Chapter 34
She shot off the message and immediately switched her phone to Do Not Disturb.
Celeste handled her phone with remarkable speed and focus.
Alfred, on the other hand, was surprised to see her so absorbed in her phone for the first time. He frowned slightly.
“If you’re feeling uncomfortable staying here with my family, I can have Mack drive you home early.”
“Hm?”
Celeste looked up in surprise, quickly tucking her phone away. “But we haven’t even had dinner yet. Wouldn’t that be a bit rude?”
“Whatever you prefer.”
To Alfred, Celeste’s happiness clearly mattered more than a family dinner.
His words floated out lightly, as if he really could disregard his elders‘ expectations
at will.
Celeste shook her head.
“You’ve helped me a lot, so I’ll play my part as Mrs. Hopkins. Besides, if we leave early, your grandfather will definitely be unhappy.”
She stepped closer and gently looped her arm through Alfred’s.
His arm stiffened for a moment, then gradually relaxed.
“In that case, let me take you to the study so you can rest.”
“Alright.”
Arm in arm, they walked together past the flowerbeds, the late afternoon sun painting everything gold.
Behind a wall of glass, curious eyes inside the house followed their every move.
Alfred’s study was simple and unadorned.
Aside from the usual stacks of documents and an entire wall lined with
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management and Investment books, there was only a single, inviting armchair for resting a spot that instantly became Celeste’s favorite.
With Alfred’s permission, she accepted a soft pillow and a thin blanket from the maid, curled up in the chair, and allowed herself a brief
nap.
When Alfred returned midway through, he found her asleep, completely at ease. The sight made him smile involuntarily.
Mack, head down, was going over some paperwork. “Second Master might not make it back from overseas in-
“Shh.”
”
Alfred silenced him, moving to sit across from Celeste. He rested his chin in his hand, alternating between glancing at his book and at her.
Mack took the hint and quietly slipped out, leaving them in peace.
Evening finally arrived.
Celeste, still groggy from her nap, freshened up in front of the mirror while Alfred waited patiently by the door.
“Tonight, my father and second brother are both abroad. Only my eldest brother will be here. Whatever he says, you don’t need to take it to heart.”
“Alright.”
Celeste, dressed in a violet mermaid gown, flashed a gentle smile and placed her
hand in Alfred’s.
The two of them descended the stairs together, ready for the family dinner.
Everyone took their seats. Derek, the family patriarch, sat at the head of the table. The eldest grandson, Gerald Hopkins, sat to his left, while Alfred and Celeste took seats on the right.
Gerald was nearly twenty years older than Alfred, looking more like an uncle than a
brother.
Just as Celeste reached for her fork, Gerald’s voice cut through the room.
“Even if Alfred’s health isn’t the best, it doesn’t mean he should marry a woman from the Duncan family. Our Hopkins family has put down roots in Asterwynn long before the Duncans ever mattered.“–
He paused, then added with a thin smile, “But honestly, given Alfred’s temperament,
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it’s rare to find such a beautiful and gentle woman willing to marry him at all.”
Two casual remarks–each one an insult, directed at both Alfred and Celeste.
Celeste kept her cool, saying nothing.
The Hopkins family, she thought, really did have its own share of sharks.
She decided not to stir up trouble and focused quietly on her meal.
Alfred didn’t even look up.
“Celeste is indeed beautiful and gentle. On her behalf, I thank you for the compliment, Gerald.”
Celeste blinked in surprise.
Was that really how he was going to answer?
A flicker of astonishment crossed Gerald’s eyes, and several people at the table exchanged odd glances.
Until now, everyone had assumed that Alfred and Celeste’s affection was nothing
but an act.
No one had expected Alfred to defend Celeste so openly in front of Gerald.
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