Chapter 581
Jennifer was genuinely hurt.
Deeply wounded.
She considered Celia the most important person in her world.
But what was she to Celia?
Caitlin had known her for just a few days, yet Celia treated her like a long-lost sister.
Jennifer had been by Celia’s side her entire life.
She couldn’t understand it. Was her lifelong companionship worth less than that of a complete stranger?
The more Jennifer thought about it, the more her heart ached, a tight knot forming in her chest until it felt hard to breathe.
She kept her composure, however, so Celia didn’t notice her distress. “Jennifer, the guide I found for you today is one of Eldermere’s best. I want you to have fun, too p>
After a moment, Celia added, “If you feel lonely by yourself, you can ask Joie to go with you p>
“Yes, Miss Palmer,” Jennifer replied with a nod.
Ask Joie to accompany her?
Joie was just a maid.
She would never lower herself to spending the day with a servant. She had grown
up with Celia; she was worlds apart from someone like Joie.
With that settled, Celia left the presidential suite.
Caitlin was waiting for her in the hotel lobby.
Celia spotted her the moment she stepped off the elevator.
“Miss Gonzales p>
Caitlin looked up just in time for Celia to rush over and pull her into a warm embrace.
Celia was a straightforward girl, never one to hide her feelings. She had once been infatuated with Tammie Gonzales and had expressed it with fiery passion. Now, her affection was for Caitlin, and she was just as open about it.
“Miss Celia p>
“Don’t call me that,” Celia said. “Just call me Celia. I love the way you say my name p>
“Alright,” Caitlin agreed with a small smile. “And you can just call me Caitlin. Or Freya, if you like p>
“I’ll call you Freya, then,” Celia beamed, remembering that was what Keira and Dowager Hannah Richards called her.
“Perfect p>
Celia linked her arm through Caitlin’s. “So, Freya, where are we going today p>
“First, to the Imperial City gardens,” Caitlin replied.
Celia’s face lit up with excitement. “I’ve heard about the gardens! They have those
places where you can dress up in vintage princess-style dresses, right p>
“Exactly,” Caitlin confirmed. “Let’s get going. I’ve already booked us an appointment for a full makeover p>
“A makeover?” Celia asked.
“A classic fairytale one,” Caitlin said with a smile. “I’m going to give you the full princess-for-a-day experience p>
“Oh, that sounds amazing! I love it p>
Celia was ecstatic.
The two women chatted animatedly as they walked out of the hotel lobby.
From around da corner, Jennifer
emerged, her face a mask of
resentment: She watched them leave, her hand gripping a nearby railing so tightly her knuckles turned white. She had thought Celias fascination with Caitlin was just a passing whim.
But she had been wrong.
Celia was genuinely close with her-intimately so.
Their bond already seemed stronger than the one she and Celia had forged over
a lifetime.
Why?
Why was this happening?
Caitlin was just some lowly Eldermere commoner.
Why was Celia treating her so well?
Did Caitlin even deserve it?
As Caitlin walked out of the lobby, she felt a strange sensation and glanced back over her shoulder, a slight frown on her face.
Celia noticed. “Freya, what’s wrong p>
“Nothing.” From her angle, Caitlin couldn’t see Jennifer hiding in the shadows, so she dismissed the feeling.
The styling studio Caitlin had chosen was just a ten-minute walk from the hotel, so they hadn’t bothered with a car.
As they neared the entrance, a familiar figure approached them.
It was Gavin.
Caitlin greeted him politely. “Uncle p>
While she had her issues with Amanda and Ann, Caitlin could see that Gavin was
a decent man. As the younger one, she always made a point to be respectful.
“Freya,” Gavin responded with a weary smile. He then noticed Celia and nodded. “Miss Palmer p>
Celia returned the greeting. “Mr. Templeton p>
“Where are you headed, Uncle?” Caitlin asked.
Gavin’s expression shifted. “I just came from City Hall. Freya, your aunt and I are divorced. From now on you should probably just call me Mr Templeton
Now that it was over, Gavin wanted to sever all ties with Amanda.
Caitlin was surprised. “Divorced p>
“Yes p>
Seeing he wasn’t joking, Caitlin offered a sincere wish. “Well, an end can also be a new beginning, Mr. Templeton wish you all the best for the future p>
“Thank you, Freya,” Gavin said, managing a genuine smile. “I’m heading south
with a friend. Maybe our paths will cross again someday p>