Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 184

Celestine could already picture it—her little girl, Celia, all alone in that dark, cramped room, bad people outside chasing her, terrified and on edge every second. The thought made Celestine's stomach twist with guilt.

No matter what Chester had done, the child should never have been dragged into this. After all, Celia was just a kid herself.

Tears slid down Celestine's cheeks as she choked out, "Driver, please, can you go faster? I'll pay you triple."

By the time she finally reached Oceana Park, she realized it had been abandoned for years. Wild grass choked the paths, and thick groves of trees cast everything in deep shadow. Even though the ocean was close by, almost no one ever passed through here. If someone wanted to do something in this place, no one would ever know…

The more Celestine thought, the more her fear grew. She forced herself not to imagine what could happen.

While keeping in touch with her daughter, she followed Celia's directions and found the little cottage on the southern edge of the park. Celestine scanned the area, tense and wary, but didn't spot anyone suspicious.

She snapped a quick photo of the cottage and sent it to Celia.

Celestine: Celia, are you in here?

Celia replied instantly.

Celia: Yes, Mom, I'm inside! Hurry up!

…

Meanwhile, in the Fordham family living room, Celia lounged contentedly on the sofa, popping pieces of fresh fruit into her mouth as she watched cartoons. She giggled at the silly antics on the screen. When her phone chimed, she glanced at it—and instantly frowned when she saw it was another message from Celestine.

Mom was always so naggy! All these messages were so annoying! If she'd known her mother hadn't changed her old habits at all, Celia would've just pretended her phone died and hurried her to the cottage instead.

She really hoped the muscle she'd hired online would do the job—her mom needed a good scare. Then maybe she'd finally stop being so stubborn and quit making everyone—Grandpa, Dad, her brother—worry all the time.

Honestly, Celia thought, her mom was supposed to be the grown-up, but she really didn't act like it.

After sending a final reply to Celestine and making sure her mom had arrived, Celia blocked her again and went right back to her cartoons, grinning. Cartoons were way more fun than dealing with Mom!

…

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