Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 61

A pack of snobs, always ready to fawn over whoever's in the spotlight.

"Seriously? All this fuss over a stay-at-home mom who gave up her career for her family?" Carmen's voice was laced with acid.

Just then, Crystal Lennox walked in with Celestine—and caught every word.

Celestine lifted her gaze to meet Carmen's, instantly recognizing her.

Crystal's brow twitched. "Carmen, do you have an issue with Celestine joining the team?"

"I wouldn't call it an issue—more of a suggestion." Carmen stood, her tone clipped as she faced Celestine directly. "Chief Designer, is it? From what I hear, you've been out of the design world for years. Trends change by the minute in this industry."

She folded her arms, her words sharp and deliberate. "Forgive me, but I'm concerned about Kismet Collective's future. Do you have anything to show for yourself—any recent work? I mean, anything from the last six years?"

Celestine could feel the hostility pulsing beneath Carmen's words.

Once upon a time, she had been the rising star of the design world, a prodigy everyone watched. She'd thought she would spend her whole life chasing her passion—until she married Chester.

To him, everything she did was a waste of time. Every sketch, every sleepless night—he'd say she should learn how to be a proper Mrs. Fordham instead, how to serve her in-laws, how to be the perfect wife.

Once their child arrived, Chester insisted she quit her studio job altogether and focus on being a "good mom."

Celestine poured herself into motherhood, her own dreams fading into the background.

Crystal Lennox, though, never gave up on her. She'd even fought to get Celestine a coveted spot at an international design seminar.

Celestine still remembered the hope she'd felt, only for it to be dashed to pieces by Chester's angry tirade.

He simply couldn't understand her ambitions—he didn't want to.

That was the first time they'd had a real, vicious fight.

Their baby had wailed in the crib as they argued, the sound cutting through her resolve. In the end, Celestine caved.

She let go of the opportunity—and her job at Kismet Collective.

That numbing heartbreak still haunted her, raw and unforgettable.

But her past wasn't an excuse for anyone to trample on her.

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