____________________

PRIVATE LANDING

♧

DON TOLIVER, JUSTIN BEIBER, FUTURE

________________________________

THE MORNING LIGHT filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft golden glow over the breakfast table. I had been up for about two hours, lazily scrolling through my phone while waiting for Antonio to leave. He had left around seven, muttering something about business with his father. Not that I cared enough to listen. His absence left the house feeling both quieter and freer.

Now, I was perched on one of the plush dining chairs, silk short nightgown clinging to my curves, doing absolutely nothing productive—exactly the way I liked it. My legs were crossed, one foot bouncing idly as I smirked down at my screen. Val and Malakai's names lit up in my messages, their texts as chaotic as ever.

Val: Is Antonio still alive? Blink twice if you need us to help you get rid of him.

Me: He left early. Unfortunately, that means he's still breathing.

Malakai: You didn't poison his coffee? Babe, you're slipping.

Me: I'd never waste perfectly good coffee like that.

Val: How are you even awake? If I were you, I'd be in bed until at least noon.

Me: Who says I'm awake? I'm basically texting in my sleep at this point.

Malakai: While looking like a goddess, I bet.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress the grin tugging at my lips. As insufferable as they were, they were my people.

"Will you be joining us, Mrs. Genovese, or are you content to lounge like the queen of sloth?" Albert's voice, dry as sandpaper and just as sharp, drifted in from the kitchen.

I didn't bother looking up. "Maybe I'm waiting for someone to carry me to the table. You offering?"

Albert appeared moments later, a tray balanced expertly in one hand. He placed it on the table with a flourish. "As much as I'd love to cater to your every whim, ma'am, I'm afraid my reflexes are only quick enough to prevent disasters, not to indulge delusions."

Right on cue, Summer waltzed into the room, balancing a plate of eggs and toast—until it tipped. The crash was loud, but Albert moved faster than I thought humanly possible, catching the plate mid-fall with the ease of someone who probably fought wars in another life. He didn't even blink.

"Thanks, Albert," Summer muttered, cheeks pink as she handed the plate back to him.

"Do try not to waste good china," he replied flatly, setting it back on the table like it hadn't just been inches from disaster.

Summer scrunched her nose at him. "Relax, Albert, it's just a plate. You act like the Queen's about to stop by for brunch."

"Your Majesty might as well," Albert deadpanned, "given the number of crises I avert before noon."

Lottie, who had been wiping down the counters, chimed in with a laugh. "Albert, I think you'd scare the Queen off with that attitude. She'd take one look at you and decide to leave immediately."

Albert adjusted his cuffs with exaggerated precision. "If only I could say the same for the lot of you."

"Oh, Albert, don't be such a grouch," Summer teased, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl and tossing it in the air. "We keep things lively around here."

"Lively, or unbearable?" Albert caught the apple mid-toss with a single hand, his reflexes once again annoyingly perfect. He handed it back to her without missing a beat.

"Both," Lottie quipped, leaning against the counter now that it was spotless. "You love it, though. Admit it."

Albert offered them a thin smile that was somehow colder than a frown. "I can neither confirm nor deny. My job is to endure, not enjoy."

"See?" Summer turned to me with mock indignation. "This man is all sass and no heart. Do you think he has one, or was it surgically removed when he took this job?"

I smirked, swirling the coffee in my cup. "If he had a heart, you two would've broken it by now."

Lottie gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. "How dare you accuse us of such cruelty?"

"You do torment him every chance you get," I said, biting into a strawberry. "And frankly, I think he's too good at his job to stoop to your level of petty."

Albert inclined his head, his expression unreadable. "At last, some recognition."

"But you know what?" Summer leaned forward, her grin wide and devious. "If Albert ever decides to quit, I'm claiming him as my butler. I bet he's amazing at organizing chaos."

Albert shot her a look that could cut glass. "I'd rather take my chances with the Queen's corgis."

Lottie giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't mind him, Summer. He's just pretending he doesn't enjoy the attention."

Albert sighed audibly, muttering something about "juvenile antics," but he didn't leave the room. Instead, he started wiping nonexistent crumbs from the counter, his movements precise and deliberate.

"So, what's got you grinning at your phone all morning?" Lottie asked, plopping down in the seat across from me.

I held up the screen, letting her and Summer read Malakai's latest message.

Summer cackled, covering her mouth. "He's insane. I love him."

Lottie shook her head, a fond smile on her face. "You really do surround yourself with the most chaotic people, Celine."

"Like attracts like," I said, twirling my fork idly. "But hey, they keep life interesting."

"Speaking of interesting," Summer said, biting into her apple. "What are we doing today? I mean, besides annoying Albert."

"Isn't that a full-time job for you two?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's a calling," Lottie said, straight-faced. "But we do like to multitask."

