There was a flicker of something unnatural in Philip’s eyes.
“Celly, Viola’s apartment is being renovated. The fumes are too strong for her–it’s bad for her health, so…”
Celeste felt her heart clench painfully, sharper than she expected. She thought she was past caring. But the ache still spread through her chest, suffocating and relentless.
“Can’t she afford a hotel?”
Viola, eyes rimmed red, silently packed away her violin.
“Please, don’t fight over me. I’ll leave right now,” she whispered, voice trembling.
She scrambled for her luggage, bumping hard into the corner of the table. Her gasp turned into a soft, breathy moan as she clutched her chest, her breathing coming in short, delicate pants.
“Are you alright? Why are you so careless? Where does it hurt? Did you bring your medication?” Philip’s worry was palpable as he swept her up effortlessly and started carrying her upstairs.
There were only two bedrooms upstairs: one was Celeste’s, the other Philip’s.
“This is my house. I don’t agree to this!” Celeste stepped in front of them, blocking
his way.
The air grew thick with tension. Philip’s face darkened.
“Celeste, Viola isn’t well right now. If you want to argue, pick a better time. And for the record, I bought this place. Don’t forget that.”
A glint of triumph flashed in Viola’s eyes as she weakly wrapped her arms around Philip’s neck, her lips nearly brushing his jaw as she spoke.
“Philip, put me down. Someone like me doesn’t deserve to stay in a place like this.”
With his pride stoked, Philip brushed past Celeste without a second thought. “If I say you belong, you belong.”
Celeste’s leg hit the stair rail, pain shooting up and draining all the color from her face. Philip softly comforted Viola, never so much as glancing back.
When he finally came downstairs, Celeste had vanished. She didn’t answer his calls, but he didn’t seem particularly bothered.
1/3
15:04
In Silvercrest, if she wasn’t here, she’d be at Pearl’s place on the outskirts of town. She’d sulk, but she’d always come back.
He was about to head upstairs when he noticed a small yellow charm bag dropped in the corner. Suddenly, he remembered Celeste mentioning her birthday–she’d talked about picking a wedding date. He picked up the charm, checked the date, and called his assistant to clear his schedule for the morning.
As he hung up, a stream of messages popped up: credit card charges–jewelry, clothes, handbags…
He sent a quick text.
[A million–dollar limit. Spend it all and come home. No staying out overnight.]
There was indulgence in the words, but also exhaustion.
Celeste had just signed for another purchase when she saw the message. Her heart felt hollow.
Since she was ten, Philip had always managed her life. With one simple “no,” she’d always obey. But the man who once promised to stay by her side forever was now carrying another woman into what was supposed to be their honeymoon suite.
No staying out overnight? This time, she didn’t want to listen.
She had no desire to keep shopping. Lugging her bags, Celeste checked into the most luxurious seven–star hotel in Silvercrest, booking the top–floor presidential
suite.
She ordered the finest red wine and steak money could buy.
After a long, soothing bath, she stood at the floor–to–ceiling window with her wine, gazing out at the city’s glittering skyline.
She’d always thought she’d never leave Silvercrest. But life rarely goes as planned.
After her second glass, she pulled out her phone and typed a message.
[Tomorrow at ten, Hazelbrew Café. Bring the money. I’ll sign.]
The reply came almost instantly.
[It’s a deal!]
Nova International had been her and Philip’s joint creation. When the corporation was founded, Philip had given her ten percent of the initial shares. Like the townhouse they lived in, it was meant to be her security–something tying them
15:04
Chapter 5
together, so they’d never have to part.
She’d been overjoyed, but also felt guilty about his sacrifices. She’d set up the dividend account to go straight to the company’s finances. All these years, she’d never taken a cent–every penny went back into the business.
15:04
