Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 94

Chester's hand froze midair.

That cutting sarcasm left his usually poised, handsome face drained of color—he looked utterly thrown.

Celestine hurried away, clutching the charm she'd just received as if afraid it would be tainted by the bad energy lingering in the air.

"How dare she!" Chester sputtered, too furious to filter his words.

Joanna, as always, rushed to soothe him, playing the understanding confidante. "Chester, Celestine's still unwell. She probably doesn't even know what she's saying. Once she's feeling better, I'm sure she'll come back and apologize."

A cold light flashed in Chester's dark eyes as he watched Celestine's retreating figure disappear down the path.

"Amnesia? More like she's lost her mind!"

Celia huddled close to Joanna, too intimidated to utter a word.

She'd never seen her father so worked up over her mother before.

Confusion flickered through her wide eyes.

Why had Mom left?

Did she really mean all those things she'd just said—was she planning to divorce Dad?

"Come on, Chester, don't let it get to you," Joanna murmured, slipping her arm through his, her voice laced with just a hint of sorrow. "You promised you'd come with me today, remember? To draw fortunes together? But the moment Celestine showed up, she was all you could see... You know, I'm really looking forward to the Magnolia Awards this year."

Chester's expression softened a little. "Joanna, you're overthinking it. Let's just go—we don't need to worry about that woman."

He'd always made a point of maintaining Celestine's dignity in front of their child.

But referring to her now as "that woman"—he'd clearly been pushed too far.

Joanna hid a satisfied smile.

Celestine, oh Celestine—sometimes being clever just means outsmarting yourself.

If she keeps up these tired little games of playing hard to get, this man will be mine before long.

…

After leaving the chapel, Celestine headed straight for Mirabelle's studio.

This year, Mirabelle had three dresses shortlisted for the upcoming events—each with a dramatically different theme: one in red, one in black, and one in white.

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