Summer nudged my arm, grinning. "Come on, boss lady. What's the plan?"

I sipped my coffee, letting the warmth seep into my veins. "Antonio's out, so I plan to spend the day enjoying my peace and quiet. You two can do whatever you want, as long as it doesn't involve dragging me into anything stupid."

"Stupid?" Lottie said, feigning offense. "We're nothing if not refined and elegant."

Summer snorted. "Speak for yourself. I'm thinking about dragging her to a spa. You look like you could use some pampering, Celine."

I shrugged, a slow smile spreading across my face. "Tempting. But you'll have to work harder to convince me."

Summer and Lottie exchanged a conspiratorial look, and I knew they wouldn't be letting me off the hook easily. Albert, meanwhile, muttered something about needing a stronger tea as he disappeared into the kitchen.

"Fine," Summer said, leaning back in her chair. "We'll play nice for now. But don't think you're getting out of it."

I shook my head, laughing softly. "You two are relentless."

Lottie grinned, propping her chin on her hand. "And that's why you love us."

Albert reappeared with a fresh pot of tea, setting it down with impeccable precision. "A reminder, ladies: the definition of 'love' does not include inflicting chaos upon one's household staff."

"Oh, Albert," Summer said sweetly. "You'd miss us if we left."

He gave her a long, pointed look. "Let's not test that theory."

I checked my phone one last time, expecting something from my mom—but nothing. She'd stopped texting me a while ago, and it was honestly a relief. After all the pressure she put on me, pushing me to make this marriage work, I didn't want to hear it. She was probably busy with her own drama anyway.

Cassian had messaged me, though—"Are you really going to ignore everything Dad says?"—and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. It wasn't like ignoring him was going to change anything.

I hit the keys in frustration. "I'm fine, Cass. Don't worry about me."

I was about to lock my phone when I saw Charlotte had sent me a text. It was brief, just one line: "Remember to keep your head in the game."

I groaned and tossed my phone aside. "Not today," I muttered to myself.

I stood up from the table, pushing my plate away with an exaggerated sigh. I couldn't deal with all this right now. Not with everything weighing on me.

"Albert," I called as I passed by him, handing him my plate. "Can you take this? I've got things to do."

Without waiting for his response, I headed up the stairs.

The shower was quick—no need for any time wasted in there. I got in, got out, and moved straight to my closet. I needed something that would let me move fast but still make a statement.

After staring at the clothes for a few seconds, I picked out a black tube top. It was barely a top—just a tight, athletic fit that barely clung around my chest and was snug enough to give me freedom of movement. It was kind of like a sports bra but a hell of a lot sexier. My cargo pants were a perfect fit—black, of course, snug enough to highlight my curves but loose enough for ease of movement. I tossed on some sturdy, black combat boots, ready for whatever.

I ran my hands through my braids—tied them up in a loose bun, letting a few strands fall to frame my face. Quick and practical, but still looking like I could kill someone if I had to.

I smirked at myself in the mirror. I could get shit done in this, and still look like a storm waiting to happen.

I headed downstairs, ready for the shit show the day would undoubtedly bring.

♤

I made it down to the gun range in the basement, the one place in this house that didn't feel like a prison. A ridiculous space, really—half shooting range, half luxury lounge. A fully stocked bar sat in the corner, an unnecessarily extravagant pool table was dead center, and a plush leather couch took up the back wall. Because apparently, even firing a gun needed to be aesthetic.

I grabbed the safety glasses and loaded my pistol, relishing the weight of it in my hand. Lining up my first shot, I took a deep breath. The crack of the gunfire was sharp and satisfying, like breaking glass on purpose. Every shot landed right on the bullseye.

Perfect.

"Celine!"

I spun on instinct, gun raised, safety off, finger on the trigger.

Val, Malakai, and Koko froze in the doorway, hands shooting into the air like I'd just declared a heist.

"Jesus Christ, Celine!" Val shrieked, her voice going up two octaves. "Don't shoot! It's us!"

"Well, don't sneak up on me like that," I snapped, lowering the gun but not bothering to apologize. My eyes landed on Koko, and I grimaced. "And what is she doing here?"

"Wow, great to see you too," Koko said, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she smoothed down her perfectly tailored coat. "Such a warm welcome."

"My mom made me bring her," Val explained, shooting a look at Koko. "She said I couldn't keep ditching her at home like a sad, rich orphan."

I rolled my eyes. "Your mom should've said you couldn't bring her here."

"Hello to you, too, Celine," Koko said, sweetly venomous.

"Koko."

"My name is Koleen," she corrected, straightening her posture like she was the main character in a Jane Austen adaptation.

"Okay, Koko," I said, deliberately dismissive.

"You're not funny."

"Really don't think that's what you should be saying to someone holding a gun," I shot back, smirking.

