Chapter 176
Celestia’s words struck every sensitive nerve Olivia had, dredging up guilt that had long since buried itself in her heart. Olivia’s chest tightened as she listened, the weight of Celestia’s accusations pressing down on her. Each word was a painful reminder of her past failures as a mother.
Yet, amidst the sadness, Olivia couldn’t help but feel a spark of admiration for the woman before her. There was something undeniably compelling about Celestia’s boldness her unwavering determination to stand up for Lucian, even if it came across as extreme. In that moment, Olivia could see why someone might find her admirable, even… lovable.
Olivia’s gaze softened briefly before hardening again. Her voice, when it came, was cold and deliberate.
“Even your mother Queen herself wouldn’t dare speak to me like that,” Olivia said, her tone sharp yet controlled.
She leaned back slightly, crossing her arms as her piercing eyes locked onto Celestia’s. “You may think I’m just another woman to challenge, but let me remind you who you’re speaking to. I’m Olivia Kane not just anyone. I’ve made mistakes, yes. I won’t deny that I’ve failed my son, and I carry that guilt every single day. But I’m trying. I’m doing everything I can to make things right.” Her voice faltered slightly at the end, heavy with emotion, though her expression remained composed.
Celestia met Olivia’s gaze without hesitation. Her posture was elegant, but her presence radiated strength. Her hands rested firmly on the table in front of her, and her voice was calm, yet commanding.
“I am Celestia Gwon Valentino,” she began, her words resonating with quiet power. “The Seventeenth Princess. You may think that makes me untouchable, spoiled, or naïve. But you’d be wrong.”
Her eyes burned with an intensity that made Olivia pause.
“I’ve learned through experience hard experiences that nothing in life is ever simple. I’ve fought battles, not with weapons, but with my choices, my resilience, and my refusal to back down when the world expected me to crumble. I’ve faced the collapse of everything I’ve ever known and still, I’ve stood tall.”
She leaned forward slightly, her gaze unwavering. “I’m not here for anyone’s approval, and I won’t apologize for being who I am. I’ve loved deeply and lived boldly, and I know exactly what I want. And when it comes to the people I care about, I’ll fight for them with everything I have.
“What’s mine is mine, and I’ll protect it no matter what.”
Her voice softened but lost none of its conviction as she added, “I know how to love, and I know how to fight for someone I love. And I’ll never let anything or anyone stop me from doing what I know is right.”
Celestia straightened her posture, her presence radiating an unshakable authority. Her tone was steady but carried an edge of defiance.
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“I’m not afraid to show my heart, and I’m not afraid to defend it,” she said, her voice unwavering. “So, if you think you understand what kind of woman I am, think again. I am far more than my name, my title, or your expectations. And let me make one thing very clear: don’t try to command me with words or position. It doesn’t matter if you’re Olivia Kane or even my mother, the Queen herself I don’t bow to anyone when it comes to what I believe is right.”
Her aura was palpable, clashing directly with Olivia’s formidable presence. Yet, not once did Celestia falter.
“I’m not forcing myself on him,” she continued, her words precise and resolute. “If I wanted to, I would’ve already done so. But I won’t, because I respect him. I care for him deeply, and I want him to see how much he’s worth not just to me, but to himself. He might be clouded by the shadows of his past, by the pain others have inflicted on him, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve love. And I will show him that he does.
“But I’ll warn you now,” Celestia said, her voice dropping into something far more dangerous, her eyes locking onto Olivia’s. “If anyone anyone tries to hurt him, I swear on my name, Celestia Gwon Valentino, they will regret it.”
Her words reverberated in the room, hanging like a gauntlet thrown down in challenge. Her commanding presence filled the space, her unwavering confidence impossible to ignore.
Even Olivia had to admit whether she liked it or not this was a woman who knew exactly who she was and what she stood for. There was something almost admirable in the boldness of her defiance.
Then, as if the storm from moments ago had never happened, Celestia’s demeanor shifted in an instant. She placed a hand over her lips, her expression suddenly soft and endearing.
“Ah… apologies, Mother-in-law,” she said sweetly, her voice light and innocent. “Perhaps I got carried away just now.”
Lucian, Rose, and Olivia blinked in unison, their faces frozen in varying degrees of disbelief.
Lucian’s lips twitched, unsure if he was more shocked by the earlier display of defiance or the sudden transformation into what could only be described as adorably mischievous.
Rose’s jaw clenched as she processed the whiplash-inducing change. Her eyes narrowed at Celestia, who now looked as though butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth.
Olivia, for her part, could only stare, her lips twitching as she tried to maintain her composure. What in the world is this girl? she thought. First, she challenges me like a warrior queen, and now she’s acting like a sweet, playful child?
Taking a slow breath, Olivia forced herself to regain her composure. But deep down, she couldn’t help but wonder. She’s bold shameless even. Is this the kind of woman my son can handle?
As Celestia offered her the most innocent of smiles, Olivia sighed inwardly. Perhaps, amidst all the chaos, there was a faint glimmer of hope for Lucian after all.
Wait did she just called me mother in law?
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