Chapter :550
Celeste shook her head. Matthias asked, “Is it still because he’s busy with work?” Matthias fell silent. Granted, Trevor’s recent business ventures had been making waves, but no matter how busy he was, it didn’t make sense that he couldn’t spare even half an hour to finalize a divorce. If Matthias didn’t already know the full story, he might’ve thought Trevor was deliberately dragging his feet. But knowing their situation, that was impossible. He patted Celeste’s shoulder. “Then give it a few more days.
If he still hasn’t made time by the end of the reflection period, just file for divorce directly.” Celeste nodded. “Okay.” Although she said that, deep down, she didn’t think it would come to that. Two days later, it was Celeste’s birthday. —- She woke up early that morning. Betty and Adeline were already busy in the kitchen, making pancakes and preparing cake. They had long since gotten her birthday gifts ready. When Celeste came downstairs, they handed them to her with smiles. “Cel, happy birthday!
You’ve grown another year older.” + “Happy birthday, Celeste!” Warmth filled her heart as she took each gift. “Thank you.” The pancakes weren’t done yet, and they were still chatting when the phone rang-security calling to say someone was at the gate. When she heard the license plate number, she knew it was Trevor’s car. 7 Everyone in the Rodriguez family froze, their smiles stiffening and faces darkening. They all knew the only reason Celeste and Trevor hadn’t gone to finalize their divorce was that he’d been busy. He’d always been very firm about wanting the divorce.
+ He never thought about Celeste at all. Chances were, he didn’t —- even remember today was her birthday. Still, even though they all wanted the divorce done quickly-and Celeste herself seemed to have mostly moved on-if Trevor really came to end things today, of all days, that would still sting. Everyone looked at her. Celeste paused, then said calmly, “Let him in.” When the call ended, Jamie looked at her worriedly, at a loss for words, while Hector’s face darkened. “This is too much-” Even if Trevor didn’t love Celeste, did he really have to hurt her like this?
Betty and Adeline said nothing. They could have asked Trevor to postpone it out of respect for Betty-he probably would’ve agreed. But… What would be the point? Celeste could tell they were worried about her. She turned back to them and said softly, “I’m fine.” 4 It’s just a divorce. Even if it was not today, even if it was any other day-it didn’t make a difference. —- Outside, the sound of a car pulling up broke the silence. Hector, still fuming, started toward the door, but Celeste stopped him. “Celeste-“_ 2 She shook her head. “Don’t.” She went out alone.
1 As soon as she reached the doorway, the car door opened and Jordyn hopped out, clutching something in her arms. Seeing her, the little girl ran over with a bright smile. “Mom, happy birthday!” 1 Celeste froze. © Jordyn held out what she was carrying. “Mom, this is my gift for you!” Before Celeste could speak, Jordyn rummaged in her backpack and pulled out another box. “This one’s from Dad. He couldn’t come, so he asked me to bring it. He also told me to say happy birthday for him!”