Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 78

Celia stared at the two adults locked in a close embrace, her brow creasing in the slightest frown.

These days, she'd managed to disagree with her tutor on almost everything. Yet, despite her stubbornness, the teacher's lessons had started to seep into her mind—whether she liked it or not.

One lesson in particular stuck with her: "Charity begins at home, but don't let loyalty turn you into a fool." Ms. Brown had told her a story about a married man entangled with another woman—a homewrecker who forced out the rightful wife. The interloper had her own child and treated the first wife's child with cruelty. Despite everything, that child never fought back, caring for the stepmother in her old age, while neglecting her own mother completely.

When Celia heard the story, she immediately thought of her own dad and Miss Sinclair. But Miss Sinclair was nothing like the wicked stepmother in the tale—she was far too kind for that.

So Celia had scoffed at the so-called lesson, brushing it off. She never saw herself as the foolishly loyal child from the story.

As the relentless tutoring wore on, Celia had begged Joanna several times to take her away. Joanna always agreed without hesitation, but when the day came, she'd find a new excuse—usually something about a film shoot—to put Celia off again and again.

After a while, Celia grew a little resentful.

Now, seeing the scene before her, an uncomfortable feeling twisted in her chest.

Chester, unfazed, turned to her and said, "She tripped, and I was just helping her up."

Celia eyed them both, suspicion flickering in her gaze.

Sure, Miss Sinclair had stumbled before, and Dad had helped her, but today something felt off. There was an odd sense that if she hadn't shown up, something else might have happened.

She couldn't put her finger on it, but the thought only made her more agitated.

Joanna noticed Celia's shift in mood. "What's wrong, Celia? Are you finished with your lesson?" she asked gently, slipping out of Chester's arms and approaching her.

Mentioning her lessons only soured Celia's mood further.

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