Chapter 0893
That Peter’s intense gaze..Wasn’t directed at the woman behind her.
It was entirely, solely meant for her.
Peter stepped closer to Celeste and murmured,
“You look breathtaking. You’re the most beautiful woman ere tonight.”
Celeste wanted to believe him. But deep down, she was certain that her beauty couldn’t possibly compare to Katherine’s
Peter sensed something was off. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead.
“You really look incredible,” he whispered into her ear. “Believe me… if it weren’t for this dinner, you and I would. be anywhere else right now.”
His voice, low and teasing, sent a small shiver down her spine.
Before Celeste could respond, Alden entered the room–bringing someone with him.
The moment Serenity saw the woman on his arm, a cold chill ran down her spine.
Her hands became clammy, and she felt an inexplicable tension as her future mother–in–law’s gaze landed on her.
There was no way around it–she had to face her.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” Serenity said, extending her hand. “I’m Serenity Bartz.”
Katherine gave a small, poised smile. She reached out, took Serenity’s hand–and pulled her in for a traditional double kiss on the cheeks.
“Lovely to meet you, Serenity,” Katherine said warmly. “Alden has told me so much about you. I was so excited to finally meet you.” Then, with a dramatic sigh, she added, his son of mine… sometimes he forgets about his mother…”
Alden groaned. “Mom-”
Katherine ignored him. Her eyes flickered down to Serenity’s belly, and with absolutely no hesitation, she placed her hands gently over it.
“And how is our little princess doing?”
“Now that we know she’s healthy, we can finally relax,” Serenity answered truthfully.
“I’m so glad,” Katherine said with sincerity. “Finally, I get to be with all of you. I’m so happy our schedules aligned so we could meet.”
Alden smiled. “Speaking of meeting people–Uncle Maximus, Laura?”
Maximus and Laura turned toward them, along with Diana
“Everyone,” Alden announced, “this is my mother–Katherine Ivanoff.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Madam Ivanoff,” Maximus greeted formally.
But in the background….
Chapter 0893
+25 BONUS
Peter froze.
The moment he heard her name, his head turned toward the tall, elegant woman.
She was different from what he remembered.
But she was still her.
Time had been kind to her. She had aged gracefully, still carrying that air of effortless beauty and charm.
But she wasn’t the same woman from his past–the one with the wild, fiery red hair.
That version of her was gone.
A flicker of a smile crossed his lips as old memories surfaced–memories of another life.
Celeste saw it.
And she felt sick.
The moment was brief, but she caught it.
The nostalgia.
The recognition
The past resurfacing right before her eyes.
Katherine turned to Peter, her posture impeccably elegant.
“Peter Palmer,” she said smoothly.
“Hello, Katherine,” Peter replied, extending his hand.
Katherine ignored it.
Instead, she stepped closer, pulled him into a brief hug, and kissed both his cheeks.
Celeste felt her heart drop.
Every muscle in her body tensed.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Peter,” Katherine said softly. “After all these years… I thought I’d never see you again.”
Peter shifted uncomfortably. For the first time in a long time… he looked nervous.
Clearing his throat, he instinctively reached for Celeste gbbing her wrist and pulling her forward.
“Katherine,” he said quickly. “This is my fiancée–Celeste, she’s carrying our daughters.
Katherine gave a knowing smile. “Yes, Alden already introduced us. Celeste is a delightful woman.”
She turned to Celeste directly. “How far along are you, dear!”
Celeste forced herself to keep her voice steady.
“Almost seven months.”
“Oh, my! Enjoy this time while you can,” Katherine said lightly. “Because once those little ones are out–say goodbye to sleep!” She chuckled. “They’re girls, aren’t they?”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0893
Celeste nodded stiffly. “Yes.”
“Then be ready, my dear,” Katherine mused. This is your moment to rest–afterward, it’s all work. Burwhen you see them grow… you’ll be so grateful.”
She shifted slightly and turned her gaze toward Serenity as well.
“That goes for you too, Serenity. Babies are a lot of work–ut when you watch them grow, it’s worth everything.”
Her words were genuine. There was nothing malicious in them.
And yet-
Celeste hated how she felt in that moment..
It was jealousy.
Pure jealousy.
And it irritated her.
She knew it was irrational.
Katherine was being polite. She wasn’t being cruel.
And yet… Celeste despised the feeling curling in her stomach.
Across the room, Peter observed quietly.
He was trying to piece everything together.
He knew who Katherine was.
He remembered what she had meant to him.
But he didn’t feel the same.
Whatever connection they once had… it felt distant.
Like something from a dream he had long since woken up from.
Katherine represented the past.
And now?
Now, he wasn’t sure if he even wanted to remember it.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0894
