The morning sun spilled softly through the sleek glass windows of Yeager Aldric's home—a minimalistic, elegant mansion tucked away from the noise of the city.
In the dining room, the aroma of fresh coffee blended with the faint murmur of the news playing on the flat-screen TV. Yeager sat at the long table, wearing a black robe over his pressed sleepwear, his dark hair slightly tousled from sleep but still effortlessly refined.
Across from him, his father flipped through a business newspaper with silent intensity, while his mother, graceful and poised, poured tea into delicate porcelain cups.
"We're only asking, darling," his mother said gently, a knowing smile on her lips. "Surely there must be someone who's caught your eye?"
Yeager raised an eyebrow slightly, bringing his coffee cup to his lips. "I'm still single," he said flatly. "And focused on work."
His father glanced up, saying nothing, only nodding once with approval. His mother sighed, clearly disappointed but not surprised. Their only son had built walls too high for anyone to climb.
What none of them knew… was that someone—unexpected, fierce, and unforgettable—was about to walk into Yeager's life and unravel everything he thought he controlled.
On the Other Side
While Yeager's world was filled with luxury and a cold, distant silence, Celestine Moore's life was starkly different—warm, noisy with sounds, yet simple and full of challenges.
That morning, the smell of scrambled eggs and toasted bread filled their small kitchen in the apartment. Celestine—wearing an oversized t-shirt and her messy brown hair—stood at the stove, flipping eggs with a practiced, yet playful, motion.
"If it burns again, don't blame me, Les," came the voice from the dining table. It was her younger brother, Jamie Moore, 17 years old. His mouth was full of cereal as his fingers aimlessly scrolled through Celestine's phone, which she had left on the table.
"Jamie! Put my phone down. I know you're snooping through my chats!" Celestine called out, trying to sound stern but unable to hide the small smile on her face.
"There's no guy texting you, so it's safe," Jamie responded with a chuckle. "My big sister's too busy working and—don't get why—totally fine being single!"
Celestine placed a plate in front of Jamie and sat down with her own cup of black coffee. Her eyes stared blankly out the window, gazing at the morning sky over the city. She gave a small smile. "Love is... overrated."
Jamie rolled his eyes. "You're just traumatized from that jerk of an ex."
Celestine didn't respond, only shrugged. But her heart beat softly—because tonight, she'd start her evening shift at the new fancy bar that was said to attract high-powered executives.
Including someone named Yeager Aldric—though she had no idea, their first meeting would mark the beginning of a romance neither of them would forget.
Jamie scooped another spoonful of cereal into his mouth, then looked up at Celestine from behind his bowl.
"Hey, sis... are you seriously still gonna keep working at that bar?"
Celestine sighed, resting her chin on her hand as she stared into her coffee.
"Well, what choice do I have?" she muttered. "Besides, I'm just the girl who makes the drinks. It's not like I flirt with the guys there. I'm not that crazy."
Jamie chuckled. "Still... there's a bunch of thirsty rich dudes hanging out there. You might end up some sugar daddy's favorite."
Celestine picked up a slice of toast and shoved it toward his face. "Eat your damn sugar daddy."
Jamie dodged it, laughing, then settled back into his seat with the last of his cereal.
"But seriously, sis... aren't you tired? Working night shifts, going to class during the day, running the house…"
Celestine looked at him with a small smile—one of those smiles that hid exhaustion, but also unshakable resolve.
"I am tired. But if we don't keep our lives going, who else will?" she said softly. "And you're still too young to take on real work, so... I'll handle it."
Jamie fell silent. For all his teasing, he knew the truth—his sister was way tougher than anyone gave her credit for.
Jamie didn't say anything more. He just stared at his sister for a moment before getting up from his chair and walking over. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around Celestine from the side.
She froze for a second. The hug was simple… but warm. Jamie might be a teenager—annoying and sarcastic half the time—but he always knew how to show love without needing many words.
"I know you're strong, Sis," he murmured against her shoulder. "But you don't have to carry everything on your own, you know?"
Celestine held her breath for a moment, then gently patted his back. "I'm fine, Jamie. As long as you're here... things still feel bearable."
"Promise me... if you ever get too tired, you'll tell me first."
She gave a small nod. "Okay, you little loudmouth."
They both chuckled softly. And in that ordinary morning, in a slightly messy kitchen, the two siblings quietly held each other up—unaware that tonight, Celestine's world was about to shift.
Because in just a few hours, under the dim lights of the upscale bar, a man named Yeager Aldric would finally notice her.
That Night Langham Bar Dim lights shimmered above, reflecting off crystal glasses and polished wood tables. Soft jazz played in the background, wrapping the room in a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere. The bar door opened slowly.
Yeager Aldric stepped inside with quiet confidence, his black suit sharp, every movement precise. His cold, sharp eyes scanned the room briefly before heading toward the VIP section in the corner. A few of his colleagues were already there—laughing softly, sipping drinks, talking business that always circled back to power and money.
Yeager said little. He sat down, ordered a bottle of wine, and let the world spin on without him.
Until he saw her.
A woman. Hair pulled back in a simple tie, dressed in the plain uniform of a bartender—but no fabric could hide the elegance that radiated from her naturally. She approached a nearby table, carrying a tray with drinks. Her steps were swift, controlled. Her expression was neutral... but there was something in her eyes. Strength. Or maybe... pain.
Celestine.
Yeager narrowed his gaze slightly, watching her a few seconds longer than necessary. She didn't notice him. After setting the drinks down, she turned and walked back to the bar to grab another order, unaware that she had just caught the eye of the most unreachable man in the room.
Yeager brought the glass to his lips, sipped his wine—but his thoughts had already wandered.
Something about tonight felt different.
And he knew... this woman was not just another bartender.