Chapter 1: Break Rules

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Celeste’s POV

“Come on, Cici. The rest wants to chill tonight.”

I close my eyes as I pinched the bridge of my nose. Rona keeps on bugging me since this morning about going out tonight.

“I can’t. I have work to do,” I replied as I open my eyes.

Rona arched her brow. “Work? You just nailed a million-dollar operation. Won’t you give yourself a rest?”

I rolled my eyes as I stood up. I removed my white coat and hang it on the rack. “I’m busy. My family will be having dinner with the Carters,” I said, which is true. The Carters asked for my presence and I need to be there.

Rona sighed heavily. “Yeah, right. You have a fiancé. But—”

“I can’t say ‘no’ to my father,” I cut off.

Rona arched her brow and crossed her legs as she stared at me. “You’re not young anymore, Celeste. You can decide on your own. You’re against that engagement yet you agreed just because of your fucking father—excuse me for the word but I really hate your manipulative father.”

She’s right.

I am already twenty-eight. Got a degree. Got a better job. Earning millions, yet I let my family decide what’s best for me.

“If I were you, I will not let someone decide on my own. Now, come tonight with us and please, it’s not that hard to break rules just for once,” Rona asserted and formed a sly smirk on her lips.

I arched my brow. “Yeah, and you’re that good at breaking rules.”

Rona laughed as she stood up. “My life, my rules,” she stated and winked at me.

I shook my head as a smile escaped from my lips. “Yeah. Whatever.”

“So, eight o’clock tonight. Okay?”

“I’ll think about it.”

Rona arched her brow but eventually clapped her hands as if she were sure to win in a game—a convincing game. “Sure. And if you need an excuse for your father, you can easily tell him that you’re on duty tonight, and can’t make it. Let your father have dinner with your fiancé, besides, it was him who likes that jerk,” she said and laughed. “So, see you later, babe,” she added as she walked towards the door of my office.

I nodded in response. I fixed my table and had some tea before going out. Every day is a hectic day inside the hospital. It’s been three years since I reside in one of the famous hospitals in town.

Driving to my condo, my phone rang. I looked at the caller and it was my father. I heaved a deep sigh. Maybe Rona was right. I also need to break rules. Since I was a kid, my father has already controlled everything for me. He’s the family I had since I lost my mother when I was born. Although my father got married for the second time, I don’t feel comfortable with his second family.

I chose to distance myself. Nevertheless, I still obey him… for all these years. Even if it’s hard for me sometimes. He wants me to be a doctor, I became a doctor. When in fact I wanted to be a flight attendant.

He was also my great critic. He told me how could I be a flight attendant when I am fat and ugly.

I just try to laugh about it. Every time he slapped me with those words, I always try to hide them with a smile.

I am fat, but am I that ugly?

Another ring interrupted my thoughts. It’s him again. I grabbed my phone and answered it.

“Where are you?”

As usual, I heard his cold and devilish voice again.

“I’m—”

“Move your ass here and we will be having dinner with the Carters tonight. Don’t make any excuses again, Celeste.”

How could I ever explain when he’s giving a threat beforehand?

Suddenly, Rona’s voice echoed inside my head. ‘Break rules.’

“I’m sorry, Dad. But a patient needs me tonight.” Before he could react, I ended the call. I know what I did is not right, but I want to have time for myself too.

Being in this situation, I always wished to have freedom but ended up obeying him.

While focusing my sight on the road, I tried to dial Rona’s number and in just three rings, she answered.

“Yes. What can I do for you?”

I bit my lower lip and heaved a sigh. “I am coming tonight.”

“Great!” Rona blurted, making me pull my phone away from my ear, leaving a grimace on my face.

“Your voice.”

Rona laughed on the other line. “I am sorry. You know, I am just happy. Finally, our Cici is coming tonight. With that, drinks are on me.”

I slightly shook my head as I enter the subdivision. I stopped the car, lower down the window on my side, and tapped my white card. “See you,” I said and ended the call.

The gate opened and I saw the guard, who has the same age as mine, smiling. I nodded my head.

I PULLED my hair as I stared at my closet, wondering what to wear. Seriously, I don’t mind wearing anything when I go to work, but for tonight… I sighed. I dialed Rona’s number once again.

“Ready?”

“I don’t know what to wear,” I said, straight to the point, making my happy friend to laughed her ass out.

“Seriously, Ci?”

I rolled my eyes and sat on the edge of my bed. “I never joked, Ro.”

“Yeah, right. Just wear anything that will be appropriate to a high-end bar.”

I pushed down myself on my comfy bed and stared at the ceiling. “I don’t usually—”

“Wait for me. I’m coming. You’re hopeless, Ci. Gosh!” she asserted and ended the call.

I put down my phone and stretched my arms. Well, this is me. I am not a party girl like them.

After a couple of minutes, since Rona’s subdivision is just a few meters away from mine, I heard my doorbell ring.

Soon as I opened the door her pouty lips welcomed my sight.

“He—” I didn’t finish it when she just entered.

Rona is not new to my house, so she knew every part of it. She walked towards my room and strode straight in front of my closet.

“You almost got everything. You’re a rich bitch. But doesn’t know what to wear?” she started as she flipped every dress I have.

I crossed my arms as I leaned on the door jamb.

“Hmm… you have to wear something that will show your perfect curves—”

“You mean, my fats?”

Rona stopped, turned her head in my direction, and glared at me. “How many times do I have to tell you that you have a perfect body?”

I laughed and walked closer to her. “I am FAT and UGLY, period.” I grabbed the dress that she just lifted. “For you, I’m gonna wear this revealing dress, mother,” I teased.

“You’re beautiful. And that’s not too revealing,” she told.

I just smiled and walked toward the bathroom. Well, it’s revealing for me as I used to wear, conservative dresses. While this one, it’s plain and simple but it doesn’t change the fact that it shows my bare shoulder and my cleavage.

When I got out, Rona clapped her hands and showered me with compliments again and again. I know she’s not lying, but it was just me who can’t accept that fact.

I grew up in the surrounding, where people criticized me not until I decided to leave the Taylors’ manor.

“I hope you will enjoy the night, Celeste Taylor,” Rona whispered as she strode toward me and started to walk away.

I shook my head and smiled.