Chapter 0511
“What are you thinking about?” Peter asked, noticing Celeste’s faraway look.
“My past and how much my life has changed in twenty years. It hasn’t all been bad. There are a lot of good things, but some friends stayed in the past. I still remember them fondly,” Celeste said with a smile.
“Twenty years is a long time to live through.” Peter replies, his tone tinged with nostalgia.
“It is, but nobody can take away the experiences–good or bad–they all stay with you,” Celeste said wistfully, her mind wandering back to her time in Gaeta.
“Hey… by the way, who braided your hair?” Peter asked, gently touching her hair.
‘It was Beatrice. I asked her to help. My hair is such a mess and I’m dying for a good hot shower and some cozy pajamas. This hospital gown is freezing.”
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I’ll bring you some clothes tomorrow so you can be more comfortable.”
“Peter, are you planning to visit me every day?”
“Yes! Why? Does it bother you?”
“No! Honestly, I love it. I just worry you’ll neglect your own responsibilities to be here,” Celeste said, her face showing a hint of concern.
“Don’t worry. I usually work from home, and I can have my things brought here.”
“Are you sure you won’t get bored being here with me?”
“No. Should I?”
“It’s just… there’s nothing exciting about being here. You could be at home, more comfortable.”
“Celeste, you matter to me. I want to be here with you. Nothing makes me happier than this.”
Hearing this, Celeste felt butterflies in her stomach. Her eyes brightened, and she felt a lump in her throat. She tried to hold back tears but couldn’t, and one escaped despite her efforts. Seeing this, Peter felt a tightness in his chest. This woman brought him peace, and her presence made him happy. With her, his fears and doubts seemned to fade away.
“Why are you crying, my love?” Peter asked naturally.
“No one’s treated me like this before… not in a long time. A lonely life isn’t easy, Peter. I’ve been on my own for eight years, and seeing how much you care about me makes me feel nostalgic,” Celeste said, trying to hold back her emotions,
“Well, you’re not alone anymore, Celeste! You matter to me, and I want a relationship with you. So please, stop crying. I hate seeing you cry–it breaks my heart. From now on, when you live with me, I promise you’ll never feel lonely again,” Peter said, gently lifting her chin and giving her a warm kiss.
Peter knew he had faltered earlier. The chapter with Mary was closed–those feelings belonged to someone he’d known twenty years ago. The woman he had loved back then no longer existed, just as he was no longer the man he had been. They had shared a moment in time, but now, that was all it was.
“Hey… your bed is big and spacious. Can I sleep here with you?” Peter asked, stroking Celeste’s cheek.
“I can’t promise I won’t bother you,” Celeste said, motioning toward her injured legs.
“I don’t think so! Honestly, I need a bed–I’m exhausted today.”
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 0511:
“Well, then come sleep with me,” Celeste said, opening her arms.
Peter removed his coat and shoes, climbed onto the wide bel carefully to avoid disturbing her legs, and wrapped his arms around her. She could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. There was no doubt that when Peter Palmer wanted to win someone over, he knew exactly how to do it. In no time, he was capturing Celeste’s heart.
“What
Almost immediately, both began to drift off. After a couple of hours, Peter woke up and saw Celeste’s peaceful face illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the window. Watching her, he murmured softly, would I do without you?”
After a moment of quiet contemplation, he adjusted her position gently to avoid waking her, climbed out of the bed, and moved to the sofa. Before lying down, he approached the window and lost himself in thought once again.
‘Mary, my love, I’m sorry, but not in this lifetime. You and can’t be together. It’s been twenty years without you; we can’t just pretend nothing happened. You have a life, and I…‘ Peter glanced back at Celeste. ‘I’m starting one with someone else. Forgive me, but no one deserves this.”
Chapter 0512
