“Pete, that really had nothing to do with you.” Celestine cut him off, shaking Her head gently. “All I want now is to live my own life, just me. I don’t want to thin about anything else.”
She knew Pete still blamed himself for leaving the country early all those years ago.
Her parents‘ passing had been so sudden, and moving in with Uncle Murdock after that hadn’t been Pete’s fault.
But he kept thinking that if he hadn’t gone abroad, maybe he could’ve protected her from all the pain and bullying.
Pete let out a long sigh. “Alright, I’ll do as you wish.”
Fordham Estate.
Alistair sat at the head of the table, staring down at Chester, who knelt on one knee before him.
“Chester, you’d better explain this to me! Why is that woman staying in your marital home? Sleeping in your wife’s bedroom, no less! Is the Fordham house the only shelter left in all of Oceanview City?!”
Alistair slammed his hand on the mahogany table, his breath coming in angry huffs.
Back in Portside, rumors about the two of them had already been swirling.
This wasn’t the first time Alistair had called Chester out for his behavior.
And now, barely back in Oceanview City, he’s managed to stir up an even bigger scandal.
“Just how did you promise me back then?!”
Chester pressed his lips into a thin line, spine straight as he knelt.
Suddenly, Joanna stumbled into the hall.
Alistair’s glare shot toward her. “Who let you in here?!”
With tears brimming in her eyes, Joanna pleaded, “Grandfather, please calm down. I was in poor health back then, and Chester just took pity on me–he let me stay in Celly’s room. Please, don’t blame him, or the children. This is all because of me.”
21:14
Joanne, what are you saying? Chester finally spoke, his voic
medicine. It was me who asked you to help care for the kids, that’s wh
In Celestine’s room. None of this is your fault.”
Alistair only laughed coldly.
“Oh, so now you two have a script, right? Chester, are you really going to shield this woman from me?”
Joanna’s whole body trembled. She knelt and bowed her head hard to the floor, the impact leaving a red mark on her pale forehead, making her look even more pitiful.
tonight, leave Oceanview “I’m sorry, I’ve let the Fordham family down. I’ll move ol
City for good, and never bother them again.”
“Enough!” Chester pulled Joanna into his arms, shielding her with protectiveness written all over his face.
“Grandfather, Joanna didn’t do anything wrong, I’m the one who let her stay.”
Celia ran to Joanna, sobbing as she threw her arms around her. “Grandpa, please don’t send Miss Sinclair away!”
Tension hung thick in the room. Alistair looked ready to pass out from fury.
“See this? The child’s been totally led astray! Her own mother’s bedridden, yet here she is, calling a stranger ‘Mom‘!”
“Grandfather, that’s enough.” Chester shot to his feet, still gripping Joanna’s hand. “If you really want to talk about who owes who, you’re the one with old debts–not me, and not Joanna or the Selwyn family.”
Each word was calm but carried a force that couldn’t be ignored.
A porcelain teacup crashed into Chester’s shoulder.
“Chester!” Joanna lunged forward, just in time for the cup to strike the back of her slender neck.
“You stubborn boy! Swear to me right now–are you saying you never had feelings for Celly?!”
Chester looked down at the woman in his arms, his gaze filled with pain and determination. “Never.”
Seven years ago, he’d first met Celestine at the graduation ball.
She’d been dazzling and radiant in the crowd.
21:14
He’d been drawn to her–caught up in a fleeting, youthful fascination.
But it was just a mistake any man might make.
Then Grandfather had announced the engagement. To his surprise, it was Celestine.
Only then did he realize their meeting had been a setup from the start.
Her cruel deception didn’t deserve his love.
After everything, their marriage had only ever been a business arrangement.
He needed an heir; she wanted the title of Mrs. Fordham.
They used each other.
The only one by his side all these years, caring for him without ever asking for anything in return, was Joanna.
She was so gentle, it made his heart ache.
“Unbelievable! You think being the Fordham heir is beneath you? If you don’t want it, there are plenty who do!” Alistair thundered, slapping the table.
Chester just tightened his hold on Joanna. “Do as you wish, Grandfather.”
