Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 15

She called in a young nurse to change her bandages. Half-awake, little Cynthia mistook her for someone else and clung to her, mumbling, "Mommy."

"Thank you, Cynthia." Celestine took the tissue the girl offered, and for the first time in days, a genuine smile lit up her face.

Cynthia Prescott suddenly covered her mouth, eyes wide. "Oh wow, Miss Angel, when you smile, you look just like a fairy—like you're glowing! You should really smile more!"

Celestine's smile grew even brighter at Cynthia's unfiltered praise.

"But it's a pity… My daddy already has a wife!" Cynthia shook her head dramatically, sighing like a tiny actress. Then, as if struck by inspiration, her eyes sparkled. "Wait! Miss Angel, why don't you marry my uncle? He doesn't have a wife yet!"

Celestine couldn't help but laugh, her eyes crinkling as she gently brushed Cynthia's hair with a small comb. "Cynthia, I'm already married."

Cynthia's face fell. "Oh? Miss Angel, you're married? Well, that makes sense. You're so pretty—of course you'd have a husband. But… why hasn't he come to see you? When my mom was sick, my dad stayed up all night at her bedside."

This time, Cynthia was in the hospital because she'd gotten sick after flying back on short notice—her parents hadn't made it back in time, so her uncle was left in charge. Unfortunately, her clueless dad hadn't even realized his brother was away on a business trip.

Her grandfather had brought her dinner last night, arranged for a nurse to stay with her, then hurried home to his beloved garden.

Celestine's smile faded slightly, Cynthia's words echoing in her mind.

Last night, Chester must have stayed with Joanna the whole time.

That one phone call—he probably just called to lay blame.

Cynthia blinked up at Celestine, sitting obediently as Celestine stroked her hair. Miss Angel seemed sad again.

Was it because of her husband?

……

In the VIP suite, Celia and Raymond arrived early to visit Joanna. Chester hadn't let them come last night—it was too late—so the two kids had spent the night anxiously checking in over video calls.

"Mom is so unfair," Celia grumbled, clutching Joanna's sleeve as she leaned over the bed. "I called her, but she wouldn't admit she was wrong! She even blamed Miss Sinclair for wearing her clothes!"

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