring another man?"

"You brought Celine, didn't you?" Isabella shot back coldly.

At that moment, Dante couldn't stand hearing any other name. The words tumbled out, "What is she? Just some pathetic maid." His tone dripped with disdain.

Hearing this, Celine quietly looked away, leaning against the wall.

Soon, the sounds of their argument dissolved into the unmistakable sounds of a passionate kiss. Their embrace was fierce, yet her expression remained eerily calm.

For some reason, she suddenly remembered the first time she’d seen Dante. She had just arrived from the sticks, a small, timid thing, completely lost in this new world.

Planning to visit Mr. and Mrs. Williams, she’d been mesmerized by the garden lake at the estate and couldn't help but stare.

Lost in the moment, she heard a young voice say, "Hey kid, don't fall in."

Startled, Celine snapped her head back.

Dante emerged, a basketball in hand. Even though she was in rags, his eyes held no trace of mockery as he looked at her.

He simply offered a friendly warning with a smile and walked away.

Back then, the young man was bursting with youthful energy, the sunlight catching him, almost blindingly bright.

When they met again later, he had no memory of her. He didn't know she was the impoverished student his parents had sponsored.

During that first encounter, when she was at her lowest, he hadn't looked down on her.

To repay that kindness, she had dedicated ten years of her life, only to earn Dante's increasing disdain.