PART III — The AwakeningChapter 7 — The Feeling Without a Name
It started small.
A longer glance.
A flutter in her chest when Celeste laughed.
The warmth she felt whenever their hands brushed.
Iza didn't understand it at first.
Until one night, writing in her journal, she finally admitted:
"I think I'm falling in love.And I'm terrified."
Because loving Celeste meant facing truths she had buried all her life.
Truths her family might never accept.
Truths that could change everything.
Chapter 8 — The Confession Under the Stars
Celeste confessed first.
"Iza," she said softly during a late-night walk, "you make me feel… calm. Real. Like I don't have to perform."
Iza's heart pounded.
"I think I love you."
The world seemed to stop.
Iza trembled — not from fear of Celeste, but from fear of herself.
Then she whispered:
"I love you too."
And for the first time in her life, Iza chose honesty over silence.
PART IV — The StormChapter 9 — The Breaking Point
Love did not come without cost.
When her father discovered their relationship, his reaction was swift and harsh.
"This is not the life we raised you for," he said.
"You will end this."
Iza's heart shattered.
But for the first time, she didn't shrink.
"I won't."
That single word marked the moment she began to transform.
Chapter 10 — Losing and Finding
She lost comfort. Approval. Safety.
But she gained something greater:
Herself.
And Celeste.