Chapter 21 : Celia ' The morning after the rain'

The first thing I noticed was the jacket. It still hung neatly over the back of the chair beside my bed. Adrian's jacket. Last night, after the rain had finally stopped, he'd insisted I keep it until morning. "You'll catch a cold." Those had been his exact words. Simple and practical. Yet I'd spent half the night thinking about them. I sighed and buried my face in my pillow. "What is wrong with you, Celia?" I knew the answer. I was slowly and hopelessly falling in love with my husband. The realization should have frightened me. InsteadIt made me smile. A knock sounded on my bedroom door. "Celia?" It was Martha, one of the old

Chapter 22 : Celia ' Home before sunset'

Adrian and I had already set the table for dinner and taken our seats For a second, neither of us spoke. Then Grandmother's cheerful voice floated down the hallway. "If the two of you are finished staring at each other..." "...my dinner is getting cold!" Heat rushed to my cheeks. Adrian cleared his throat. "We should..." "Yes." "We should." Dinner was louder than usual. Mostly because Grandmother refused to let silence settle. "Celia." "Yes?" "This bread is wonderful." "Thank you." She turned to Adrian. "And you?" He swallowed another bite before answering. "It's good."

Chapter 23 : Celia ' An excuse to stay'

The little silver music box sat on my desk for two days before I gathered the courage to repair it.Not because it was difficult.Because I was afraid of ruining something that mattered to Adrian.I carefully spread my tools across the table beside the window.A magnifying glass, tiny screwdrivers andFine tweezers.The same tools Grandmother had once bought for me after catching me secretly repairing one of her old brooches.I gently turned the key.Nothing.Just as Adrian had said.The spring inside had snapped years ago.As I carefully removed the tiny screws, a soft knock came at the door."Celia?"His voice.I quickly stood."Come in."Adrian stepped inside, stopping just inside the doorway.His eyes immediately fell on the music box lying in pieces across my desk."I hope I didn't interrupt."I smiled."I was just getting started."He walked closer, curiosity written across his face."I've never seen anyone repair something this small.""I've never had anyone interested enough t

Chapter 24 : Celia ' A place by his side'

The heritage exhibition was unlike anything I had ever seen.The restored ballroom glowed beneath crystal chandeliers, their light dancing across polished marble floors and glass display cases. Antique jewelry, hand-painted porcelain, and centuries-old artworks filled the hall, each piece carrying a story older than anyone in the room.For a moment, I forgot about the cameras.Forgot about the whispers.Forgot that I was the woman who had once been branded a thief before I had ever stolen anything.I simply admired the craftsmanship."You like this one."Adrian's voice came quietly beside me.I hadn't even realized he was watching me instead of the display.I smiled."The setting."I pointed toward an antique emerald necklace."See how they placed the stones? Most people notice the emeralds first, but the goldwork is the real masterpiece."He looked closely before nodding."I would've never noticed.""That's because everyone looks at the center.""And you?""I've always preferred wha

Chapter 25 : Celia ' The first move'

The applause lingered long after we stepped off the stage.People approached us one after another, congratulating Adrian on the exhibition and complimenting the evening's success.For the first time, No one looked at me with pity.No one whispered behind my backInstead, they smiled."It was lovely meeting you, Mrs. Lancaster.""You have an incredible eye for antiques.""I hope we'll see you at future events."I thanked each of them, still feeling as though I were walking through someone else's dream.A few months agoMost of these same people wouldn't have acknowledged my existence.Now they were eager to speak with me.It was strange how quickly public opinion could change."Overwhelmed?"Adrian appeared beside me again, offering a glass of sparkling water.I accepted it with a grateful smile."A little.""You handled yourself well.""I was terrified.""You hid it.""I've had years of practice."His expression softened."You shouldn't have needed that practice."For a moment, neith

Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 21 - Chapitre 25

Chapter 21 : Celia ' The morning after the rain'

Chapter 22 : Celia ' Home before sunset'

Chapter 23 : Celia ' An excuse to stay'

Chapter 24 : Celia ' A place by his side'

Chapter 25 : Celia ' The first move'