Chapter 4
Celia’s heart jolted, the words hinting her like a punch to the gut
She had believed that Mason proposed because he was moved by what she had done for him and had genuinely fallen in love with her.
So even their marriage was orchestrated by Brooklyn?
Suddenly, her chest felt unbearably tight like she could not breathe. The conversation around her continued, but she could not take it anymore. So, she quiety got up and headed to the restroom.]
By the time Celia had calmed herself and returned to the room, everyone had started playing a party game. Brooklyn had just lost a round and drew a Truth ead
“Name the person who’s pursued you the longest. Give us a few examples.” someone
read
aloud.
Celia’s lashes fluttered, and she turned her gaze away. Meanwhile, Brookdyn smiled, sculing back into the couch as she strolled down memory lane.
“He started pursuing me when I was seven, so that’s almost 20 years now, When we were teens, he even gave me a family heirloom that was only meant for his future wife, saying he’d only ever love ipe.”
Whenever he learned that I was dating someone, he’d drink himself sick for days and nights until his stomach was literally messed up from all the alcohol. oh. and when I was studying abroad, he flew over every week just to see me. He’d bring all my favorite treats and snacks and stay with me no matter the cost
Each detall hit Celia like a knife. She remembered that Mason’s mom had asked him to hand over the family heirloom to her when they got married, but he
claimed that it was lost.
e nights
She remembered all those
shed return home drunk, claiming that it was just work events, and she would foolishly prepare him hangover soup.
Every holiday, he said he had to travel for business, and she’d always help him pack, stuffing his suitcase with treats and snacks.
While she had been giving her whole heart to this relationship, he had still been chasing his beloved one, unwilling to let go.
And she had been clueless about it all! []
Celia’s chest felt like it was being crushed, but the rest of the room was buzzing with curiosity and excitement. ||
“Brooklyn, who is it? Do we know him? I mean, he sounds completely obsessed with you. You must have feelings for him too, right? If you guys
send up together, you must bring him around“]
Brooklyn gave Celia a knowing glance, her smile dripping e with amusemenIL “Sure, 111 bring him to meet everyone next month. []
Just as the words left her mouth, Mason pushed open the door with a smile.
Introduce who? Why wait unti next month? Brooklyn, are you ready? Aren’t we supposed to go to the concert..‘
His voice stopped abruptly when his gaze fell on Celia, surprise and panic flashing in his eyes.]
“Celia? What are you doing bete?
Cella recalled how Mason had dropped her off at the mall that morning, saying he had to work overtime until midnight and telling her not to wait up|
© “working overtime incant going to a concert with Brooklyn?||
She undled silently, meeting his gaze. “As you can see, allending a college reunion.“||
ange the subject[]
He nodded several times quickly, clearly scrambling to change
“Well Perfecting. 131 drive you home
However, Celia took out her phone and ordered a rideshare. Her tone was calms []
“No pred. I’ve already called for a car. Enjoy your concer
With that, Celia picked up her bag and went downstairs |
Just as she reached the curl, Brooklyn caught up and grabbed her wrist
“Are you mad? Should I give you the concert tickets? You only have one month left together anyway, letter make some memories while you can, or when you’re old and looking back, you might have regret.
Celia pulled her hand away, stepping back. Her expression was cold
“No thanks. After the divorce. I’ll forget
et the past. There’s nothing worth remembering between him and me.“[]
Brooklyn gave a little pout, feigning sympathy while keeping her grip tight. “Oh, come on. Even if Mason only married you because I talked him into it, you still helped relieve some of my stress.
at would make me look
mean, it’s already sad enough that you never had his love. I’d feel awful if you u didn’t even get a few happy marriage memories. That heartless, wouldn’t 7“]
She tugged at Celia’s hand, unwilling to let her off so easily. As they struggled, neither noticed the car speeding toward them
Not until the driver frantically honked did they turn to see it–too late to move out of the way
In that critical moment, Mason came rushing out of nowhere and pulled Brooklyn into his arms, dragging her to somewhere safe.
Meanwhile, Cella was hit head–on. Her body was thrown nearly 60 feet across the road before crashing down like a rag doll. A sickening thud rang out as blood gushed out from her mouth and nose, pooling beneath her on the pavement
Every inch of her body felt like it had been shattered. Her bones were crushed, her muscles spasmed, and her nerves screamed. The pain was indescribable
As her consciousness faded, she caught one last glimpse of Mason gently cradling a trembling Brooklyn, murmuring reassurances.]
