The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 107

Like hell I do.

Celia rolled her eyes mentally, but outwardly, she maintained her picture-perfect, fragile innocence.

Sniffling, her shoulders trembled as she shook her head frantically against his chest.

—Just like a frightened kitten seeking refuge.

Alistair narrowed his eyes, looking calmly at the utterly bewildered Jacob.

"You're not worthy."

With that, he dismissed the entire crowd, placed a hand on Celia's shoulder, and led her out of the auditorium.

Jacob was left standing frozen in place, clutching his bouquet of roses.

--

Stepping out of the auditorium, Alistair led Celia to the track field.

The university had set up various graduation photo backdrops here, so the area was swarming with graduates taking pictures.

Standing in front of him, Celia murmured softly, "Thank you."

He didn't respond immediately. His gaze followed the downward tilt of her head, landing once again on the pale expanse of her neck.

The midday sun was intensely hot.

Looking away, he finally spoke. "You need to seriously consider what we discussed last time."

Celia blinked, her almond eyes wide. "What are you referring to?"

Her eyelashes were still clumped with tears, making her look flawlessly oblivious.

"Your marriage to Talbot," Alistair said flatly. "His character... makes him a terrible match for you."

Hearing this, Celia actually felt a twinge of guilt.

—She wasn't exactly a saint herself.

But on the outside, she put on a mask of deep conflict and misery. "I know. I'll think about it carefully."

Pausing, her eyes seemed to well up with fresh tears. "I just... I just don't know how to handle relationships. Talbot wasn't wrong. Maybe I really just don't deserve to be liked."

Alistair frowned deeply.

A surge of dark irritation flared in his chest.

Pulling out his phone, he pulled up the photo of her throwing a peace sign and handed it over.

Celia rubbed her chin, immediately offering her critique. "Uncle Alistair, you made me look so goofy in this."

He looked at her, genuinely confused.

"Look, the subject is supposed to fill the lower grid lines. And this horizontal line in the background is slicing right through my neck! It's terrible framing."

Listening to her critique, Alistair nodded seriously, absorbing the information. "I'll remember for next time."

Celia smiled, still swiping on his screen. "Next photo, next photo."

Alistair's brow furrowed, his finger stiffening slightly against the phone case.

He stated calmly, "I only took one."

"What?" Celia's eyes went round with exaggerated shock. "I was up there for so long, and you only took one picture?"

His lips pressed into a thin line.

"I was up there giving the valedictory speech! It was my shining moment, and you didn't even take photos..."