Mirabelle took off her sunglasses.
Chapter 218
Her beautiful eyes were terribly swollen.
Anyone could see she’d been crying.
Celestine froze, caught off guard.
But as Mirabelle noticed her gaze, fresh tears started streaming all over again.
Celestine’s brow furrowed in concern. “Mirabelle, what happened? Who hurt you? Was it that bastard Zeke Sterling?!”
Mirabelle laughed through her tears, dabbing at her cheeks. “No, I’m just so happy.”
When she’d suddenly heard the news that something had happened to Celestine, Mirabelle was still abroad preparing for a film festival.
She’d wanted to fly back three days ago, but the studio pressured her to stay. She held out until she’d finished the red carpet, then took the earliest red–eye flight
home.
The entire way back, she’d scrolled through photos of Celestine, replaying memories of their time together, unable to stop crying.
Why is it that good people never seem to last long?
Why did everyone who treated her kindly always end up leaving?
She’d even imagined the worst–Celestine dying. If that happened, once she dealt with Zeke, she’d drag Joanna down with him for good measure.
Celestine gently patted her back.
Mirabelle whispered in her ear, “I was already plotting to steal all of Joanna’s gigs for the next three years–leave her washed–up and forgotten, all for your revenge.”
Celestine let out a soft laugh.
She understood–this was the biggest thing Mirabelle could do for her, given her own limited means.
Crystal Lennox smiled as well. “I can vouch for her–she meant every word.”
During the days Celestine was gone, Crystal had barely slept.
As Celestine’s mutual friend, she’d get late–night calls from Mirabelle, the two of
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them mourning together until sunrise, Mirabelle crying her voice hoarse
The more Celestine learned, the more guilt gnawed at her.
She shouldn’t have dragged such caring friends into her mess, just to escape that jerk Chester.
“It’s enough that you’re home.” Crystal brushed Celestine’s empty sleeve lightly–she’d gotten so thin, one good gust of wind might blow her away. “I’ll give you a few extra days off. Stay home, rest up, take care of yourself.”
Celestine blinked. “I’m back, so how could I slack off now? I have to work even harder.”
The divorce papers with Chester were almost finalized. Her new life was about to begin, and for the first time, she felt a fresh sense of purpose in her career.
She’d been too complacent before.
But after everything she’d suffered, she finally understood–only what she held in her own hands truly belonged to her.
“I second that! I’m reserving ten custom pieces from Designer Selwyn, right now.” Mirabelle grinned.
Celestine laughed. “Deal. I’ll give you the friends–and–family discount–half off.”
“Hey, am I invisible here?” Crystal put on a mock–serious face.
The two of them stifled giggles.
“Tomorrow, dinner’s on me. After everything you’ve worried about, you both deserve
a treat.”
Celestine smiled. “That reminds me, tomorrow’s Saturday. You two don’t have any other plans, do you?”
Crystal replied, “Nope. And if I did, I’d cancel for you, Celly.”
Mirabelle chimed in, “Don’t look at me–I just got back from the festival. The salads abroad taste like they’re made for dogs. After all the tears I shed over you, I need a proper meal to make up for it!”
“Perfect–see you both tomorrow night.”
Celestine’s eyes crinkled with a smile.
After leaving the airport, she headed straight to the hospital.
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She took her grandfather for a full check–up..
Thankfully, it was just some minor issues with blood pressure and blood sugar–nothing a little diet management couldn’t handle.
Celestine finally breathed easy.
“Grandpa’s care is still on you for now,” she told Pete. “Once I start earning again, I’ll send him a stipend each month.”
Pete was having none of it. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re Grandpa’s granddaughter, and I’m not his grandson? You just escaped that viper’s nest called the Fordham family–how much money could you possibly have? Take care of yourself first, save up some cash. Grandpa’s got me looking after him.”
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