Chapter 149
Caitlin had always been an orphan.
She was one in her past life.
And she was one in this one, too.
She never understood why it was always her-why she was the one nobody wanted.
Back then, she had no grandfather. At just six or seven years old, she called the shelter under a bridge home. Every night, her favorite thing was to lie on the concrete and gaze up at the stars, trying to figure out why every other child seemed to have parents, and she didn’t.
She wished she could feel a mother’s affection, a father’s strong arms. She wished she could wear a beautiful dress. She wished she could taste cotton candy just once.
She looked tough, all barbs and bravado, and the kids nearby kept their distance. No one dared play with her.
But no one knew that beneath all those prickly defenses, the little terror everyone avoided would sometimes sneak away late at night to cry where no one could
see.
She cried so hard, her small body wracked with sobs, until eventually, she fell asleep leaning against the cold stone of the bridge.
In her dreams, she saw her parents come for her at last. They hugged her tight and apologized, saying they had lost her years ago by accident. She couldn’t see their faces clearly, but she was so happy-beaming so hard her cheeks hurt. From then on, she’d have parents, just like everyone else.
But as she smiled, the dream faded.
She always woke up alone, with nothing but the freezing dark and the wind for company.
When she was eight, someone from social services found her.
During her time at the orphanage, she finally got a real name: Caitlin Kensington. The director gave it to her.
Later, thanks to her uncanny talents, she was chosen for the accelerated youth program at a top research institute.
And after that no one called her by her name anymore.
She became Miss Kensington. Professor Kensington. Boss Kensington.
But on those nights when the world went quiet, she sometimes wondered who she really was. Was there anyone, somewhere out there, looking for her?
Still, in this life, she was luckier than before.
This time, she had a grandfather.
Every time she saw Fortune, she felt warmth spread through her chest.
With Fortune, she discovered a kind of family she’d never known.
Hearing Caitlin’s answer, Celeste felt her heart lurch.
She’d known Caitlin for years, but she’d never seen her like this.
The Caitlin she knew was strong-so strong she could face down a whole gang of troublemakers on her own and barely flinch.
But now, she looked so fragile, as if the gentlest touch might shatter her.
“Catie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t—” Celeste reached out and squeezed Caitlin’s hand, guilt twisting in her gut.
Why had she brought up Caitlin’s parents? She should’ve kept her mouth shut.
“It’s okay.” Caitlin looked up and smiled, the dimple in her cheek softening her expression. “It’s all in the past p>
Celeste let out a shaky breath, relieved by the smile. Still, she couldn’t help asking, “But, Catie, have you ever thought about finding your parents p>
Celeste figured it couldn’t be that hard—after all, Caitlin had that unique birthmark.
“No,” Caitlin said, shaking her head.
“Why not?” Celeste pressed.
Caitlin took a bite of her bunny-shaped dessert. “Because when my grandpa found me, I was only about three months old. Someone dumped me in a drainage ditch. He said I was covered in blood, and he honestly thought I wouldn’t make it. Turns out I’m tougher than I look—I survived p>
Celeste frowned. “So… your parents abandoned you on purpose p>
A three-month-old couldn’t crawl off on her own. There was no way she’d ended up there by accident.
“I don’t know,” Caitlin said quietly. “But I’ve always wondered… if I’d been a boy, would they have still thrown me away p>