"Speaking of that," Malakai said, his low voice cutting through the bickering. He strolled over with all the energy of someone who couldn't be bothered to care but still kept everyone alive. He gently took the gun from my hand like he was disarming a toddler. "You're too jumpy with this thing."

"I'm not jumpy," I muttered, but I let him take it.

"Sure," he replied flatly, setting the gun down on the counter and cracking open a beer.

"Okay, look!" Val interjected, stepping between us and throwing her hands up. "We came here to see you, Celine. Let's just chill. Play some pool. Drink some beer. No murder today. Sound good?"

I crossed my arms, shooting one last glare at Koko. "Fine. But if she pisses me off, it's on you, Val."

"Deal," Val said, grinning like she'd won something. She practically skipped to the bar, grabbing the beers Malakai had already opened.

Minutes later, the four of us were around the pool table. Pizza boxes sat open on the bar, greasy slices balanced precariously on paper plates at the edge of the table. Malakai leaned against the bar, silently sipping his beer, while Val lined up her shot, monologuing like she was on ESPN.

"Okay, so I'm gonna hit this one, right? And then it's gonna bounce off that corner, and boom—" she mimed an explosion with her hands, "—two balls in one shot. Watch and learn, losers."

She struck the cue ball with all the force of someone trying to prove something, and it immediately ricocheted wildly. The white ball sank into a pocket without touching a single other ball.

"Wow," I deadpanned, sipping my beer. "You're a legend, Val."

"It's called warming up, Celine," Val retorted, planting her hands on her hips. "Not all of us are pool prodigies, okay?"

"It's called you suck," Koko chimed in, picking at the crust of her pizza with that annoying, self-satisfied smirk on her face.

"Hey!" Val whipped around, pointing her cue stick at Koko like she was about to joust. "Don't start with me, Koko Puff."

Koko arched an eyebrow. "That's original. Did you come up with that all on your own or did you consult the second grade?"

"Oh, bite me, Lorelai Gilmore," Val snapped.

Malakai let out a quiet snort from behind his beer.

"What the hell are you laughing at, Malakai?" Val snapped, turning on him.

"You," he said simply. "Both of you. You're like two feral cats fighting over a trash can."

"Shut up, Malakai," Val and I said in unison, which only made him chuckle.

I stepped up to the table, lining up my shot without overthinking it. A smooth strike sent two balls into opposite pockets. I set the cue stick down with a satisfied smirk.

"Show-off," Val muttered, snatching another slice of pizza.

"Skill," I corrected, settling onto the couch with my beer.

"You know what would make this better?" Val said, her face lighting up like she'd just had a revelation.

"What?" Malakai asked, his tone flat and already bored.

"A road trip!"

"Absolutely not," I said immediately, not even looking at her.

"Why not?" Val whined, dragging out the last syllable.

"Because the last time you convinced me to go on a road trip, we got stranded for six hours because someone forgot to check the gas tank," I said, shooting her a pointed look.

"Okay, but this time I'll double-check!" she said, grinning like that solved everything.

"Triple-check," Malakai muttered, rubbing his temple like he already had a headache.

"Whatever. You're all boring," Val huffed, flopping onto the couch next to me.

"Better boring than dead because you wanted to road trip to God-knows-where," I said, kicking my feet up on the coffee table.

Koko finally chimed in, her voice sugary sweet. "You know, Celine, for someone who's always claiming to be fun, you're surprisingly uptight."

I raised an eyebrow, giving her my best unimpressed look. "For someone who's so obsessed with being perfect, you're surprisingly annoying."

"God, you two need therapy," Malakai muttered, grabbing another beer.

"Maybe," Val said with a grin, "but where's the fun in that?"

And for a brief moment, surrounded by greasy pizza, cheap beer, and bickering friends, I actually felt like myself again.

"How old is this?" Val asked, sniffing a bottle of alcohol from the bar. She wrinkled her nose dramatically.

"It's Louis XIII Cognac," I said, not even glancing her way as I lined up my next pool shot. "Costs more than your entire future net worth, babe. Aged over a century."

Val gasped, holding the bottle up as if it were sacred. "Rich people liquor! Damn, Antonio might actually have taste?"

I smirked. "His dad does. Antonio's idea of fancy is whiskey with Diet Coke."

Val choked on her laughter just as the door to the basement swung open. Heavy footsteps echoed against the floor, deliberate and unrelenting. I didn't need to look up to know who it was.

"Speak of the devil," I muttered under my breath, straightening.

Antonio stood in the doorway, exuding tension and authority in his tailored suit, his eyes scanning the room before landing on me.

"So this is the husband," Koleen said, her voice dripping with mockery as she looked him up and down like she was appraising cheap art.

Antonio's sharp gaze flicked to her. "And you are?"

