Mirabelle’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “Thank you, Miss Selwyn. You’ve saved me again.”
Celestine smiled gently. “Like I said before–it was no trouble at all. Honestly, if you wear my redesigned gown on the red carpet, I’m the one who’s lucky.”
The evening gown for the gala–a flowing crimson dress with intricate embroidery. originally commissioned in a rush–was finally finished and ready.
By the time they wrapped up at Mirabelle’s studio, it was already ten o’clock at night.
“Celly, it’s so late. Why don’t we grab a bite together?” Mirabelle linked arms with her, the gesture warm and affectionate.
After the dress debacle, Mirabelle’s admiration for her had become absolute.
But as the invitation hung in the air, something flashed through Celestine’s mind.
Suddenly, an image of Gideon’s somber gray eyes came to her. Oh no.
She’d promised to cook him dinner tonight. But with all the chaos around Mirabelle’s dress, it had completely slipped her mind.
Celestine winced, remembering how forlorn Gideon had seemed yesterday. Guilt gnawed at her–how could she have forgotten? At the very least, she should have
called him.
What if he still hadn’t eaten?
Hastily, she made her excuses and left Mirabelle, then dialed Gideon’s number with a nervous flutter in her chest.
It rang for ages.
She checked the time and groaned inwardly. It was so late–Mr. Shield was probably already asleep.
Just as the call was about to disconnect, he finally picked up.
“Speak
His voice was low and rough, thick with sleep or maybe a cold. It was impossible to tell if he was angry or just tired.
Celestine felt like a child caught doing something wrong, fumbling for words that
all sounded like weak excuses.
After a long pause, she finally managed, “Did you eat yet?”
On the other end, she could almost hear his wry smile. “Miss Selwyn, do you even know what time it is?”
Celestine’s heart clenched. “I’m sorry. Work ran late and I forgot to let you know. It was careless of me.”
“I haven’t eaten,” he said simply.
She nearly dropped her phone.
He continued, “I’ve been waiting for you.”
Guilt washed over her–deep, overwhelming guilt.
“What would you like to eat?” she blurted, desperate to make it up to him. “Or, if you’re up for it, let’s go out to a restaurant together now.”
There was a long silence. So long, in fact, she thought he might have fallen asleep.
At last, he said quietly, “Forget it.”
Gideon zoomed in on a photo of a moonlit silver–blue gown on his phone.
“Next time,” he said, his voice soft. “There will be plenty of chances. No rush.”
Earlier that day, Eddie had already told him about Celestine borrowing a gown for someone else. Gideon had guessed then that dinner would probably be canceled, but he’d held onto a small hope–waiting all the way until ten o’clock.
Why did she always make promises she couldn’t keep?
He stared at the photo for a long time, his finely chiseled features cast in shadow under the moonlight.
“Alright,” Celestine said, relief flooding her voice. “Next time, I’ll make sure to ask what you want to eat–anything you like, I promise.”
She hung up, grateful for Mr. Shield’s understanding.
The next day at noon, Seabay delivered the dress to Mirabelle.
In person, the gown was even more stunning than in the pictures–especially once Mirabelle tried it on.
Celestine had reworked the back, stringing delicate pearls in a graceful arc that revealed the elegant line of Mirabelle’s shoulder blades.
19:48
Chapter 99
With her tall, striking figure and bold red lips, Mirabelle looked breathtaking–so beautiful it was impossible to look away.
The dress suited her perfectly.
Standing before the full–length mirror, Mirabelle let fall her first tear in days–not from sorrow, but from sheer, overwhelming joy.
“Celly, thank you. I swear, I’ll wear this onstage when I accept my award!”
