Chapter 10

"If you don't believe me, take a look for yourself. This is just a small piece-trust me, I've got plenty more." Jareth wore a calm, easy smile on his handsome face, but it sent chills down the spine. Celestia stood frozen, staring at the folder on the floor with hesitation in her eyes. She wanted so badly to trust her father, but Jareth's smug confidence shook her. After struggling with herself for nearly half a minute, she finally bent down and picked up the folder. "If any of this turns out to be fake, I swear, you won't get away with it so easily," she said coldly before flipping it open. As her eyes scanned each page, they grew wider with every turn. Her hands began to shake. "No... this can't be real... How could this be..." The words came out like a dull ache, barely audible. Jareth stood behind his desk, arms crossed, watching her face drain of color with a mocking smirk. A sharp flicker passed through his eyes. He'd been digging into Henry's background for a year now, and just as he'd suspected, that kind and genteel face hid some grim secrets underneath. "Still think I made it all up? We can go to the prosecutor's office and get these authenticated if you want," he said, voice as biting as sleet. Celestia stared at him blankly, his smug expression like a slap to the face. All those photos of shady deals... they drowned every ounce of doubt she had buried in her mind. It took her a while to find her voice. "My dad and I never did anything to you. Why... why are you doing this to us?" Her voice cracked, laced with confusion and pain. Jareth's smile faded, eyes darkening like a storm rolling in. "Nothing?" he repeated, slowly. Then his look turned menacing, gaze sharp as a blade. "Trust me, it won't take long before you figure it out." No matter what her father had done, to Celestia he was still the same man who had given everything for her. And so, in the end, she gave in. After losing almost everything else, protecting her father was all she had left. ***** July, which for most was a month of sunshine and ease, to Celestia felt suffocating. In just weeks, she'd gone from a respected heiress to a disgraceful "homewrecker" in everyone's eyes, and under Jareth's thumb, she was nothing but a pawn. Since moving into the Carrington estate, it was like Jareth found joy in making her life hell. He made her do everything on her own, even forced her to take care of the house like one of the maids. Meanwhile, he brought home a steady rotation of women, flaunting them like trophies. Celestia was shoved into a guest room next door, where she had to fall asleep listening to their shameless laughter and moans-worse yet, she was expected to serve them. When her father woke up from his illness, it was the one piece of good news she'd clung to. She told him the family company was steady again but kept her marriage to Jareth a secret. She made sure everyone stayed quiet about it too. She didn't want him burdened with guilt, thinking she sold herself for the company's survival. Without her job at the company, Celestia suddenly had time. She began splitting her days between home and the hospital, pouring all her energy into caring for her dad. Then one day- As soon as she came down the stairs, she heard shouting from the living room. Curious, she walked over. What she saw made her frown: Natalie Young-celebrity model and Jareth's latest fling-was sprawled comfortably on the couch, barking insults at a maid on her knees. The words coming out of Natalie's mouth were so nasty, Celestia felt embarrassed just hearing them. Celestia hadn't planned to get involved, but Natalie's words were getting more and more out of line. She finally couldn't take it anymore and walked up to them, cutting her off. "That's enough!" Ignoring Natalie's wide-eyed glare, Celestia reached down to help the maid up and said softly, "Go on, get back to work." The maid lifted her tear-streaked face and thanked her repeatedly. "Thank you, ma'am. Thank you so much." She turned, ready to flee. "Stop right there! Who said you could leave?!" Natalie's shriek rang out like a whip. The maid froze, not daring to move an inch. "Ma'am..." she trembled as she turned back, her eyes pleading with Celestia. Celestia gave her a warm smile. "It's okay, don't worry about it. If anything happens, I'll handle it. Just go." With that, the maid didn't dare hesitate a second longer and bolted. Natalie, watching all this, was seething. Her face turned pale then red, her chest rising with fury. She shot Celestia a venomous look. "Since when is disciplining the help any of your business?" Honestly, she had had it with this woman. She'd been with Jareth for two years. When his engagement with Sophia fell through, she thought she finally had a shot-then this nobody came out of nowhere, ruining everything! The rage that had been boiling in her chest burst out. Her eyes darted with an intensity that could've cut right through Celestia. Celestia met Natalie's tirade with a calm gaze, her voice cool. "I don't care how much Jareth pampers you. Just remember, I'm still his wife-on paper, at least." That hit a nerve. Natalie's expression twisted instantly. Her mouth opened, but- "What's going on?" The voice, low and cold, came from behind them. As soon as she saw Jareth, Natalie instantly switched gears. Her face softened, and she ran to him with a pitiful look. "Jareth, finally! You're back." Jareth gave Celestia, who stood motionless, a quick glance. Then he looked at Natalie, now clinging to him. His voice was flat. "What happened?" Natalie sniffled and looked up with watery eyes. "A maid spilled something on my dress. I just said a few words to her, and suddenly I was being accused and disrespected. She even pulled the ‘Mrs. Carrington' card on me." Before she even finished, Jareth shot Celestia a sharp look. "Apologize." "What?" Celestia stared at him, stunned. "You're not even going to hear what I have to-" "No need." His tone was final, cutting. "I didn't marry you to play wife. In this house, your status is below the help. Don't forget your place." Natalie could barely contain her glee watching her rival get chewed out. Celestia let out a breathy laugh, eyes clear but filled with quiet sorrow. She'd always known she wasn't really a wife to him, but hearing it aloud stung in a way she hadn't expected. Her half-smile only seemed to irritate Jareth more. "Well? Why are you just standing there?" Celestia forced herself to stay calm, answering evenly, "Not happening. Your drama isn't my problem. Love whoever you want, but don't expect me to just take this kind of humiliation-from you or anyone else."