Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 21

It was every designer's dream school.

Celestine could still remember the rush of excitement she'd felt the moment she received her acceptance letter.

But there had only been one scholarship slot that year—and thanks to Edna, who "accidentally" wrote down the wrong date, Celestine missed her flight and the chance of a lifetime.

The very next day, she saw Jade posting photos on social media: "Life at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts."

At that point, the truth couldn't have been clearer.

Uncle Murdock's family latched onto her like leeches, draining away the last remnants of what her parents had left behind—including her.

Ignoring the phony concern from Uncle Murdock and his wife, Celestine packed her things and moved out that very night.

Getting into Polaris University's art program wasn't quite the dream, but at least it was something she achieved for herself.

"Hey! I'm talking to you! Are you deaf or something?"

Jolted from her thoughts, Celestine found Jade blocking her path, chin lifted in smug superiority.

Celestine didn't bother to hide her disdain. She stepped around her, voice icy. "Move. Only a dog would block the way."

Jade trailed after her with a mock gasp. "Wow, look at you—Mrs. Fordham, so high and mighty now! Too bad your husband can't stand you. He's always making headlines with other actresses, so what are you acting so proud for?"

Celestine ignored the taunt and headed for the hospital room.

Jade's eyes narrowed as she noticed the lunchbox in Celestine's hand and the direction she was walking. There was only one person in that room.

Celestine and Chester had been on the rocks lately. Did she have her sights set on someone else now?

Celestine nodded, lips curving in agreement. "Exactly. Like you—who stole my place at the Royal Academy, only to get yourself expelled in less than three months."

"Forcing what isn't yours always ends badly."

The Royal Academy wasn't an easy place. Even the worst student there could outshine Jade a hundred times over. She'd become a cautionary tale among her classmates—her sketching was so bad, she couldn't even tell the difference between a stick figure and a real drawing.

In just three months, she was kicked out. No second chances.

Jade's face contorted. That wound still festered—a poisonous thorn she could never pull out. "Celestine, you bitch! You must have sabotaged me, jealous that I made it and you didn't! I'll teach you a lesson, just like your parents should have!"

Her voice rose to a furious pitch as she raised her hand to strike.

But before Celestine could move aside, the door to the hospital room swung open. A warm, familiar hand closed gently but firmly around her wrist, pulling her safely inside.