Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 208

Joanna burst into the office, all her usual poise gone, her face drawn and pale with exhaustion.

“I know Celly’s death hit you hard. But I want to make it right—I owe her my life! Even if I died and went to hell, I’d still owe her! If someone still has to suffer, then let it be me. Please, let me help you finish this, just… don’t let Grandpa get hurt again!”

Her voice trembled with emotion.

Ever since that awful day, after Chester rushed her to the hospital, they hadn’t seen each other for quite a while.

Even when Joanna reached out, Chester’s replies were distant, almost mechanical.

Every time he saw her, Chester couldn’t help but recall the day Celestine’s tragedy unfolded. He still didn’t understand why Joanna had been there at all. There were so many things about that day he didn’t dare examine too closely.

But never for a moment had Chester considered letting Joanna step forward to bear the weight of this cruel, morally gray act. Even though, by every measure, she was the perfect candidate. Even in the chaos, she’d been just another innocent caught in the crossfire.

Celestine was already gone. The living shouldn’t have to pay the price.

“Joanna,” he said quietly, “I know you want to do something for her—for Grandpa. But this… it runs deeper than you know. I’ll find a way to handle it.”

His gaze was cold at first, but as he looked at her, something softened.

Joanna noticed the shift in him, her heart leaping with hope.

She bit her lip, tears streaming down as she rushed to Chester’s side, grabbing his sleeve. “Chester, I know you care about me. I swear, I’ll never have children of my own in this life. Let me be Celia and Raymond’s godmother. I’ll love them as if they were my own—please, don’t shut me out. Please?”

Chester had seen Joanna cry more times than he could count, but never like this. Never with such raw, aching desperation.

Gently, he raised his hand and brushed the tears from her cheek, his voice filled with regret. “Alright. From now on, you’re Celia and Raymond’s mom.”

He already owed Joanna more than he could repay.

After this was over, he’d spend the rest of his life trying to make it up to her.

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