Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 209

Joanna nodded obediently. “Thank you, Grandpa. I understand.”

Alistair’s reply was gruff, his tone low and unreadable.

As he left, he made no move to correct her way of addressing him.

Joanna squeezed Chester’s hand, quietly surveying this so-called “bridal suite” meant to bring luck to the ailing. The decorations were certainly dramatic—she had to admit, that phony priest had some skill.

Deliberately shivering, Joanna pressed closer to Chester. “Chester, this will be over soon, right?”

Chester noticed the fear in her eyes and gently patted her head. She was so obviously scared, yet still trying to act tough. In the end, she was doing all this for him.

“It’ll be over before you know it,” he whispered, comforting her.

Joanna relaxed a little, leaning her head on his shoulder. “Chester, there’s wine on the table. Let’s have a drink together.”

Chester gave her a soft smile. “What’s this? Trying to work up some courage with a drink?”

“Of course not,” Joanna replied, feigning annoyance. “I just want to share a glass with someone I like, like newlyweds do. Even if it’s not real… If you don’t want to, that’s fine.”

Faced with such a humble request, Chester couldn’t refuse.

“Okay. I’ll drink with you.”

Joanna pretended to be thrilled, quickly fetching two glasses.

They crossed their arms, wrists entwined, and drank together.

A flush crept across Joanna’s cheeks as she nestled against Chester’s shoulder. “Chester, I really do love you,” she whispered.

Her voice was barely audible, warm breath tinged with the subtle scent of jasmine.

Chester gazed at her, caught by the softness in her words and the delicate curve of her profile. Suddenly, the alcohol hit him—his vision swirling, the world blurring at the edges.

In that haze, he finally saw the woman who haunted his days and nights.

He murmured, “Celly…”

At his words, Joanna’s nails dug sharply into her palm.

To keep up the act, she deliberately mimicked Celestine’s voice, brushing her hand over his. “I’m here, Chester…”

…

The day of the funeral, Celestine left the island with Gideon.

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