Chapter 0531
Celeste returned from the doctor and immediately began packing her belongings. Her hands trembled, but she knew it was something she had to do. If she stayed any longer, she feared she would lose her resolve and possibly regret her decision.
Peter’s last visit had made it clear to her–there was more to his absence than just distance and overwork. She didn’t know who or what might have captured his attention, and she didn’t care. It was probably someone less complicated than her. During that visit, they had been intimate. She hadn’t worried about taking precautions or even thought about it, and now, here she was, facing the consequences.
She was determined not to hide the fact that he was going to be a father. Even if they didn’t continue as a couple, he had the right to know about the two little lives on the way. If he wanted, he could accompany her to prenatal appointments or the birth, but she wouldn’t force him.
Celeste had always been a kind and loving woman, but when she made a decision, she stuck to it. There was no turning back. While packing, she noticed a jewelry box in the bathroom filled with Peter’s gifts. She had loved the stories behind each stone, but now they didn’t matter. Leaving it untouched, she glanced around the room one last time, her eyes brimming with tears. There was no going back.
The night before, with trembling hands, she had written him a letter. At that time, she hadn’t known she was pregnant, so today, she rewrote it. The recent discovery had changed everything. Her previous letter had asked him not to look for her and gave no details. This one, however, included the ultrasound and medical results. The letter read:
[My dear Peter,
Since I was a child, I’ve had the feeling that I’m paying for something I did in a past life. Maybe I was a terrible person then.
I wanted to reproach you for things, but I can’t. There’s nothing to reproach. I simply understand that I was just passing through your life, and my time is up. I’m grateful for our time together–it was a dream and a reality. I’ve lived the dream; now I must return to reality.
I don’t know why you became distant. At times, I wondered if I did something wrong, but I always answered myself with an “I don’t know.” Maybe you realized I’m not the kind of woman you’re used to. Maybe you want a different life. Maybe this was never meant to last forever.
Just as you once brought me to this house and cared for me with love, today I leave it the same way–with love.
Your arrival in my life was overwhelming, and your departure has been just as impactful. When you came, you brought noise; now, your absence has left silence.
I’m leaving, Peter. I’m taking nothing but the clothes you gave me–I doubt you’d want them back. I’m leaving behind all the jewelry and extravagant gifts. I don’t need them.
Thank you, Peter, for caring for me, for caring for Spike, and for the wonderful experience of being with you. I ask for nothing more, at least not for myself.
There’s something that’s not easy for me to say, but I won’t hide it. Today I went to the doctor and discovered I’m pregnant–about six weeks along. Timothy says it’s twins. I’ve left you copies of the ultrasound and medical
results.
If you’d like to be part of their lives, you know where I’ll be living, and my number will remain the same. If you decide to be involved, let me know, and I’ll update you on my prenatal appointments. I won’t deny you the right to follow their growth inside and outside of me. You are their father, and that will never change.
