I Divorced the President’s Secret Heiress (Kael’s POV)

Chapter 6

KAEL’S POV

My heart hammered against my chest, as the world seemed to stop spinning.

"Wait," I finally managed, my voice cracking embarrassingly. "You're telling me... that Zorina was the president's daughter?"

Father nodded, and the confirmation was like a second blow. My knees nearly gave out.

“You’re joking, right? This must be a joke, isn’t it?” He shook his head.

“That’s the truth, Kael. Zorina is Celestina Alvada.”

"Why didn't you tell me?" I shouted, anger suddenly flaring within me. "Why hide her identity from me? From all of us?"

"You weren't meant to know, Kael," Father replied, his voice unnervingly calm. "It was safer that way, for her, and for us."

"Safer?" I spat, my voice rising. "You turned her into a servant in her own home. You let us treat her like she was nothing! And you knew—" My voice broke, the accusation dying in my throat.

I stormed out of the room, unable to face them any longer. I walked out to the parking lot, jumped into my car and drove home. When I got home, I walked into my home office and sat on the chair with my head on the desk, the stifling air of the office closing in around me.

Zorina was Celestina Alvada. The president's secret daughter.

The words echoed relentlessly in my mind. I slammed my fist onto the desk, the sharp sound echoing round the room. I was furious at my father for keeping such a monumental secret, furious at the world for its cruel twists of fate. But most of all, I was furious at myself.

How could I have been so blind?

I thought back to every moment I'd shared with Zorina—or Celestina, as I now had to think of her. Her quiet grace, her unwavering patience, the way she tried to please everyone despite their contempt. I had been cruel to her, dismissive, indifferent. I had called her a pawn. I had let my family trample over her dignity, never once stepping in to defend her.

And now she was gone.

I leaned back in my chair, my gaze fixed on the ceiling as guilt clawed at my chest. "How could I have let her go?" I murmured aloud, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

For the first time in my life, I felt truly powerless. The Veridan family, so proud of its status and influence, owed everything to her. Without Celestina, we were nothing.

I need to make this right, I thought desperately. I need to win her back.

But how? What could I possibly offer her now that she had returned to her rightful place? She was the president's daughter, surrounded by people who truly valued her worth.

The door to my office creaked open, interrupting my spiraling thoughts. Marta, one of our household maids, stood hesitantly in the doorway.

"What is it?" I snapped, my tone harsher than intended.

Marta flinched but stepped inside, wringing the edge of her apron. "I'm sorry to disturb you, sir, but... I thought you should know something."

I gestured impatiently. "Out with it, Marta."

"I saw Lady Zorina on the news earlier…she…she’s Lady Celestina Alvada and a ball is being held at the palace tonight."

My brows furrowed. "The palace? What for?"

"To celebrate the return of the president's daughter, sir. Lady Zorina is Lady Celestina, sir."

She looked shocked too at the revelation.

I stiffened at the name, the weight of it hitting me again like a physical blow. "A ball?" I repeated, my voice low.

Marta nodded. "Yes, sir. Everyone's saying it's the event of the year. The president's invited nobles, dignitaries, foreign ambassadors... it's all anyone can talk about."

I clenched my jaw, knowing without asking that my name wouldn't be on the guest list. Why would President Alvada invite the man who had treated his daughter so poorly?

But the thought of sitting here while the rest of the world celebrated her... the idea of other men courting her, of her laughing and smiling with someone who truly deserved her attention... it was unbearable.

"I need to be there," I said suddenly, rising from my chair.

Marta blinked in surprise. "Sir? But... you haven't been invited."

My lips curled into a grim smile. "Since when has that ever stopped me?"

I glanced at the clock on my wall. It was already six, and the ball started at eight. I didn't have much time.

"Prepare my finest suit," I ordered. "And call for the driver."

Marta hesitated. "But, sir... what if they don't let you in?"

My expression hardened with determination. "I don't care what it takes, Marta. I'm going to that ball."