Celestine had no idea her daughter had been ill.
That Sunday, she still felt obliged to video call her two children. No matter how distant she felt,
she was still their mother–responsibility and duty came with the title.
When she called, Celia and Raymond were busy helping Joanna try on evening dresses.
In just a couple of days, Alistair would be discharged from the hospital.
Ordinarily, once Alistair was well enough to leave, Chester would have no reason to stay in Portside City. He would pack up the family and return to Oceanview City to focus on his ever–expanding business.
But the thought of going back left Celia and Raymond heavyhearted.
Neither of them was eager to see their mother again. More than that, they couldn’t bear the idea of parting from Miss Sinclair.
Noticing their gloomy expressions, Joanna smiled, ruffling their hair affectionately.
guess… why are our little prince and princess so down today?”
sed, then teased, “Is it because you’re heading back to Oceanview City soon? I would ought you’d be happy to see your mom again!”
Celia’s eyes reddened at the mention.
She pouted and mumbled, “What’s so great about seeing Mom? I don’t want to leave Miss
Sinclair.”
Raymond nodded in agreement. He missed his mom a little, but the thought of leaving Miss
Sinclair was much worse.
“In that case, let me tell you a secret…” Joanna kept them in suspense, then grinned. “Miss Sinclair has work to do in Oceanview City–she might be staying there for a while. So this time, I’ll be going back with you!”
“Really?” Celia’s excitement broke through her sadness, and she cheered.
If Miss Sinclair was coming with them, she wouldn’t have to say goodbye at all!
Just then, Celestine’s call came through again.
The ringtone chimed insistently. Celia let it ring for a long time before finally declining the call.
Celestine tried several more times. Eventually, Celia, thoroughly annoyed, added her mother’s number to her block list.
Joanna simply chuckled and poked Celia’s head, not scolding her at all.
“Celia, why didn’t you answer your mom’s call?”
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14:08
Chapter 7
“She ignored me when I was sick. Mom’s too mean–I don’t want to talk to her!” Celia pouted.
Anyway, they’d see their mother soon enough in Oceanview City. Still, Celia felt sure her mom wouldn’t be happy to find out Miss Sinclair was moving in with them. She didn’t want her mother interfering with her time with Miss Sinclair.
Joanna pinched her cheek, grinning. “As long as our little princess is happy, that’s all that
matters.”
Raymond felt a twinge of guilt, but when he saw Miss Sinclair’s gentle expression, he let it go. Dad always said Miss Sinclair was different from other women–remarkable, even. And if this extraordinary woman saw no issue with Celia’s actions, well… that spoke volumes.
Besides, they’d be seeing their mother again soon anyway.
Meanwhile, across town, Celestine stared in disbelief at the little red exclamation mark on her
screen.
She’d bought this phone just for her twins. They never let anyone else touch it. She knew they’d grown distant since moving to Portside City, but she’d never imagined they’d block her completely.
Unable to shake her worry, Celestine called the housekeeper responsible for the children’s daily
care.
“They’re fine, ma’am,” the housekeeper assured her. “Miss Sinclair is taking wonderful care of them. Right now, they’re helping her pick out clothes.”
Hearing Miss Sinclair’s name, Celestine felt a bitter pang in her chest. These were the children she’d risked everything to bring into the world, yet now they clung to another woman.
“As long as they’re alright,” Celestine replied, keeping her voice steady. She didn’t mention being blocked; she knew her children’s tempers. Spoiled from the start, they’d always had their little
rebellions.
In the past, she might have called and called until they answered. Now, though… she found she didn’t have the energy to care so much. Knowing they were safe and healthy was enough.
Whether or not her children still held their mother in their hearts–well, she couldn’t control that
anymore.
Two days later, Alistair fully recovered.
Chester wasted no time arranging the family’s return to Oceanview City, ready to focus on expanding the Fordham Group empire.
Before leaving, Celia and Raymond said their goodbyes to friends at school.
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