Celestine paused, sifting through her memory.
The person with the jet–black profile picture… If she remembered correctly, it was Gideon.
He’d messaged her at a perfectly timed moment–just after she’d submitted her manuscript today.
She tapped out a reply.
[Celestine]: Sure. Where should I drop it off?
His answer came instantly.
[X]: The hospital.
Learning he was still at the hospital, guilt gnawed at her. The next time something like this happened, she swore she’d be the one to take the hit first.
Shaking her head, Celestine ordered ingredients for meal prep on her food delivery
app.
While she waited, she stepped out to the balcony to catch some air.
To her surprise, the pear blossoms in the garden had all burst into bloom overnight. The sight was breathtaking.
A gust of wind knocked one blossom loose, she reached out and caught it, and for a moment, the heaviness in her chest eased.
“Hey! Who’s the flower thief this time?”
Mr. Clifton, the elderly gentleman next door who tended his garden with pride, strode over in a few quick steps.
Celestine grinned. “Not me! It came to me on its own.”
“You little rascal,” he chuckled, his eyes crinkling. “Haven’t seen you in a few days. Business trip?
“No, just been working from home. Haven’t had a chance to get out.”
“Celestine, they’re working you to death, aren’t they?” Mr. Clifton huffed. “Doesnt your company realize you’re not a superhero?-You know, you could always meet my youngest son.”
Celestine laughed, half exasperated. “I’m still waiting for my divorce to go through. Wouldn’t be right.”
“A date’s not a marriage! No one’s going to call the cops on you,” Mr. Clifton insisted, launching into his well–worn pitch. “My son’s handsome, successful. I’ll tell you straight, there’s not a single eligible bachelor in Oceanview City who can. hold a candle to him.”
Just thinking about it made Clifton grumble. Vernon had the nerve to say that Gideon was into married women! Did he really think that would scare him off? Ridiculous.
The name sounded oddly familiar to Celestine, but she couldn’t quite place where
she’d heard it before.
Mr. Clifton continued his enthusiastic sales pitch, making Celestine’s cheeks burn. Luckily, the food delivery arrived and she quickly excused herself, retreating into her apartment.
Who would’ve thought–after six years of marriage, she’d finally experienced a classic matchmaking ambush from a well–meaning elder.
She carried the groceries inside, smiling wryly to herself.
She made a batch of nourishing soup–enough for two.
Suddenly she remembered little Cynthia from the hospital the other day. Was she still there? Without thinking, Celestine packed up a second serving. No harm in bringing it along–maybe fate would have them cross paths again.
Besides, last time, Mr. Shield hadn’t seemed to have enough to eat.
At the hospital, Celestine gave the room number as before.
The receptionist swiped her guest pass for the express elevator.
As the elevator reached the ninth floor, it jerked to a sudden stop.
The doors slid open unexpectedly.
Standing outside was Chester, holding Raymond in his arms. Joanna stood beside him, clutching Celia’s little hand. The picture of a happy family.
But when their eyes met Celestine’s, all four faces froze.
Raymond’s face lit up for a split second–then he remembered something, scowled at her, and buried his face in Chester’s shoulder.
11.12
Celia rolled her eyes and looked ready to spit.
Joanna, catching Celestine’s expression from the corner of her eye, gently patted Celia’s hand and murmured something soothing.
Chester’s lips curled into a sarcastic half–smile as his dark gaze flicked from Celestine to the food box in her hand.
Just as I thought, he mused. No matter how much she pretends not to care, she can’t let go of her child. Coming by so late–must’ve been making soup for Raymond.
“You sure picked your moment,” Chester sneered.
Celestine said nothing, glancing over the little lineup in front of her.
She sighed inwardly. Just her luck–could this day get any worse?
The silence was thick and unnatural.
Raymond peeked back and spotted the soup in her hand. “Oh, so you finally show up with soup now? I don’t want it! Take it and get out!”
With both Raymond and Joanna sick these past few days, Celia hadn’t been the center of attention as usual.
