Chapter 320
Three days later, Celestine met with Sanderson.
That’s when she learned Chester would soon be transferred to the UK for further
treatment.
“Celly, the Fordham family owes you an apology. We clearly failed to guide Chester as we should have. I already know about the divorce. As long as you’re sure you won’t regret it, that’s all I ask. Chester will be treated abroad, and if there’s any sign of improvement, you’ll be the first to know.”
Sanderson placed a table’s worth of thoughtful gifts by her bedside, each carefully chosen.
Celestine lowered her gaze, her lashes casting faint shadows on her cheeks.
It seemed marrying Chester would have to wait until he was fully recovered.
“Mr. Fordham, thank you for coming all this way. I understand.”
Her reply was calm and dignified, not a hint of bitterness or resentment. Still, the distant “Mr. Fordham” stung Sanderson more than he cared to admit.
“We’ll be bringing both children with us to England. If you’d like to visit them, you’re welcome anytime.”
Celestine nodded slowly at his words.
England was more than just a two–hour flight from Oceanview; it was a world away. If she didn’t go with them now, seeing the children again would be difficult, maybe even impossible.
Sanderson could tell she had no intention of changing her mind or asking them to stay. He felt a pang of disappointment at her resolve, but he said nothing more. If even they started quarreling, the Fordham family would truly have lost all dignity.
That night, the family boarded a plane bound for England.
For the first time in ages, Celestine couldn’t sleep.
But maybe it was for the best. With the family gone, there would be less conflict and unpleasantness. In a new country, the children might have access to better nutritionists, and perhaps life abroad would help them grow up faster.
As for Chester, the Fordhams would never abandon him–his recovery was only a matter of time.
08.54
Right now, Celestine needed to think about her own future.
She still had to get to the bottom of the accident that injured her and her parents.
Murdock, drained by Edna’s pregnancy, was a shadow of his former self. But she couldn’t let her guard down just yet.
The company that she and her grandfather had invested in was ultimately lost, despite their efforts. The Fordhams hadn’t demanded repayment, but she couldn’t bear to see that money fall into her uncle’s hands.
So she sold nearly half her shares and signed a contract with the new owners.
After two weeks in the hospital, Celestine finally convinced the doctors to let her go
home.
She asked Pete to take her grandfather back to the old family house so he could
rest and recover.
With both the Fordhams and her uncle’s family out of Oceanview for the time being, peace settled over Celestine’s world for the first time in ages.
Only after she’d promised her grandfather repeatedly that she’d be careful did he finally leave, concern still written all over his face.
Before he went, he reminded her again and again, “If anything happens, call Pete or me right away. Don’t try to handle things on your own, do you hear me?”
Celestine smiled, nodding. “The same goes for you. If you’re upset about anything, you have to let me know. No more bottling things up, promise?”
They shared a smile, both knowing how stubborn the other could be.
Pete watched the exchange with quiet amusement. That fiery spirit clearly ran in the family.
Once Celestine finished the paperwork for her discharge and started packing, the delivery guy who had been bringing her flowers for nearly two weeks showed up again.
“Miss, are you leaving the hospital today?”
Celestine was signing the delivery slip. “Yes, I am.”
He’d started delivering flowers to her on her third day after waking up. The first day he brought ninety–nine red roses. She’d thought for sure there was a mistake, but he double–checked her name and number and assured her they were for her.
08:54
Every day since, a new bouquet had arrived, each one different from the last.
Celestine had tried a few times to find out who was sending them, but the delivery guy honestly didn’t know.
Today’s bouquet was a delicate mix of pale pink daffodils and lilies, their yellow centers glowing softly–a strikingly beautiful arrangement.
Compared to that first bunch of roses, the taste had only gotten more refined.
She handed the signed slip back to him, cradling the flowers in her arms, curiosity burning brighter than ever about her mysterious admirer.
