Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 220

“Cough, cough…” Celestine suddenly burst into a fit of coughing. “Clifton, I can’t—”

“What’s the matter? Too old for you? Or is it just that sour look on his face?” Clifton was relentless, pitching Gideon as if he were the prize at a county fair. “Don’t be fooled by his grumpy mug—he’s only a few years older than you. Besides, as you kids say, he’s never even dated. Pure, old-fashioned romance, if you want it. And hey, once he’s gone, there’s a fat inheritance waiting for you.”

With each word, Gideon’s expression grew a shade darker.

With each word, Celestine felt her soul shrivel up a little more.

Honestly… calling him unattractive with a face like that? She’d have to be blind.

But… but he’s already married.

She shot a furtive glance at Gideon, whose face was black as thunder.

Why won’t he just tell Clifton the truth? If he did, none of this awkward mess would be happening.

Seeing Celestine hesitate, Clifton turned his focus to Gideon, eager for backup. “Come on, Gideon, say something! What do you think of Celestine?”

“Clifton, I appreciate your efforts, but Mr. Prescott and I…” Celestine began, searching for a gentle way to decline.

Knowing Gideon, he’d probably say something like, “If you like her so much, Grandpa, why don’t you date her yourself?”

The thought alone made her want to sink through the floor.

After a long, loaded silence, Gideon finally spoke up under Clifton’s prodding. “Miss Selwyn, Grandpa is very pleased with you.”

Celestine felt a chill run down her spine.

Here it comes.

Just as she braced herself, Gideon and Celestine spoke at the same time.

“Clifton, I’m not single and have no plans to date right now!”

“We could have dinner sometime.”

They both stopped, their words colliding in the air, eyes meeting in a flash of mutual embarrassment.

Celestine’s cheeks flushed hot.

Right then, the elevator doors slid open. She blurted out a quick, “Goodbye!” and fled.

“You little brat, what did you do to Celestine? Look how you scared her off,” Clifton scolded, scooping up the little white dog and stroking its fur affectionately.

She’d been away from her place for nearly two weeks. First thing she did was check on the flowers and plants out on her balcony.

A few had wilted, but the roses were thriving, their blooms bright and fragrant.

Celestine’s spirits lifted with every petal. She snipped a blossom and breathed in its scent, the sweet fragrance soothing her nerves.

Her whole face seemed to relax.

She clipped a few more, and as she headed back inside with her little bouquet, out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of her neighbor’s balcony.

There, under the glow of the moon, Gideon sat in a wicker chair, long legs stretched out, a snowy white dog curled in his lap. His elegant fingers idly stroked the dog’s back, and in the soft light, that perfectly sculpted face took on a rare, gentle warmth.

Celestine found herself watching for a few moments longer than she meant to.

Even her steps slowed as she went back inside.

So Gideon likes dogs too, she thought, a little surprised.

But just as she closed her door, she heard a sudden flurry of sneezes from next door.

Clifton rushed in, scolding, “Move over! You know you’re allergic to dog hair and you still insist on cuddling our sweetheart! Don’t you dare get her sick, too!”