He Gave Her Strawberries, Gave Me Hives (Ford and Sylvia) novel Chapter 78

Celeste went home alone.

Desmond had called to say Stella sprained her ankle on the mountain and he had to take her to the hospital. He told Celeste to go to bed and not wait up for him.

They didn’t go to the hospital. They went to a beach party.

Desmond and Stella were sitting side–by–side, surrounded by a circle of friends, with Stella holding a huge bouquet of glowing, hand–folded paper stars.

Desmond played guitar and sang for her while Stella looked on blissfully, their friends clapping and cheering.

tella posted: “True love withstands any hardship and any third party. The person who loves you won’t give up on you for being weak, and the person who loesn’t love you won’t start just because of what you sacrifice.”

he caption was a thinly veiled message for Celeste: you’re the other woman, just a stepping stone in our love story.

Celeste laughed, a bitter sound that made the corners of her eyes turn red. She couldn’t even argue with what Stella said.

fter all, Desmond’s actions spoke for themselves. He was in love with Stella.

Desmond didn’t come home that night. Celeste sat motionless on the sofa the entire night, her past with him replaying in her mind like a movie reel.

Jesmond had been good to her. He would cook for her, spend time in the garden with her, and even drop everything at work to rush home and comfort her uring thunderstorms.

Celeste had once mistaken those gestures for love.

t wasn’t until today that she finally realized it wasn’t real love at all.

ooking around the familiar living room, an unbearable ache swelled in her chest.

he framed photos on the wall, the knick–knacks on the shelves, the throw pillows on the sofa and the flowers blooming on the balcony. She had picked out very single item herself.

low, all of it was meaningless.

Celeste got up. She took down the photos, gathered the trinkets and all their matching couple’s items, and packed them into a box along with all her old hopes nd dreams for what love could be.

he didn’t leave a single thing. She hauled it all out to the dumpster.

t was nearly evening by the time she was done. She collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted, just as the front door swung open.

Jesmond walked in pushing a large box of gifts, freezing for a second when he saw the stripped bare house.

‘Celeste, what happened?” A flicker of panic crossed his eyes. “Why is so much stuff missing?”

Celeste looked up, her eyes meeting his. His gaze was perfectly gentle, Its smile practically flawless.

A wave of sadness washed over her, and she dropped her gaze.

So, it turned out kindness could be an act.

“I threw out the stuff I didn’t like anymore.”

Desmond’s brow furrowed slightly. “Well, when I get a free moment, I’ll take you shopping for new things you do like.”

31.8

Cave Them Both A One–Way Ticket To BANKRUPTCY

Chapter 2

Desmond began placing the gifts on the table one by one. He’d had his assistant buy them at an auction, they were all things Celeste loved.

Celeste’s eyes began to sting. If she hadn’t gone to see his skydive yesterday, would she have been fooled by this gentle facade for the rest of her life?

Could she have actually lived a happy life with him?

No. Absolutely not.

Celeste shook her head. She couldn’t tolerate being lied to. What she wanted was a love that was pure and real.

‘Desmond, about you and Stella…” Celeste started, but Desmond immediately cut her off.

The Winslows and the Harts go way back. Their family has fallen on hard times, so I’m just helping her out for old times‘ sake. You’re the one I’m going to marry. I’ve already told my people to start planning the wedding.”

There’s a gala tonight. Come with me. Wear this.” He said, holding out a champagne–colored gown and looking at her earnestly.

The words caught in Celeste’s throat. All she could do was nod.

As night fell, the city lights began to glitter like scattered diamonds.

This was the first gala Desmond attended as the head of the Hart family. Everyone swarmed him, and the throng of people quickly separated him from Celeste.

Celeste hated these kinds of events, so she found a quiet corner and sat down.

A few moments later, Stella appeared, wearing the exact same gown as Celeste.

At her side was Desmond’s younger sister, Mia Hart.

Mia had always looked down on Celeste, frequently trying to humiliate her with money and telling her to get away from Desmond.

low, looking at Celeste, Mia’s face was twisted with disdain. “Celeste Reese, you have absolutely no shame. What kind of event do you think this is, showing up

ressed like that?”

You think a little piece of tape can hide how ugly and low–class you are?”

Mia, stop it! Ms. Reese is your future sister–in–law. You should be nice to her.” Stella said, tugging on Mia’s arm as if to restrain her.

Mia scoffed. “Some delinquent is supposed to be my sister–in–law? Please. My brother’s grateful to her, but he sure as hell doesn’t love her. He loves you, Stella. ou’re the only sister–in–law I’ll ever accept!”

ler voice was just loud enough for the people nearby to overhear, and a small crowd began to discreetly gather.

Don’t say that. I’m the one who let Desmond down. If I had known, I would have taken care of him, too.” Stella said, her eyes turning red with faux regret.

tella looked like she was about to burst into tears, a picture of pity, but her words were laced with venom. “It’s all my fault, Mia, so don’t take it out on Ms. teese. She’ll be the woman of the house, and you’ll have to depend on her for everything.”

Depend on her? Are you kidding me? Who the hell does she think she is? A disfigured delinquent! The Hart family would never allow trash like her through he door!” Mia, who was simple minded and easily goaded, flew into a rage at Stella’s words and lunged at celeste, ready to attack her

Let me show everyone this bitch’s true face! You think saving my brother makes you some kind of princess? Dream on!”

Celeste took a deep breath and stepped back, having no desire to get into it with Mia.

3ut Mia was relentless. She lunged forward and ripped the scar cover from Celeste’s neck, revealing the gruesome burn underneath

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