Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 248

Once they were in the car, Chiara pulled out of the hospital parking lot. "Where to now?"

"I haven't really explored the city much," Hester said, playing with her seatbelt. "Ms. Crane mentioned a famous Coastal Cuisine restaurant downtown. My treat. Want to go?"

Chiara smiled, raising an eyebrow. "Sure, I've been wanting to try local seafood. It's supposed to be super fresh—perfect for your pregnancy diet."

"Yeah, I really love the food here. I've actually been looking at real estate. If nothing changes, I'll probably settle down in Coralton for the next few years."

Chiara glanced at her. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'm thinking of opening a little shop in town after the baby is born." Hester looked out the window, a soft, maternal smile gracing her lips as she gently touched her stomach.

"Coralton is a very warm city. It never snows, the summers are long, and since it's by the sea, the air quality is much better than Northwood. It's perfect for raising a child. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the pace of life is so much slower. For someone who is already financially independent, it's the perfect choice."

"You're making me want to move here too."

Hester laughed. "You're a famous director. You barely get a few days off a year. A house here would just gather dust."

"That's not necessarily true," Chiara chuckled. "Everyone gets old. Since I'm going to be single, I need to find a city I love to retire in."

"There's no rush. You might meet someone who sweeps you off your feet."

"I have zero plans to date anyone," Chiara said casually. "Half the reason I throw myself into directing is because I love it. The other half is purely to avoid going back so our father can't force me into an arranged marriage."

At the mention of their father, the atmosphere in the car cooled. That house had never given either of them an ounce of warmth or love. There was an old saying: when a grown daughter would rather run anywhere else than go home after being wronged, it usually meant her parents had failed her.

Hester firmly believed that. Luckily, she still had Chiara, her half-sister, to rely on. "Chiara, did you ever contact that guy again?"

Chiara was surprised by the sudden question. She hesitated, pressing her lips together. "No. But I've kept tabs on him."

Chiara laughed. "You're about to be a mother, and you're still this easily embarrassed?"

Hester shot her a playful glare. "Is it my fault you guys were so intensely passionate?"

"You think hotels are only for passion?" Chiara raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you constantly flying around the world with Julian when you first got married? You spent half your time in hotels too."

Hester was rendered entirely speechless.

"Alright, I'll stop teasing you. It's all in the past anyway. Beautiful memories, but still just memories." Chiara's voice grew quieter. "I never expected us to get back together. I heard he has a very sweet, caring new girlfriend. Poppy mentioned they're engaged now. The wedding is probably at the end of the year."

Hester frowned. "Are you really going to stay single forever because of him?"

"It's not because of him," Chiara smiled. "I just haven't met the right person, and I genuinely love throwing myself into my career. Dating isn't a necessity. And hey, if I ever get lonely, I can always take a hot young actor home for a few months. Why not?"