Chapter 193

Then Celeste’s adorable face peeked out from behind the bouquet. “Happy birthday, Catie!”
“Thank you, March.”
Instead of reaching for the flowers right away, Caitlin pulled Celeste into a warm hug.
Celeste grinned and hugged her back. “Catie, you’re still way too polite! I keep telling you, we’re practically family.”
After a few seconds, Caitlin let go, finally accepting the bouquet. She reached into the cabinet and handed Celeste a pair of plush cat slippers she’d picked out just for her. “What would you like to drink? I’ll get it for you.”
“I’d love a lemon cola,” Celeste replied, slipping naturally into the slippers with a practiced air.
“Perfect.” Caitlin nodded. “I’ve actually got some fresh lemons.”
She set the flowers on the table and headed for the kitchen. There, she sliced the lemons, tossed the pieces into a pitcher with ice, and gave them a good muddling. Once the juice was extracted, she poured in cola, finishing off an ice-cold, refreshing drink loaded with vitamin C.
On a sweltering summer day, nothing could be better than a glass of that cool, tangy goodness.
While Caitlin worked on the drinks, Celeste, already at home in the villa, found a vase in one of the cupboards and arranged the flowers with practiced hands.
Just as Celeste finished with the flowers, Caitlin emerged from the kitchen with two frosty glasses.
“Here you go, March.”
Celeste accepted the drink, but suddenly seemed to remember something. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small jewelry box. “Catie, this is your birthday present.”
Caitlin’s eyes lit up. “For me?”
“Of course!” Celeste smiled, her excitement obvious. “Go on, open it!”
Under Celeste’s expectant gaze, Caitlin opened the box. Nestled on a bed of black velvet was a jade bangle—cool, translucent, and beautifully carved. The stone’s natural patterns shimmered even without special lighting; it was elegant and understated, yet strikingly refined.
Caitlin knew a thing or two about gemstones. She could tell at a glance that this was no ordinary piece-it was worth a small fortune.
“March
But Celeste seemed to know what Caitlin wanted to say, and cut her off gently. “Catie, this is genuine old-mine jade. My dad went out of his way to have a friend source it. They say jade brings good luck and wards off bad spirits. You absolutely can’t refuse. If you do, I’m giving back the birthday present you gave me.”
Ever since Caitlin had given Celeste a delicate gold locket for her own birthday, Celeste hadn’t taken it off, not even once.
Caitlin laughed and held out her hand. “Alright, if you insist, help me put it on.” “That’s more like it.” Celeste laughed as well.
Caitlin’s skin was porcelain fair, her fingers long and slender, nails beautifully rounded and naturally pink-hands that were both striking and effortlessly graceful.
Celeste slipped the jade bangle onto her wrist. The icy green stone instantly seemed to come alive against Caitlin’s pale skin, radiating a quiet, noble beauty, as if the bracelet had found its perfect match. Usually, jewelry complements its wearer, but with Caitlin, it almost seemed the other way around.
Celeste couldn’t help but exclaim, “So gorgeous! Catie, you could seriously be a hand model.”
Caitlin lifted her wrist, letting the bangle catch the light as it moved. “It really is beautiful, March. You have excellent taste. I love it!” The most update n0vels are published on
“I’m so glad you do.” Seeing Caitlin’s genuine delight filled Celeste with happiness.
Then Caitlin added, “By the way, March, what would you like for lunch? I can have the housekeeper come over and cook for us.”