Chapter 13: 365 Days.

Celine's frustration spilled over in a seething whisper, "Fuck!" She was fuming, her anger at Zelda matched only by the pain of the hot coffee that had scalded her skin. Passersby stopped and stared, their curious glances adding to Celine's humiliation.

With every ounce of willpower she could muster, Celine fought back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. She stood tall, her posture defiant despite the throbbing pain of her burns, refusing to let Zelda win.

Celine emerged from the boutique like a storm, her wrath palpable as she strode towards the car where Neo stood waiting. His concern was clear as he took in her disheveled appearance, but Celine was having none of it.

"Ma'am, you seem upset. Is everything okay?"

She ignored his inquiry and climbed into the car with a forceful slam of the door.

Celine's rage radiated through the car, her simmering fury deafening to all else. As Neo climbed into the driver's seat, she uttered a single command, her voice low and dangerou