Chapter 190: Carlton and Celia 3
Carlton found himself returning to the red-light district far more often than he’d ever imagined. At first, he told himself it was mere curiosity. The enigmatic dancer, Celia, had left an indelible mark on his thoughts. But with every visit, his reasons became clearer. He wasn’t just curious—he was captivated. Each time, he paid the exorbitant fee without hesitation, not to indulge in her body but to bask in her presence.
Celia, on the other hand, couldn’t comprehend why this wealthy, handsome man kept coming back. At first, she assumed it was a game—rich men often grew bored of their toys and cast them aside. But Carlton was different. He asked her questions about herself, not in the predatory way she was used to, but with genuine curiosity. He wanted to know her favorite colors, the books she read, and the songs she loved. He listened to her answers, even when she replied curtly or with disinterest.
One evening, as they sat together in the opulent room he always reserved, Carlton poured them both glasses of wine. The room was quiet, the faint hum of the city outside barely audible. Celia expected the usual questions, but instead, he surprised her.
"Do you ever wish to leave this place?" he asked, his voice gentle but firm.
She stiffened, her hands gripping the wineglass tighter. "What’s the point of wishing for something you can’t have?" she replied, her tone harsher than intended.
Carlton leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Because sometimes wishes have a way of coming true."
Celia scoffed, but his words stayed with her long after he left that night.
***
Over the weeks, their meetings evolved. Carlton began taking her on outings, though they had to be discreet. One evening, he took her to a quiet restaurant tucked away in the city. She wore a simple dress he had sent for her, far less extravagant than the gowns she danced in, but she looked stunning nonetheless.
As they dined, Celia found herself laughing at his stories, her guard lowering inch by inch. It was a sound she barely recognized—her own laughter. Carlton watched her with a mixture of awe and delight. He had never seen her like this, her eyes sparkling with genuine emotion. In that moment, he realized he was utterly, irrevocably in love with her.
***