Chapter 81: Escaping the Pressure

After the tense confrontation with Edward, Estelle couldn't shake the feeling of doubt that lingered in her chest. Every glance he'd thrown her way, every loaded word he'd spoken, made her question whether she truly belonged in Celeste's life. She hated feeling like this—unsure of herself, of her place.

Celeste, as always, had sensed the shift in her demeanor. That evening, after they wrapped up a late meeting, Celeste leaned against the doorframe of her office, watching Estelle pack her things. Her sharp gaze softened as she spoke.

"Come with me this weekend," Celeste said, her voice gentle but firm.

Estelle looked up, surprised. "What?"

"I have a cabin about an hour outside the city," Celeste explained. "It's secluded, quiet. I think we both need a break."

Estelle hesitated, her hands stilling over the stack of papers she was organizing. "You're serious? You, the workaholic, are suggesting we take a weekend off?"

Celeste smirked, walking over to her. "Even I know when it's time to step away, Estelle. And right now, we need this. You need this." She tilted Estelle's chin up with a finger, her eyes locking onto hers. "Let me take care of you."

The sincerity in Celeste's voice melted away Estelle's resistance, and she found herself nodding. "Okay. Let's do it."

The next day, Celeste picked Estelle up early in the morning, her sleek car packed with supplies for their getaway. The drive to the cabin was filled with easy conversation and music, the city fading into the background as they made their way into the countryside. For the first time in days, Estelle felt herself relaxing.

When they arrived, Estelle couldn't help but gasp at the sight of the cabin. Nestled in the middle of a wooded clearing, the two-story structure looked like something out of a magazine, all polished wood and large windows that reflected the surrounding trees.

"This is gorgeous," Estelle said as they stepped out of the car.

Celeste smiled, taking Estelle's hand. "Wait until you see the inside."

The interior was just as breathtaking—cozy yet modern, with a stone fireplace, plush furniture, and a wall of windows that offered an uninterrupted view of the forest. Estelle immediately felt at home, her earlier anxieties melting away.

"You live like this?" Estelle teased as Celeste set their bags down. "I thought you were all work and no play."

Celeste chuckled, walking over to pour them both a glass of wine. "Even I have my secrets."

They spent the day exploring the area around the cabin, hiking through the woods and laughing as they got lost once or twice. By the time the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, they were back at the cabin, sitting on the deck with a bottle of wine and a blanket wrapped around them.

Estelle leaned against Celeste's shoulder, her gaze on the horizon. "This feels... perfect," she said softly.

Celeste kissed the top of her head, her arm tightening around Estelle. "It does."

But as the silence settled around them, Estelle's mind drifted back to Edward's words. She bit her lip, debating whether to bring it up. Finally, she sighed.

"Do you think he's right?" she asked quietly.

Celeste frowned, looking down at her. "Who?"

"Your father," Estelle said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Do you think... I'm a liability? That I'm risking your reputation?"

Celeste turned Estelle to face her, her expression serious. "Listen to me," she said firmly. "You are not a liability. You're the best thing that's happened to me in a long time, Estelle. My father doesn't see that because he's blinded by his own expectations. But I see you. I know your worth."

Estelle's eyes filled with tears at Celeste's words, and she nodded, her heart swelling with emotion. "I just... I don't want to hold you back."

"You could never hold me back," Celeste said, cupping Estelle's face. "You push me forward, Estelle. You make me better. Don't ever doubt that."

The sincerity in Celeste's voice broke down Estelle's walls, and she leaned in, capturing Celeste's lips in a slow, tender kiss. The world around them faded away as they lost themselves in each other, their connection deepening with every touch.

Later that night, as the fire crackled in the hearth, Celeste pulled Estelle into her lap on the plush rug in front of the fireplace. They were both wrapped in blankets, their skin warmed by the heat of the flames. Celeste's hands trailed up Estelle's thighs, her touch gentle but deliberate.

"You're so beautiful," Celeste murmured, her lips grazing Estelle's neck. "Do you know how much I adore you?"

Estelle shivered, her fingers tangling in Celeste's hair. "Show me."

Celeste didn't need further encouragement. She laid Estelle down on the soft rug, her hands exploring every inch of her as their kisses grew more urgent. The warmth of the firelight danced over their skin as they came together, their movements unhurried but filled with intensity.

Every touch, every whispered word, was a reminder of the love and trust they shared. By the time they collapsed into each other's arms, breathless and sated, Estelle felt more secure than ever in their relationship.

As they lay there, tangled together, Celeste pressed a kiss to Estelle's temple. "You're mine, Estelle. Don't ever doubt that."

Estelle smiled, her heart full. "And you're mine."

For the first time in weeks, Estelle felt at peace. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew they could face them together.