CHAPTER 1 The Return of Celeste Laurent

Suzan POV

The city lights of Los Angeles flickered in the distance as I drove through the familiar streets, my hands gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly. It had been five years since I last set foot in this city—a place filled with memories I had fought so hard to bury. But no matter how much I tried, they lingered, like ghosts waiting for the right moment to resurface.

As I drove, I couldn't help but remember the past memories with the man I thought was my savior.

I glanced in the rearview mirror at my son, Julian, who sat in his booster seat, swinging his little legs. His dark curls bounced with every movement, and his green eyes—so much like mine—were filled with curiosity.

"Mommy," he piped up, his voice filled with excitement. "Why did we move to a new city? I liked our old house, my school and friends."

I inhaled sharply, forcing a smile as I met his gaze in the mirror. "We're not moving, baby," I said gently. "We're just here for work. We'll only stay for a little while, and then we'll go back home , okay?"

Julian pouted, his tiny brows furrowing. "But I liked my school. And my class teacher promised to take us to the zoo next week!"

I reached back, brushing my fingers through his soft curls. "I know, sweetheart. But I promise, this is only temporary."

Temporary.

The word felt like a lie even as I spoke it.

The truth was, coming back to Los Angeles was the last thing I ever wanted. But I had no choice. My company, Laurent Designs, had secured a high-profile deal, and I needed to be here to oversee the launch. Besides, Colin had insisted. He thought it would be good for me to face my past, to prove that I was no longer the broken, naive girl I used to be.

I was Celeste Laurent and not Suzan Royce anymore.

I glanced at the man sitting beside me in the passenger seat. Colin Sinclair—my best friend, my fiancé. He was everything I should have wanted. Loyal, dependable, safe. He had been there for me when I had no one else. And yet, as he reached over and squeezed my hand, I felt nothing but an aching emptiness and I hated myself for that.

"You okay?" he asked, his deep brown eyes studying me carefully.

I forced a smile. "Yeah, just tired."

He nodded, but I knew he wasn't convinced. Colin knew me too well.

We pulled into the driveway of our new house—a sleek, modern estate in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in LA. It was a far cry from the tiny apartment I had once shared with my mother. This house, this life… it was proof of how far I had come.

As soon as we stepped inside, Julian took off running, his laughter echoing through the high ceilings. I watched him with a soft smile before turning to Colin.

"Thank you," I murmured.

"For what?"

"For coming here with me. For always being here."

Colin sighed, stepping closer. He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "You don't have to thank me, Suzan. You know I'd follow you anywhere afterall we would be getting married very soon."

I swallowed, looking away. He deserved more than this—more than a woman who couldn't give him her whole heart. But he never asked for more. He accepted me, broken pieces and all.

That night, I barely slept. I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, memories crashing over me like relentless waves.

Anthony Carter.

The name alone was enough to send a sharp pain through my chest. I had loved him once. Desperately. Foolishly. I had given him everything, only to have it thrown back in my face. His betrayal had shattered me, and when I left, I swore I would never look back.

But fate had other plans.

The next evening, Colin and I arrived at the grand ballroom of The Royal Davis Hotel, where an exclusive charity gala was being held. The moment we stepped inside, all eyes turned to us.

Or rather, to me.

Whispers filled the air.

"Is that Celeste Laurent?"

"She's even more beautiful in person."

"Did you hear? She built an empire in just five years. A self-made billionaire."

Another said, "She's wonderful. And she has a very supportive fiancé beside her."

I kept my chin high, my posture poised. Celeste Laurent was a name I had crafted for myself, a woman I had meticulously built from the ashes of Suzan Royce. Gone was the timid girl who had once begged for love. Now, I was powerful. Untouchable.

Colin placed his hand on the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd. "Are you ready for this?" he murmured.

I met his gaze and gave him a confident smile. "Always."

The event was lavish, filled with the city's most elite. I exchanged pleasantries, smiled when necessary, and played my part flawlessly. Until he walked in.

Anthony Carter.

The air in my lungs disappeared the moment I saw him. I had been preparing myself for this moment but no matter how I prepared, my heart couldn't stop beating fast the minute I saw him.

He was just as I remembered—tall, devastatingly handsome, with broad shoulders and piercing dark eyes that had once held me captive. But there was something different about him now. The cocky arrogance was still there, but beneath it was something darker. More dangerous.

Our eyes met across the room.

For a brief second, time seemed to stop.

I saw the flicker of shock in his gaze, quickly replaced by something else—something unreadable. His jaw clenched, his grip tightening around the glass in his hand.

But I didn't waver.

I turned away as if he was nothing more than a stranger.

"Celeste," someone called, and I smiled graciously as I turned to greet the speaker. But I could feel his eyes burning into me.

I knew what he was thinking.

I knew he recognized me.

But if he thought I would acknowledge him, he was mistaken.

He had destroyed me once.

I wouldn't give him the chance to do it again.

The night continued, but I was acutely aware of Anthony's presence. Every time I moved, I felt his gaze. When Colin excused himself to take a phone call, I stepped toward the balcony, needing a moment to breathe.

I had barely taken two steps when a familiar voice cut through the noise.

"That's quite the act you're putting on."

I froze.

Slowly, I turned around, meeting his gaze.

Anthony stood before me, his dark eyes filled with something dangerous. His expression was unreadable, but his presence alone was enough to send my heart into a chaotic rhythm.

I arched a brow, my lips curling into a cool, practiced smile. "I'm sorry. Do I know you? Have we met before?"

Something flickered in his gaze—anger, disbelief, amusement. "Cute." He stepped closer, his voice low. "I have to say, you've changed, Suzan."

I stiffened.

His voice wrapped around my real name like a vice, suffocating me. But I refused to let it show.

"You must be mistaken," I said smoothly, tilting my head. "My name is Celeste Laurent."

Anthony's lips curled into a slow, dangerous smirk. "Is that so?" He took another step, and I felt my pulse quicken. "Then tell me, Celeste, why does your son look exactly like me?"

My breath caught.

Panic seized my chest.

But I didn't let it show.

I met his gaze with ice-cold indifference and gave the only response I could.

I turned my back on him and walked away.