Chapter 3
The next morning, Celia woke up to find a mug of warm coffee on her nightstand. Before long, Mason walked in with breakfast in hand, saying, “Celia, drink your coffee, and let’s eat.”
It was a scene she used to wake up to every day, before Brooklyn came back into their lives. Back then, she had mistaken this routine for love, which was why she had foolishly agreed to Brooklyn’s bet. In the end, she lost everything.
This time, she did not respond like she used to. Instead, she got up, went to her closet, and picked out an outfit.
“No thanks. I don’t have much of an appetite. I need to go out soon, so you go on ahead.”
After washing up, she grabbed her purse and headed for the door. However, Mason also picked up his jacket, insisting on giving her a ride. She did not have the energy to argue, so she gave in.
As soon as Celia got into the car, she noticed something amiss. The dreamcatcher she had hung on the rearview mirror was gone, replaced with a cutesy plush keychain. The dashboard had also been redecorated with an entire row of Kayromi figurines.
Mason noticed her stare and quickly offered an explanation. “I parked by the curb yesterday and forgot to close the windows. The dreamcatcher got soaked. My assistant Ruth cleaned up and swapped in some new stuff.”
Was it really his assistant?
She remembered that Brooklyn loved those trinkets. Her entire guest room was filled with Kayromi merchandise.
Celia did not call Mason out on the lie. Instead, she simply asked, “What about my dreamcatcher? I got it at Redwood Mountain, just for you. Give it back to me.”
Mason’s face stiffened. “Ruth probably threw it out by accident. I’ll have her track it down.”
Hearing him continue to cover up, Celia felt only exhaustion.
“If it’s gone, then forget about it. I don’t want it anymore.”
He looked surprised. “You really don’t want it?”
Celia gave a nod and mumbled, “I don’t.”
The lucky charm, this marriage, this man—she was done with all of it.
At the country club, Celia headed straight to Room 908. The space was already filled with people, and her college friends eagerly greeted her.
“Celia! Did you come alone? Didn’t bring your husband? Is Mason buried in work or something?”
Before she could say a single word, Brooklyn, who was seated right in the middle, chimed in casually. “He has a meeting this morning that runs until 11:00 am. Then, he’s heading straight into another negotiation in the afternoon. He definitely doesn’t have time.”
Seeing how well she knew Mason’s schedule, everyone half-jokingly commented.
“I guess childhood sweethearts really do know each other best, huh? She’s got his calendar down better than his assistant!”
Brooklyn raised her glass and swirled it gently, smiling faintly. “Oh, Mason just mentioned it when he drove me home last night around midnight.”
Someone chuckled. “Wow! Are you two still keeping in touch like that? It’s no surprise, though. You two grew up together. How fortunate for Mason that Celia’s so understanding. Any other woman would’ve lost her mind knowing that her husband used to follow Brooklyn around like a puppy.”
Another chimed in, laughing, “Celia is married to the CEO of Harmon Corp. She has a perfect marriage and a perfect life. And Brooklyn’s the one who set them up in the first place. Why would she be jealous? Let’s be real—if Brooklyn wanted Mason, she could’ve had him years ago. Everyone knows that he’s wrapped around her finger.”
Hearing this, Brooklyn looked increasingly pleased.
“It’s a funny story, actually. Back then, I was the one who told him to pursue Celia in the first place. Even the proposal was my idea. I kept telling him that he owed Celia a real title, and he finally caved. Those who knew better understood he and Morgan were dating, but those who didn’t might have thought I forced them together.”
