The capital buzzed with life as the streets filled with citizens from all walks of life. The scars of war were still visible—damaged buildings, scorched roads—but the air carried a new energy: hope. In the heart of the city, a grand stage had been erected in front of the presidential palace. Flags fluttered in the soft breeze, and banners bearing Celestina’s name and the words “For the People” hung from every corner.

Celestina stood behind the curtains, her hands clasped tightly together. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, its muted colors symbolizing humility and unity. As the sound of the cheering crowd reached her ears, she took a deep breath to steady herself.

“You’ve got this,” Dimitri said, standing beside her. His voice was calm, but his eyes betrayed his own nervousness.

Celestina gave a small nod. “Do I? What if I say the wrong thing? What if—”

“Stop,” Dimitri interrupted, his tone firm yet gentle. “You’re not here to be perfect. You’re here to lead. Speak from your heart, and they’ll follow you.”

She smiled faintly, drawing strength from his words. “Thank you, Dimitri. For everything.”

Before he could respond, a guard stepped forward. “Madam President, it’s time.”

The curtains parted, and the crowd erupted into deafening cheers as Celestina stepped onto the stage. She paused for a moment, overwhelmed by the sheer number of faces looking up at her. Farmers, merchants, soldiers, children—they were all here, united by a common dream of a better future.

She approached the podium, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment.

“My fellow citizens,” she began, her words amplified across the square. “Today marks the start of a new chapter for our nation. Together, we have endured hardship and sacrifice. We have fought for freedom, and now, we stand on the precipice of change.”

The crowd erupted into applause, but she raised a hand to quiet them.

“This victory is not mine alone—it belongs to all of you. To the brave men and women who stood against tyranny. To the families who gave everything for the hope of a brighter tomorrow. This is your victory.”

Her voice softened, carrying an intimate sincerity. “I will not promise perfection, but I promise you this: I will lead with honesty, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the people of this nation. Together, we will rebuild. Together, we will heal. Together, we will rise.”

The applause that followed was deafening, the crowd chanting her name as tears filled her eyes. For the first time, Celestina felt a glimmer of optimism.

After the ceremony, Celestina stood in a quiet corner of the palace gardens, taking a moment to gather herself. Dimitri joined her, his presence a comforting anchor.

“You were incredible,” he said, leaning against a nearby pillar.

She let out a soft laugh. “You think so?”

“I know so,” he replied, his voice warm. “You inspired them, Celestina. You gave them hope when they needed it most.”

She turned to face him, her expression serious. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, Dimitri. You’ve been my strength through everything.”

“And you’ve been mine,” he said, his eyes meeting hers. “Whatever challenges come next, we face them together. I promise you that.”

Their bond deepened in that quiet moment, a shared understanding passing between them.

But the peace didn’t last.

Just as the celebrations reached their peak, a commotion broke out near the perimeter of the palace grounds. Gunfire rang out, and the crowd scattered in panic as a small group of armed men tried to push through the barricades.

Celestina’s security detail rushed her inside, while Dimitri stayed at her side, his hand instinctively resting on the weapon at his hip.

“What’s happening?” Celestina demanded as they moved through the halls.

“Alvada’s loyalists,” Dimitri said grimly. “They’re making a statement.”

The loyalists didn’t get far. Within minutes, the rebels’ trained security forces captured the attackers and brought their leader before Celestina. The man, a grizzled veteran with a defiant glare, was forced to kneel before her.

“You’re making a mistake,” he spat, his voice filled with venom. “You think you’ve won, but you haven’t. Your reign won’t last. You’ll fall, just like Alvada did.”

Celestina’s expression didn’t falter, but her voice was cold. “This isn’t about me. This is about the people. And no matter how many of you cling to the past, you can’t stop what’s coming. The era of Alvada is over.”

The man smirked. “We’ll see.”

That evening, Celestina sat in her office, exhausted from the day’s events. As she sipped tea, Dimitri entered, holding a thick envelope.

“This came from the treasury,” he said, placing it on the desk.

She frowned, picking up the envelope. “What’s in it?”

“I don’t know, but…” Dimitri hesitated, his expression darkening. “Maybe it can wait until tomorrow. You’ve had enough for one day.”

Celestina gave him a questioning look. “Dimitri, what aren’t you telling me?”

“It’s nothing urgent,” he said quickly, taking the envelope from her hands. “I’ll handle it. You don’t need this right now.”