Chapter 6

A sharp voice cut through the air just as the office door was slammed open, abruptly halting Jareth mid-sentence. His brows snapped together, face clearly annoyed as he shot a glance at the doorway. But the moment he spotted the slim figure pushing her way in, ignoring all obstacles, a flash of sharp interest darted through his dark eyes. "Ma'am, you can't just go in there, please-" the assistant tried her best to hold Celestia back, nearly panicked. But Celestia didn't spare her a single glance. She walked straight in, eyes fixed coldly on Jareth behind the desk. "We need to talk." "I'm so sorry, Mr. Carrington, I tried to stop her..." The assistant looked terrified, like she expected to be scolded, but Jareth simply raised a hand. "Leave us." A faint, icy amusement slid across his face. Of course she came. Everyone hurried out, leaving just the two of them in the room. Like Jareth himself, his office was all sharp edges and no warmth, decked out in black, white, and endless silence. The air-con blasted cold enough to make Celestia shiver before she even fully stepped in, a chill creeping across her skin, raising every hair on end. Jareth sat behind the desk, back straight, eyes aloof and full of contempt. There was a silent arrogance in the way he looked at her. With a small tilt of his chin, he gestured, and she got the message-she closed the door, then walked toward him. "You win," she said flatly, not here to play games. "What do you want in return for helping me?" She expected a straight answer. Instead, Jareth's brow lifted slightly as he spoke, a smirk on his handsome face. "You're late," he said. "I gave you two days. It's the third. Time's up." Celestia stood frozen, staring at the mocking curve of his lips, every part of her wanting to turn and walk out. But her father was lying unconscious in a hospital bed, and she couldn't walk away. Swallowing her pride, she stayed rooted, wrestling with herself for a moment before letting out a slow breath. "What do I need to do?" Her voice steadied. "What will it take to make you help me?" Whatever it was, she'd do it. Pride didn't matter anymore. Jareth caught that fearless look in her eyes and let a sneer touch his lips. He stood, slowly circling the desk, stopping just in front of her. His hand came up, cool fingers gripping her chin. He leaned in close, his breath brushing along her ear. "Help you? Sure. But first... let's see how well you can perform." His words sent a flush of warmth over her pale face. "What?" Celestia shoved him away, eyes wide with disbelief. "Are you serious?" But Jareth didn't rush. He moved to the couch, stretched out with casual arrogance, legs crossed at the ankles on the coffee table. His gaze locked onto hers as he flashed a slow, wicked smile. "You want my help? Then play nice. If not, the door's right there. Don't let it hit you on the way out." Celestia frowned, eyes lowering for half a second. When she looked up again, the fear was gone. "Fine." Her voice was steady this time. The decision was made. Hearing that, Jareth's face froze for a second. He clearly hadn't expected her to agree so fast. His sharp eyes locked on her for more than ten seconds. Celestia ignored the mockery written all over his face and let out a self-deprecating smile. "There's already been one time... a second really doesn't make a difference." As soon as she finished speaking, Jareth's eyes narrowed dangerously, a cold glint flashing through them. He curled his lips. "Then what are you waiting for?" He motioned with his chin, "Get on." "Right here?" Celestia was stunned by how brazen he was. Her pale eyes widened as she stared at his wicked grin. She took a deep breath, walked over, straddled his legs, and wrapped her arms around his neck, lips trembling as they closed in on his. She'd never learned about this kind of thing. Even that night, she didn't remember anything at all. So now, she could only go with her instincts, gently pressing her lips to his. But the moment they touched, a bolt of electricity shot through her-she froze. That's when Jareth sneered, "Not even a virgin, and that's all you've got?" Celestia flinched slightly, paused for three seconds, then shut her eyes and kissed him again. This time, with more nerve. Jareth didn't taste like she'd expected-it wasn't the stench of alcohol or smoke. He actually had a fresh, clean scent... like spring air. He abruptly opened his eyes. The second he met the innocent sparkle in her eyes, he shoved her off without warning. "Ugh-" She landed hard on the floor with a thud. Pain shot through her, and she couldn't help but let out a soft moan. When she looked up at him again, the cold arrogance had returned to his face. "They all say Miss Brooks is elegant and classy. At the core, you're just a cheap woman who'd sell herself for some benefits." Each word hit like a dagger, but Celestia lifted her chin, refusing to show weakness. "Do you want to continue or not?" she asked as she stood, walking toward him again, trying to sit back on his lap. But Jareth was already on his feet in a flash. "You're even filthier than I thought," he said, sarcasm curling on his lips, eyes full of disgust. "A girl like you, filthy inside and out. Even your pretty eyes look dirty now." There was hatred in his voice as he said it. Celestia stared at him, trying to figure out what he really meant. She pushed down the fury building in her chest. Waiting until he finished throwing venom at her, she pressed her lips together and said, "I've done everything you asked. If you're not continuing, can you at least do your part now?" She swallowed her shame, only thinking of her bedridden father. "Hmph." Jareth let out a cold snort. "Tomorrow at 8 a.m., someone will come pick you up. Now get lost." The next morning, Celestia was ready and waiting at home right on time. At exactly 8, a luxurious Rolls-Royce pulled up outside the Brooks residence. Celestia thought she was fully braced for whatever Jareth had in store. But what floored her was-he wanted to get married. On the way to the marriage registration office, she hesitated, torn between backing out and going through with it. But whenever she thought of her father lying sick in bed, her resolve hardened.