Chapter 49
Julian, seemingly oblivious to Marcus’s frustration, sent a cheerful text to Celeste.
“Samuel and the housekeeper are going grocery shopping today and want to treat you to dinner. I’ll pick you up tonight.”
Meanwhile, at her desk, Celeste was engrossed in organizing some crucial documents. Just then, she glanced at her phone, and her face lit up with a genuine smile.
She texted back, “Sounds great! I might need to dash home and change first though”
Earlier that day, Celeste had accidentally spilled coffee on herself in the break room. Despite her best efforts to clean up, the stains were still noticeable, and she certainly didn’t want to show up loolding disheveled,
Julian’s reply came quickly. “No problem. I’ll see you tonight.”
Celeste smiled again, slipped her phone into her pocket, and returned to her work.
Though she had only been at Celistian Solutions for a couple of days, she felt an unexpected sense of belonging
Her new colleagues had welcomed her warmly, and she was already appreciating the supportive and friendly work environment.
As the workday ended, Celeste packed up and went back to her apartment.
However, when she got out of the elevator, she was surprised to see William leaning against her door. His suit was rumpled, his tie crooked, and he was smoking a cigarette.
Gone was the smooth facade he typically wore.
Celeste was shocked and annoyed. She’d thought about ignoring him, but William threw down his cigarette and said, “Where have you been? I’ve been waiting a long time for you.”
Celeste coldly looked at him and replied, “Why are you asking? We’re not that close.”
William looked surprised and uncomfortable at the same time. He tried to sound calm as he said, “Celeste, are you still upset about what happened before?”
Celeste found this whole situation ridiculous.
at do you want?”
“William,” she said sharply, “I thought that we agreed to pretend that we don’t know each other if we ever meet again. So, why are you here? What Her expression was cold and unwelcoming.
William looked at Celeste with a mix of surprise and frustration.
He had shown up today with a clear agenda–to handle the fallout with Ford Corporation. He had fired Celeste without fully grasping the consequences, and now, the only way to fix things was to make amends and avoid further damage.
He’d thought that showing up in person would prove he was serious, but Celeste didn’t seem impressed.
Feigning sincerity, William said, “Celeste, do you really hate me this much? I know you’re still mad about what happened before, but we grew up together. Even if we can’t be together comantically, can’t we still be friends?
“I don’t want us to end on bad terms. I looked for you everywhere when you disappeared. I was glad to see you recently, but I didn’t expect you to treat Stacy that he spoke kindly and seemed genuinely concerned.
H
If Celeste were her old self, she might have believed him. But now, she only felt more disgusted.
