He Gave Her Strawberries, Gave Me Hives (Ford and Sylvia) novel Chapter 81

Jesmond made six dishes and a soup: three seafood, two meat, and one stir–fried chrysanthemum greens.

hey were all of Stella’s favorite foods.

When Celeste walked into the dining room, she saw Stella sitting in her usual seat, intently learning how to peel shrimp from Desmond.

he plate in front of Stella was already piled high with shells.

Ms. Reese, come eat! Desmond is an amazing cook. We peeled all these shrimp together. They’re for you.” Stella said with a brilliant smile, pushing a plate of eeled shrimp to an empty place setting.

You two go ahead.” Celeste said flatly.

tella’s smile froze on her face, and her eyes immediately welled up. “Ms. Reese, Desmond and I are just friends now. I truly, genuinely wish you two nothing

ut happiness.”

If you don’t want to see me, I can leave right now. Desmond worked so hard cooking for you, you should at least eat a little.” Stella pleaded, on the verge of ears as she reached for Celeste’s wrist.

eleste stepped back to avoid her touch. Stella froze where she stood as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have intruded.” Stella cried before turning to run, but Desmond stopped her.

Celeste, she was just being nice and asking you to eat. How could you treat her like that?” Desmond’s expression darkened with displeasure.

eleste’s heart sank, a bitter sting filling her eyes. “Is there a single dish on that table I can even eat?”

he was allergic to seafood.

nd as for the other dishes, every last one was garnished with cilantro, which she also couldn’t eat.

bandoned by her parents as a child, Celeste had been raised by an abusive housekeeper who would shove a handful of cilantro in her mouth every time she

it her.

was a trauma she could never escape.

he had told him her story while he was in his coma, and he had heard it.

Whenever they went out to eat, Desmond would always make a point to tell the staff several times, “No cilantro.”

ut today, he hadn’t.

Jesmond’s expression stiffened for a moment, as if he’d just remembered something

Then, he took Celeste’s hand and, ignoring her resistance, began leading her toward the door. “Ill take you out to eat

They had just reached the doorway when a loud crash echoed from behind them Stella had knocked over her chair and fallen to the floor with a cry of pain

Ouch, that hurts.”

Her knee was scraped and red. She looked up, her eyes swimming with tears

Desmond instinctively let go of Celeste’s hand and rushed to check on Stella’s knee.

‘Desmond, my leg hurts so much. Do you think it’s broken?” Stella sobbed.

20:26

He Gave Her Strawberries, Gave Me Hives. I Gave Them Both A One Way Ticket To BANKRUPTCY

Chapter 5

“Don’t be scared. I’ll take you to the hospital.” Desmond said, lifting her into his arms. Ie slowed his pace for a second as he passed by Celeste.

The moment Stella let out another whimper, he immediately picked up his pace and left.

As he carried her away, Stella shot Celeste a triumphant look over his shoulder, silently mouthing, “You lost. Again.”

Celeste’s eyes burned. Watching Desmond’s retreating back, she finally broke down and cried.

Between her and Stella, Desmond would always, without fail, choose Stella.

In the early hours of the morning, Celeste got a text from Desmond telling her to come to the hospital right away. He said he was feeling dizzy and needed her.

Even if she didn’t love him anymore, Celeste still didn’t want anything bad to happen to him.

she rushed to his hospital room, only to find him holding Stella in his arms, desperately trying to restrain himself.

Desmond, I wish so badly I hadn’t been so selfish and run away five years ago. I wish I could have been the one taking care of you all that time. Is that why you von’t touch me? Because you hate me for it?” Stella pressed her lips against his. “I’m still a virgin. I’ve been saving myself for you.”

Desmond turned his head to avoid the kiss but couldn’t bring himself to push her away. His face was flushed, his voice thick with desire. “Don’t do this. I can’t uin you.”

I want this,” Stella whispered, cupping his face in her hands and kissing him deeply. “I want to be your woman, Desmond. Just once, just this once.”

Desmond’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his eyes growing darker. He slid a hand to the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

he temperature in the room climbed as Stella began to undress.

oon, the room was filled with the sounds of a man’s heavy breathing and a woman’s soft moans.

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