It was every designer’s dream school.
Celestine could still remember the rush of excitement she’d felt the moment she received her acceptance letter.
But there had only been one scholarship slot that year–and thanks to Edna, who “accidentally” wrote down the wrong date, Celestine missed her flight and the chance of a lifetime.
The next day, she saw Jade posting photos on social media: “Life at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.”
At that point, the truth couldn’t have been clearer.
Uncle Murdock’s family latched onto her like leeches, draining away the last remnants of what her parents had left behind–including her.
Ignoring the phony concern from Uncle Murdock and his wife, Celestine packed her things and moved out that very night.
Getting into Polaris University’s art program wasn’t quite the dream, but at least it was something she achieved for herself.
“Hey! I’m talking to you! Are you deaf or something?”
Jolted from her thoughts, Celestine found Jade blocking her path, chin lifted in smug superiority.
Celestine didn’t bother to hide her disdain. She stepped around her, voice icy. “Move. Only a dog would block the way.”
Jade trailed after her with a mock gasp. “Wow, look at you–Mrs. Fordham, so high and mighty now! Too bad your husband can’t stand you. He’s always making headlines with other actresses, so what are you acting so proud for?”
Celestine ignored the taunt and headed for the hospital room.
Jade’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the lunchbox in Celestine’s hand and the direction she was walking. There was only one person in that room.
Celestine and Chester had been on the rocks lately. Did she have her sights set on
someone else now?
Jade’s expression shifted as she hurried after Celestine, heels clicking sharply ont the floor. She grabbed Celestine’s arm just as she was about to knock.
21.11
“Celestine, Jade sneered, “you think you can just buy some tip about Mr. Prescott whip up a little homemade meal, and win him over for your husband’s sake? Please.”
When Celestine didn’t answer, Jade’s voice grew shriller, more threatening. “Let me give you some advice, woman to woman: even If you stripped naked in front of Mr Prescott, he wouldn’t give you a second glance. Women who scheme their way into marriage never end well.”
Celestine let out a sudden, involuntary laugh..
Jade’s face twisted with rage. “What the hell are you laughing at? Get lost! He’s way out of your league!”
“Oh, really?” Celestine’s lips curled into a cryptic smile. “So he’s your type, then?” She lingered deliberately on the next name. “I’m afraid you’re confusing me with Edna Lane. I could never match your mother’s talent for that sort of thing.”
She hadn’t called her “aunt.” Everyone knew the story of how Jade and her mother ended up in the family. No one ever talked about it–but everyone knew.
Jade’s face turned splotchy with anger. Her voice sharpened. “Celestine, what right do you have to talk about my mom? As if your hands are clean! Don’t think marrying Chester means you’ve won. Forcing things will only end in disaster. Without him, you’re nothing.”
Celestine nodded, lips curving in agreement. “Exactly. Like you–who stole my place at the Royal Academy, only to get yourself expelled in less than three months.”
“Forcing what isn’t yours always ends badly.”
The Royal Academy wasn’t an easy place. Even the worst student there could outshine Jade a hundred times over. She’d become a cautionary tale among her classmates–her sketching was so bad, she couldn’t even tell the difference between a stick figure and a real drawing.
In just three months, she was kicked out. No second chances.
Jade’s face contorted. That wound still festered–a poisonous thorn she could never pull out. “Celestine, you bitch! You must have sabotaged me, jealous that I made it and you didn’t! I’ll teach you a lesson, just like your parents should have!”
Her voice rose to a furious pitch as she raised her hand to strike.
But before Celestine could move aside, the door to the hospital room swung open. A warm, familiar hand closed gently but firmly around her wrist, pulling her safely inside
