Chester hadn’t expected Gideon to speak up for Celestine at a moment like this.
Shock and humiliation crashed over him.
Was his obsession with Celestine really that obvious–even to Gideon?
Yet when it came down to it, Chester couldn’t muster a single word in protest.
The two of them walked side by side into the apartment building, perfectly in sync If you didn’t know better, you’d think they made a striking couple.
The thought startled Chester so much that he nearly lost his grip on reality.
“Celestine, I’m not dead yet!” he spat out, voice tight with resentment. “Are you really going to cheat on me right in front of my face?”
Celestine stopped in her tracks, her tone icy and sharp. “What’s wrong with you? He’s my neighbor–lives right across the hall. Just because you’re a cheater doesn’t mean everyone else is as filthy as you.”
Before Chester could retort, the elevator doors slid open and an elderly lady stepped out, walking her dog. She greeted them both with a warm smile.
“Gideon, it’s been ages! Your grandfather talks about you all the time–he’ll be over the moon to know you’re back.”
She turned to Celestine. “Celly, that soup recipe you gave me was wonderful. Tomorrow I’ll make a pot and bring it over for you to try, how does that sound?”
Chester stood frozen, stunned.
Had he completely misunderstood them?
After saying goodbye to the old lady, Gideon spoke first this time. “By the way, I heard Mr. Fordham’s branch over in Portside is looking to partner with us. I was considering it, but seeing how fickle Mr. Fordham is, I think it’s best we pass. I’ll make sure the board rejects the offer.”
Chester felt another blow land–this one much deeper.
He knew the Portside branch was under his father’s management lately, but no one had mentioned this deal to him. Gideon’s words were a slap in the face, a public
blow to his competence.
Celestine watched Chester for a moment and saw, for the first time, genuine pain flicker across his face.
So that was it. Only when something precious–something substantial–was at stake did he finally show any real suffering.
A sudden clarity dawned on her.
Without a word, she headed into her apartment.
By the time Gideon realized she was gone, she was already in the elevator.
“Heartless,” he muttered, “couldn’t even wait for me.”
Celestine instinctively put more space between them. Chester’s outburst had confirmed what she’d suspected–Gideon was married. She had no intention of becoming the woman they were all gossiping about.
Gideon noticed her sudden coldness, replayed their conversation in his mind, and realized he was just collateral damage.
Damn that ex–husband.
After getting off the elevator, Gideon watched Celestine disappear into her apartment before turning away and dialing Vernon. “Wake up. We’ve got work to do.”
***
Celestine spent the night trapped in nightmares–six years‘ worth of misery replaying in her sleep.
She woke feeling as though she’d been dragged from the bottom of a lake, her body heavy and cold. Dazed, she climbed out of bed and poured herself a glass of water. When she finally turned her phone on, she saw dozens of missed calls from unfamiliar numbers.
She knew that feeling all too well–Chester was the only one who harassed her like
this.
She ignored every single one
After getting herself together, she headed out for work as usual.
But as she stepped out of the building, she spotted someone slouched on the edge of the flowerbed–a figure shrouded in gloom.
Celestine blinked in disbelief.
Was Chester seriously out here again? What kind of stunt was he pulling this time?
19:58
He turned as if sensing her gaze, their eyes locking for a tense moment.
Just one night had transformed him. Dark circles stood out under his eyes, and his stubble was unkempt–he looked nothing like the Chester she’d seen yesterday.
Celestine felt like she was seeing a ghost.
She tried to walk past him without a second glance, but he blocked her path.
“Move,” she said, irritated.
“Can we talk?” Chester’s voice was quieter now, the anger gone. He stared at her cool expression, as though searching for something he’d lost.
