Chapter 0441
Peter, Theodore, and Ethan returned home. Peter carried Ethan in his arms, the boy completely knocked out from the long day. He brought him to his room, gently laid him on the bed, and covered him with a blanket. Though he didn’t change him into pajamas, he managed to remove his shoes and blazer. Peter smiled as he stroked the boy’s wild curls, which reminded him of his own at that age, before quietly leaving the room.
“Are you going to take Miss Johnson home?” Theodore asked with a hint of curiosity.
“What are you talking about?” Peter replied, his tone serious.
“Don’t think I’m clueless. I saw you bought that painting she loves. It’s in the trunk. I’m impressed managed to do it so discreetly that I didn’t notice when it happened.”
you even
“You’ve been unusually nosy lately,” Peter retorted with a blank expression.
“Only when I see a shift in your behavior. I think you should go back and offer to take that lovely lady to dinner or at least drive her home. I heard her say she’d take a taxi, and she lives far from Westhaven.”
Peter stared at Theodore for a moment without responding, then brushed past him. After a few steps, he said, ” You should get some rest. Don’t forget, you’re heading to Florentia tomorrow.”
“You’re so stubborn! Fine, I’m going to bed, but only because I’m exhausted. I walked too much today.”
“As I’ve said before, you’re old!”
“I know!”
The banter between them was familiar, almost comforting. Peter went to his study, removed his jacket, and poured himself a glass of whiskey. He sat at his desk, intending to check emails and do some work, but the image of Celeste kept resurfacing in his mind. From the moment he had first seen her that morning, something about her unsettled him, and he couldn’t explain why.
He opened the report on her life again, reading over the details that only heightened his sense of unease–and curiosity. Finally, after checking the time, he downed his whiskey in one gulp, grabbed his jacket, and left the study. He wasn’t entirely sure what he was about to do, but he knew that if he didn’t, he wouldn’t be able to sleep.
Tonight had been hard for Celeste. Seeing all her paintings on display was bittersweet. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to sell them, but the reason behind selling them hurt deeply. After Adam’s death, she had been left with mounting financial burdens. She had used their savings for his funeral, and life without him had been anything but easy.
She had painted these works while he was still alive, during a time when they had dreams and plans for a future that no longer existed. Now it was just her and her cat, Spike.
Getting the job at Clearmount had been a blessing this year. Teaching art history and fine arts helped keep her mind occupied. Most of the students were spoiled children of the ultra–wealthy, but not all of them. One of her favorites was Ethan, the new boy who had quickly charmed her with his endless questions about art, life, and the universe.
She missed seeing Ethan and John together–her dynamic duo of curious students. Both clearly came from affluent families, judging by the cars that dropped them off but their parents seemed grounded. Ethan, especially, had won her over with his charm and innocence
The high society world of these families fascinated her. Every member of these circles seemed beautiful. Ethan’s family, in particular, piqued her curiosity. At first, she’d assumed Peter was his father, only to later discover he
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Chapter 0441
was the grandfather. He must have had Ethan’s father very young because Peter didn’t look old at all. Then there was Theodore, who carried an air of classic charm.
“Celeste, stop getting distracted. You need to focus,‘ she told herself. These paintings had to sell to clear her debts. Maybe, if there was enough left over, she could move closer to the school. Traveling two hours back and forth every day was wearing her down.
“Celeste, congratulations! All of your paintings have sold!” an excited organizer announced. “And someone bought your main piece, The Woman and Her Cat, paying five times its price. That should help you a lot!”
“They bought The Woman and Her Cat?” Celeste asked, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
“Yes, and they paid a very generous price for it!”
“Well… that’s what they’re for,” Celeste said, a wistful smile forming on her lips.
“Everyone’s thrilled. This event has been a huge success. We’ve already had multiple offers, especially from two anonymous buyers who purchased several works. Honestly, I didn’t expect this level of success.”
“I’m so happy for everyone. This kind of validation makes all our hard work worth it.”
“Celeste, why don’t you head home? It’s late, and you don’t have a car. Most of your colleagues live nearby, but you’re the furthest away. I wish I could drive you, but I need to stay to close up.”
‘No, no, I couldn’t leave you to handle it all alone. I’ll help you close up. Besides, I can order a ride–share–it’ll be cheaper, and this area is safe even late at night.”
“Fine, but I’d feel better if you went home early.‘
Celeste stayed silent, her gaze drifting to the now–empty wall where her favorite painting had hung.
Peter Palmer’s P.O.V
It had been a long time since I felt this way. I wasn’t expecting to cross paths with her tonight. Truthfully, I’ve always avoided women–it’s like something inside me says it’s not right. According to Theodore, I was on the verge of marrying Mary Preston, a stunning woman. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t remember what I felt for her. Of everything I’ve lost, those missing memories hurt the most. Despite my façade of indifference, losing those pieces of my past still stings.
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