After the party ended, Alistair tried to persuade Celestine to stay a few days longer in Portside City.
Celestine declined gently, using work as her excuse. “Thank you, Grandpa, but there’s no need. Things are pretty hectic with the project in Oceanview right now. I promise I’ll come back and spend some proper time with you as soon as I’m free.”
Alistair didn’t push. Instead, he gave her a look full of meaning. “Celly, if things get too stressful, remember to give yourself a break. Don’t push yourself so hard.”
The memory of her last accident–the head injury and the resulting amnesia–had left him deeply shaken.
That was why, afterward, he’d brought Raymond back to Portside City, hoping the gesture would serve as a warning.
He’d tried everything to protect his family, but in the end, he couldn’t stop outside trouble from creeping in. That disgraceful mess Raymond got tangled up in–it was an embarrassment to the Fordham family’s name.
Alistair knew he was no longer the one to guide that boy.
Now that the birthday celebration was over, Chester would be taking Raymond with
him.
He’d also heard a bit about Celestine looking for work back home.
It seemed Chester and his scatterbrained mother were both bothered by it.
Alistair himself didn’t see the big deal.
The world outside wasn’t necessarily kinder than the Fordham family. Let her go out and explore–when she was tired of the struggle, she’d naturally want to come
home.
And maybe she’d let go of the idea of divorce, too.
Alistair’s eyes were gentle, his expression difficult to read–no one could guess what he was really thinking.
As Celestine left, Chester caught up with her.
She ignored his attempt to close the distance between them.
After she’d shown him that video, Chester realized, to his surprise, that he’d seriously underestimated the woman he’d shared a bed with for so many years.
20:22
Prompted by Allstair’s pointed words the day before, Chester spoke first. “You did well today.”
“Oh.”
“How much was that painting? I’ll pay you for it.”
“Six million.”
וויו
Chester clearly hadn’t expected her to actually name a price. His face darkened. “Fine. I’ll have someone transfer the money to your account.”
“Alright.”
Celestine’s expression remained cool and unmoved.
Chester felt a wave of frustration rising.
But then he reminded himself–she was pregnant. These strange
normal.
He couldn’t afford to lose his temper.
moods were
“If you’re feeling unwell these days, don’t force yourself. Call me if you need anything, any time.”
Celestine paused, her heels clicking to a stop. “Chester.”
“Yes?”
Was she touched by his words? Was she about to soften?
“Would you stop wishing me dead? I’m perfectly healthy. I’ll probably outlive you,” Celestine replied with a cold smile.
Chester fell silent.
Celestine brushed past him and got into her car.
A moment later, she rolled down the window. “I won’t forget what happened with Joanna. As for Raymond–from now on, I don’t have a son by that name.”
Chester’s gaze grew complicated. “Is there really any need to hold a grudge against a child-‘
He didn’t finish the sentence. Her car sped off before he could.
Celestine felt a rush of relief.
Cutting ties with the Fordham family’s tangled mess finally left her feeling lighter
20:23
than she’d felt in years.
She changed her flight to leave the next day, then headed back to her hotel and slept through the afternoon, deep and dreamless.
Every time she returned to Portside City, it felt like fighting a war–draining from the inside out.
But this time, at least, she’d emerged victorious.
It hadn’t been so bad, after all.
After her nap, Celestine answered a few work messages.
That’s when she noticed her company group chat had come alive.
[Flossie]: Second day without Celly and I already miss her.
[Adah]: +1
[Crystal Lennox]: Same here.
[Flossie]: Oh my god, boss, you scared me! I’m not slacking off–I’m working really hard on the designs!
Celestine couldn’t help but laugh.
She decided to bring back some little gifts from Portside City for everyone.
As soon as she mentioned it, the group chat erupted in cheers.
Celestine packed her suitcase ahead of time. On her way downstairs, she suddenly caught a glimpse of two familiar figures slipping past the entrance.
She thought she must be seeing things.
That is, until a syrupy sweet voice called after them: “Giddy, wait up! Don’t walk so fast! I’m wearing heels here!”
