Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 348

Celestine's voice was frigid. "Do I need to remind you who framed me for pushing the Fordham patriarch into the water at his birthday banquet, all while insisting—"

"Mom, please stop!" Raymond cut her off, his voice filled with pain.

The memories of that setup swirled in his mind.

That frame-up was the most regrettable thing he had ever done! Bar none!

Thinking back now, if that hadn't happened, if he hadn't so easily believed Joanna, would his mother have given up on him so hopelessly?

He had actually said something as stupid as he hated his own mother!

Raymond's tears fell. "Mom, if that hadn't happened, would you still love me like you used to?"

Celestine's expression was complicated, and she remained silent.

But in her eyes, Raymond found his answer.

Raymond couldn't accept this truth.

It was even more painful than if she had just said she hated him outright.

"Mom, is it because of that girl from yesterday that you hate me? I can change. It was just a momentary lapse in judgment." He stepped forward and took Celestine's hand, his eyes pleading, holding on to a final shred of hope.

Celestine glanced at him coolly.

There had been many chances, but what was the point of trying to grab hold of them when it was already too late?

Raymond asked expectantly, "Mom, please say something. Is that it?"

"Then let me ask you, between me and Joanna, who do you choose?"

"I choose you, Mom," Raymond answered without a moment's hesitation.

Celestine continued, "Then if she were to call you right now, would you answer?"

Faced with this question, Raymond clearly hesitated.

"Mom, I can't lie. What if Joanna is calling about something urgent? It wouldn't be right not to answer."

A flicker of something passed through Celestine's eyes. "Is that so?"

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