Chapter 14

Camille’s POV 

I could feel that something was wrong with Sebastian. I had known him for years, and I could tell when something was bothering him. Usually, he hid his feelings behind his work, his expensive suits, and that cold expression that made people think nothing could touch him.

But lately, he had become distracted. He spent hours staring at his phone, sometimes quickly putting the device away whenever I approached. He had also started leaving the office earlier than usual, and whenever I asked where he was going, he gave me vague answers.

At first, I thought it was work. It had to be. Then I heard Celeste Laurent’s name mentioned during a phone conversation. That was when I knew I had a problem.

“Are you going to keep pretending nothing is happening?” I asked him while we were having dinner.

Sebastian looked up from his meal. “What are you talking about?”

“Celeste.”

His expression changed for only a second, but I caught it.

“What about her?” he asked nonchalantly.

I folded my arms. “You tell me, my love. Ever since you saw Celeste again, you’ve barely been yourself. You’re always distracted, and you keep disappearing without explaining where you’re going.”

“I’m a grown man, Camille. I don’t need to report my movements to you.”

I gritted my teeth. That wasn’t the answer I wanted. “Are you seeing her again?” I suddenly asked.

“No. I’m not.”

“Then why do you keep going to that restaurant?”

His eyes narrowed. “How do you know about that?”

I smiled, although I was beginning to feel uneasy in my chest.“So it’s true.”

Sebastian dropped his cutlery. “I have business to attend tothere. That’s all you need to know.”

Then he stood and walked past me. I watched him leave, my hands tightening at my sides. Business? Business my foot.

He expected me to believe that he was repeatedly visiting the restaurant where his ex wife worked, and for business reasons? I wasn’t stupid.

Something had changed. I knew it. And I intended to find out what it was. For years, I had believed Celeste was no longer a threat. Sebastian had divorced her because he wanted to be with me. He had chosen me, and I had convinced myself that the decision meant she would never have a place in his heart again.

Now she was back, looking more beautiful and confident than ever. And Sebastian was behaving like a man who had just discovered something precious he had lost. I couldn’t allow that to continue.

The next morning, I called him several times before he finally answered. “What is it, Camille? I’m in a meeting.”

“Darling, can we go out for dinner tonight? It’s been a while.”

“Not today, Camille. I have plans.”

“Plans with whom?” I questioned as a frown appeared on my face.

“That isn’t important.”

I went quiet. Sebastian had never spoken to me that way before.“Sebastian, I don’t understand what’s happening between us.”

“Nothing is happening my dear. I’ll call you later.” He ended the call.

I stared at my phone for a moment, not believing what was happening. Then I threw it onto the sofa. “This is all her fault,” I muttered.

I had to find out what she was doing to him. And if there was something she was hiding, I would uncover it.

I started with Éclat. I arrived that afternoon dressed in a cream-colored suit, determined to speak to Celeste. The receptionist informed me that she was unavailable, but I insisted on waiting.

Eventually, Celeste came out. Her expression turned guarded the moment she saw me.

“Camille. What a surprise.”

“Hello, Celeste. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“You are, actually. I have a busy schedule today.”

She clearly wanted me to leave, but I wasn’t going anywhere without getting some answers first.

“I won’t take much of your time.”

“Then make it quick.”

I smiled. “I heard you have a daughter. Amanda, isn’t it?”

Something immediately changed in her expression. “And what about that?”

“Nothing. I’m just being curious. I didn’t know you had a child.”

“Well, now you do.”

She turned slightly, as if preparing to leave. But I stepped closer.“How old is she if I may ask?”

Celeste looked directly into my eyes. “Why are you asking me about my daughter?”

“Oh, I’m only making conversation dear.”

“Then find something else to talk about. Not my daughter.”

Her response irritated me, but I forced myself to smile. “You’re very protective of her, I see.”

“Of course I am. I’m her mother.”

“Naturally.” I said, tilting my head. “And her father? Does he know about her?”

For the first time, I saw Celeste’s composure shook. And I felt a strange excitement in my chest. There was definitely something about the girl she didn’t want me to know.

“That is none of your business,” she finally said.

“You’re right. You’re right” I raised my hands in surrender. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“Then don’t ask questions you have no business asking.”

With that, she turned and walked away. I remained there watching her disappear down the hallway. Celeste could pretend all she wanted, but I had seen the fear in her eyes. And now I wanted to know why.

The next day, I had my answer. It began with a simple search.Amanda Laurent attended a private school in Starling city. Finding the name wasn’t difficult once I knew where to look.

Then an event held by her school had posted photographs ofstudents and their parents or guardian. Of course, one of those pictures showed Celeste standing beside Amanda.

I stared at the image on my laptop. The little girl was smiling, her arms wrapped around Celeste’s waist. Then I noticed something else. Amanda had Sebastian’s eyes. I leaned closer to the screen. It couldn’t be. I thought.

But the longer I looked, the more I saw it. The shape of her eyes, the slight curve of her nose. Even the way she smiled. The resemblance with Sebastian was undeniable.