Chapter 40 Standing Strong

• The heavy weight of the previous days hung over Celia like a storm cloud. Lucas’s threats, the constant whispers of rumors, and Alexander’s efforts to shield her from it all—it was starting to feel like too much. But she couldn’t let it break her. Not now.
• She sat by the window of her room, gazing out at the sprawling gardens of Alexander’s estate. The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. A soft knock at her door pulled her from her thoughts.
• “Come in,” she called, her voice softer than she intended.