The Breaking Point of Love

Celeste had barely started her meal at another restaurant when her phone buzzed twice.

It was a message from Lottle.

She tapped it open and found two photos attached.

The people in the photos? Trevor and Wynn.

She pursed her lips. Without examining them further, she exited the chat.

The second she did, Lottie’s call came through

Celeste hesitated briefly, then got up and stepped outside to answer. “Lottle, hl.”

“Cel, did you see the photos I sent you just now?”

She only glanced at one of the photos; she didn’t bother looking at the other one.

Still, she said, “Yeah, I saw them.”

Lottie launched into a rant. “My friend sent the first photo to me last night, saying that they spotted them at a hotel. On Ember Festival, of all holidays! Can you believe it? They actually booked a room together? Shameless,

Celeste’s expression remained unchanged. She didn’t even frown one bit and just hummed a soft reply.

“The second one is even worse. My friend screenshotted her post. She flaunted the roses and gifts Trevor gave her for Ember Festival–she took the pictures right in the hotel room. And she had the nerve to act all smug, like it was some perfect and romantic night. Honestly, she just makes me sick.”

After giving a casual response, Celeste asked, “Have you eaten yet?” noveldrama

“Not yet. I went out with friends for a countdown last night, drank way too much, and just woke up. I even forgot to reply to your wishes.”

“It’s fine.”

Celeste added, “Enjoy your Ember Festival.”

“You too, Cel.”

As Lottie finished speaking, she thought of Trevor and Wynh again. She hesitated, debating whether to keep talking about it, but then changed the subject. “Cel, what are you up to right now?”

“I’m having lunch with Granny and the others.”

“Oh.”

Lottie scratched her head. “Sorry, Cel. I probably killed your appetite. I shouldn’t have brought that all up.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Celeste responded gently. “Go freshen up and eat something, or your stomach’s going to give you trouble again.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.”

The two chatted for a while longer before ending the call.

Since it was still early after lunch, Celeste took a walk with Betty, strolling through the streets and window- shopping.

+25 ROPAS

This time, they didn’t run into anyone. By the time they returned home, their moods had noticeably Improved. The Rodriguezes didn’t have many relatives In Baumond, so the Ember Festival was never particularly hectic for them.

By the evening of the second day, Celeste finally had some time to herself.

She opened her laptop and resumed going through the research materials Zachary had given her.

Just after ten, as she was about to shower, her phone rang

It was a call from Trevor.

Celeste glanced at the screen but didn’t bother answering, stead, she walked straight to the bathroom.

After showering, she did some more research. As she finished taking notes, she heard the sound of a car pulling up outside.

Her hand on the mouse suddenly paused.

She thought of Trevor’s call from earlier.

Frowning, she set the mouse aside and walked over to the window–just in time to see Jordyn jump out of the car, calling out, “Granny!”

Celeste pressed her lips together, turned away, and picked up her phone. That was when she noticed a message from Trevor, sent after she ignored his call.

“I’m heading overseas tomorrow. Please take care of Jo for the next few days.”

She stared at the text for a moment before putting away her phone.

Then, Jordyn came running upstairs and pushed open her bedroom door. The second she saw Celeste, her face lit up, and she threw herself into Celeste’s arms.

“Hi, Mom!”