The crowd applauded as Nivea stepped onto the stage, her movements graceful and precise, mimicking Celestina’s mannerisms to perfection. Dressed in a stunning white suit, she looked every bit the president. Cameras flashed, and the room buzzed with excitement.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Nivea began, her voice steady despite her nerves. “Today, we stand united to rebuild our nation. Together, we will overcome the challenges before us…”

But then, as she moved to address a specific question from one of the reporters, her nerves betrayed her.

“That’s why I believe…” She hesitated, fumbling over a key policy detail she hadn’t rehearsed. A pause too long. Her gaze faltered, and for a split second, uncertainty flashed across her face.

Though she quickly recovered, the silence in the room had been enough to make those closest to her exchange concerned glances.

Back at the palace, Celestina’s patience finally snapped.

“That mistake could’ve ruined everything,” Celestina said sharply, pacing the room. Dimitri stood at the side, watching her warily.

“It wasn’t that bad,” Dimitri countered. “She recovered, and no one seemed to notice.”

“No one?” Celestina rounded on him. “The reporters noticed, Dimitri. I noticed. She’s playing me, and one mistake could destroy what little trust the people have left in their president.”

“She’s under pressure,” Dimitri said, his voice steady but firm. “And she’s doing this for you, Celestina. Don’t forget that.”

Celestina narrowed her eyes, her tone laced with frustration. “Sometimes I wonder if you’ve forgotten who you’re protecting.”

The tension between Celestina and Dimitri only deepened as the hours passed.

That evening, Celestina found Nivea in the study, practicing her speaking points in front of a mirror. Her posture was tense, and the nervous energy radiating off her was palpable.

“Nivea,” Celestina said, her tone cold as she closed the door behind her.

Nivea turned, startled. “Madam President. I—”

“Cut the formalities,” Celestina interrupted, stepping closer. “I need to know what’s going on between you and Dimitri.”

Nivea blinked, her eyes widening. “What? Nothing is going on between us.”

“Don’t lie to me,” Celestina snapped. “You’ve been spending all this time with him. He defends you at every turn, and I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”

Nivea’s voice wavered as she shook her head. “It’s not like that. Dimitri has been supportive, yes, but only because he wants me to succeed—for you.”

Celestina stared at her, her jaw tightening. “I hope for your sake that’s true. Because if you’re lying to me, Nivea…” She left the threat hanging, turning sharply and leaving the room.

As the door clicked shut, Nivea slumped against the desk, burying her face in her hands.

The palace seemed eerily quiet that night. Celestina had retired to her chambers, her mind still racing with thoughts of Nivea and Dimitri.

But her rest was interrupted by the sound of a muffled explosion. The windows shook, and the alarm bells began to ring. Guards shouted in the hallways as chaos broke out.

Celestina threw on a robe and rushed to the door, only to be intercepted by Dimitri.

“Stay inside,” he ordered, his expression grim.

“What’s going on?” Celestina demanded.

“Someone planted a bomb in the west wing,” Dimitri said. “The guards stopped it before it detonated fully, but it’s clear—you’re still the target.”

Celestina clenched her fists, frustration and fear warring within her. “What about Nivea?”

“She’s safe,” Dimitri assured her. “She was in the east wing when it happened.”

Despite his reassurance, the attack left Celestina shaken. It was a grim reminder of the danger she faced daily and why Nivea’s role was so critical.

The following day, the palace was on high alert. Security was doubled, and all staff underwent rigorous screenings. But Celestina’s unease only grew.

That night, unable to sleep, she wandered the halls. Passing by Nivea’s quarters, she stopped short when she noticed a faint light under the door.

Curious, she inched closer, her pulse quickening as she heard low voices from inside.

“Don’t doubt yourself, Nivea,” Dimitri’s voice said softly.

“I just… I don’t know if I can keep doing this,” Nivea replied, her voice shaky. “It feels like I’m losing myself.”

Celestina’s stomach churned as she pressed her hand against the wall, straining to hear more.

“You’ve become important to me,” Dimitri continued after a pause. “More than I expected.”

Celestina froze, her breath catching. She backed away from the door, her mind racing.