"Koleen Carmen America Ramirez-Bottega," she said with a saccharine smile, flipping her hair. "But everyone calls me Koko."

"Lucky me," Antonio muttered before zeroing in on me. "We need to talk. Now."

I leaned my pool stick against the table, meeting his gaze with a bored expression. "May I help you, Antonio?"

He crossed his arms, his stance rigid. "You didn't tell me you were having friends over."

I gestured toward the security camera in the corner of the room. "Didn't need to. Pretty sure your precious surveillance team already gave you the play-by-play."

Antonio's jaw clenched, but he didn't take the bait. "Outside. Now."

I sighed loudly, loud enough to let him know just how little I wanted to entertain whatever power move he thought he was pulling. "All I can think about is how far I could shove this pool stick up your ass."

Val burst into laughter, nearly spilling her drink. Even Malakai smirked behind his beer, the closest thing to a laugh he'd give.

Antonio didn't even blink. "Outside," he repeated, his voice low and commanding.

Rolling my eyes, I pushed off the table and followed him out the door. "Let's make this quick. I've got better things to do than babysit your temper tantrum."

The chill of the patio air hit me as I folded my arms, waiting for him to speak. Antonio ran a hand through his hair, clearly agitated, before turning to face me.

"My family's made a decision," he began, his voice clipped and formal.

"They always do," I replied flatly. "Get to the point."

He sighed, his frustration barely contained. "They want us to have a child. Soon."

I blinked at him, letting the words sink in before laughing coldly. "You're joking."

"I'm not," he said, his tone sharp. "It's not up for debate, Celine. It's in the terms of our arrangement."

"What arrangement?" I demanded, my voice rising.

"The one you signed when you agreed to this marriage," he snapped. "It's part of the deal. Securing the alliance between our families isn't just about appearances. It's about ensuring the next generation of leadership. An heir."

I took a step closer, my voice dripping with venom. "You're telling me your family expects me to pop out a kid to cement this twisted little alliance of yours?"

He didn't flinch. "It's not just my family, Celine. Your mother agreed to this, too. She knew this would be part of the terms."

I stared at him, my chest tightening as anger and disbelief warred within me. "You're insane."

"No," he said, his voice soft but firm. "I'm realistic. This is how our world works. Alliances like ours are built on trust, power, and bloodlines. If we don't fulfill our end of the deal, both our families pay the price."

I laughed bitterly, the sound hollow. "So that's it? I'm just a womb to you? A pawn in your family's fucked-up game?"

"You think I like this?" he snapped, his own frustration bubbling over. "You think I want to bring a kid into this mess? But this isn't about what you or I want. It's about survival, Celine. If we don't do this, my family will tear yours apart. Your mother's entire empire will crumble, and they'll make sure you're left with nothing but regret."

I shook my head, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. "You really think you can force me into this?"

"It's not forcing you," he said tightly. "It's giving you the facts. You knew what you were signing up for when you agreed to this marriage. You wanted freedom from your mother's meddling? This is the cost."

I stared at him, my blood boiling. "You're a coward, Antonio. Hiding behind your family's orders instead of standing up for what you want."

"What I want doesn't matter," he said, his voice low and bitter. "And neither does what you want. This is bigger than both of us, and you know it."

I scoffed, stepping back. "You're unbelievable."

He exhaled slowly, his composure slipping back into place. "You don't have to like it, Celine. But you do have to accept it."

I turned on my heel, storming back inside without another word.

Back in the basement, the tension in my body was palpable as I grabbed my beer and took a long, furious swig.

"You look like you're about to murder someone," Val said, watching me carefully.

"Not someone," I muttered, slamming the bottle onto the bar. "Antonio."

"Ooh, what did he do now?" Koko asked, her tone dripping with faux sweetness.

"Let me guess," Malakai drawled, his voice as lazy as his smirk. "Something to do with his family's bullshit, right?"

I shot him a look. "Bullseye."

"Trouble in paradise?" Koko teased, her eyes wide and innocent.

"Paradise?" I scoffed. "Try hell."

Val leaned closer, her curiosity bubbling over. "Come on, spill the tea!"

I shook my head, grabbing another slice of pizza. "Trust me, you don't want to know."

Koko smirked. "If it's anything like last time, I definitely do."

"God, you're insufferable," I muttered, taking a bite.

"Kids," Malakai interrupted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Can we focus on pool and let Celine pretend she's not planning a homicide?"

I smirked, picking up my pool stick. "Fine. But only because I need to hit something."

_________________________________________

i know this was such a bad chapter yall please dont crucify me . this wouldve been way longer and much more in depth if my phone hadnt broken and i was now using a laptopp . all my work that i had thought i saved is now gone and in short i am now going insane.

please remember to drink water!!

-zio