Her knuckles turned white as she clutched the ring on her finger, gripping it so tightly it looked as if she might snap it in two.
Just a few days ago, she’d found this very ring in Philip’s jacket pocket. She’d assumed–with a thrill of anticipation–that it was meant for her.
She’d slipped it on, beaming, and Philip hadn’t objected.
Turns out… it was something Celeste didn’t want.
So anything Celeste cast off, he thought he could just hand to her?
Viola’s chest heaved with fury and humiliation. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at Philip, her heart aching.
And now, here he was–standing right in front of her, still trying to persuade Celeste not to be “the other woman,” pleading for her to come back to him!
No. Absolutely not.
Everything she’d fought so hard to steal from Celeste–she wouldn’t let go of it so easily…
As the thought struck, Viola suddenly feigned an asthma attack, collapsing dramatically into Philip’s arms.
Philip panicked. “Viola! I’m taking her to the hospital. Celly, we’ll… we’ll talk about this another time, I promise!”
With that, he swept Viola up in his arms and rushed out the door.
Celeste didn’t even bother to glance their way.
It was always the same old trick. The only one who never seemed to see through it was Philip.
Well, she was finally done with that idiot.
A small, satisfied smile tugged at Celeste’s lips.
She rubbed her aching wrist, relieved to be free of Philip’s grip, when a familiar voice called out behind her.
“Why so happy?”
1/2
21:58
Alfred’s gaze flicked toward the retreating figure of Philip outside, his expression dark for a split second.
Celeste didn’t notice the shift. She turned and offered Alfred a light, easy smile.
“Just took out the trash. Feels refreshing.”
Alfred’s frown softened. “Definitely cause for celebration. Let’s go eat.”
He reached for her hand to lead her inside.
Just then, a man who’d greeted them earlier hurried back for his briefcase. He paused, sensing something unusual between Alfred and Celeste.
Alfred, with a woman? This close?
Curiosity piqued, the man stepped forward. “Mr. Alfred, is this… your girlfriend?”
He gave Celeste a polite, inquisitive look. She barely remembered him and had no interest in making small talk; she simply waited for Alfred to answer.
Without hesitation, Alfred slipped his arm around her waist, smiled, and introduced her. “My wife.”
The man visibly startled.
Wife? Since when was Alfred married? There hadn’t been a whisper of gossip!
Alfred continued, “We haven’t had the wedding yet. When we do, you’ll receive an
invitation.”
“Ah, I see!” The man’s confusion melted away, and his manner toward Celeste instantly grew warmer. He was about to introduce himself when the insistent blare of car horns from outside interrupted him.
He glanced at his watch and sighed. “My flight’s about to leave–I’ll ask you all about your wedding next time!”
“Safe travels,” Celeste said smoothly.
He gave her a friendly nod and hurried out with his briefcase.
With the outsider gone, Alfred let his hand fall from her waist. “Do we really not look like a married couple?”
“Does it matter?” Celeste replied, her stomach rumbling. “Dinner’s more important right now.”
Whether or not they looked like husband and wife—did it really matter? After all, it
21:58
Chapter o
wasn’t real.
Alfred said nothing, letting it go..
Everything in good time.
They headed into the private dining room. Alfred ordered a set menu tailored to Celeste’s taste.
After the meal, Celeste leaned back with a contented sigh, propping her chin in her hand as she scrolled through her messages.
Alfred’s eyes lingered on her slender fingers. Something seemed to cross his mind, and he spoke, his voice cool and clear. “Silvercrest is famous for its diamonds. Pick one you like.”
“Now?” Celeste looked up, surprised.
