Chapter 23
He never imagined she’d one day look at him like that.
There used to be nothing but love and trust in her eyes–like stars lighting up just for him.
But now, everything had changed.
Lucian felt like his chest had split open, wind howling through the emptiness it left behind.
A guy she’d just met a few days ago could earn her protection, and all she had for him was coldness and distance.
Lucian couldn’t accept that.
Just as he reached out to grab her hand and explain, Damon deliberately rubbed at his wrist, making the skin turn red.
“Celeste, he tried to pay me off to get me out of your life. Said he didn’t like me. I just want to finish this project–I don’t
want to be pushed out.”
Celeste’s eyes snapped to the angry red mark on his wrist. Her brows drew together, concern flashing across her face.
“I’ll get you something for that. And don’t worry–I’ll make sure he drops that ridiculous idea.”
She led Damon away without a second glance, eyes full of worry.
Lucian felt like the breath had been knocked out of him. Was she seriously falling for that cheap performance?
He hadn’t even flinched while faking it–his expression hadn’t changed, his voice hadn’t cracked, he didn’t even look the part of someone hurt–and yet she believed him?
Lucian’s insides churned with jealousy, his vision tinged green.
So this is what it felt like… watching the person you loved care for someone else.
Only now did he truly understand the pain she had once endured.
And yet, this was only a fraction of the pain he’d put her through.
Lucian wandered aimlessly through campus, head down.
Out of nowhere, the memory of their college days surfaced–those times when he’d walk hand in hand with her through
campus..
Back then, happiness had been simple.
Just holding her hand, walking aimlessly until night fell, sending her back to her dorm, and stealing a kiss under the
stairwell light–that had been enough.
But how had they ended up like this?
For the first time, Lucian truly regretted it all.
If Vanessa had never shown up–if he hadn’t lost sight of what mattered–he would’ve still been the luckiest man alive.
He dragged himself back to the hotel, sitting alone in silence, tracing his fingers over an old photo of him and Celeste. His heart ached with longing.
Chapter 23
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For the next few days, Lucian didn’t show himself. He just followed her from a distance, keeping to the shadows, silently watching her go about her life.
And in those days without him, she seemed fuller than ever.
Aside from occasionally guest lecturing for Professor Smith, she spent most of her time locked away in the lab.
Her teamwork with Damon had grown effortless. Their conversations had increased, mostly technical–but it was obvious
the air between them had changed.
There was a closeness now. A quiet rhythm that left no room for outsiders.
Lucian’s jealousy only tightened its grip.
He scrambled to pull together a grand apology scene at record speed.
After an exhausting day in the lab, Celeste finally stepped outside, letting out a long breath. She was ready to head home
and rest–only to freeze in place.
Thousands of roses spilled across the lawn. Countless candles flickered in the shape of a giant heart. And in the middle- two glowing words: Forgive Me.
Lucian stood at the center, holding a massive glass jar filled with tiny folded paper stars.
“Celeste, I’m sorry. I messed up. I broke the promises I made you. I lost sight of what we had–but I see it now. Please…
give me one last chance.”
“This jar… you gave it to me for my birthday. Said every star could be traded for one reasonable request–something you promised you’d agree to. If I ever made a mistake, I could use one, and you’d forgive me.”
“I never used any of them–not once. But now… can I trade them all, just for your forgiveness?”
He unscrewed the lid, pulled out a star, and whispered, “I’m sorry.”
He didn’t know how many he’d used. He didn’t know how many times he’d said the words. Celeste couldn’t care less–she
didn’t listen, didn’t count.
Chapter 23
