<b>Chapter </b><b>172 </b>
-CELINE-
The penthouse overlooking Central Park was exactly what I had expected for Caroline and Fredric’s engagement party…elegant, sophisticated, and filled with the kind of people who belonged in magazines.
Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over groups of guests sipping champagne and making polite conversation.
The floor–to–ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city lights, and everything from the flower arrangements to the perfectly coordinated catering screamed expensive taste.
“This is incredible,” ke whispered as we stepped inside, her eyes wide as she took in the wealthy surroundings.
smoothed my hands over my navy dress one more time, grateful that Hunter’s impable taste had guaranteed I had fit right in.
Around us, women wore designer gowns and men sported tailored suits that probably cost more than most people’s monthly <b>rent</b>.
“Celine!” Caroline’s voice stood out as she approached us. radiant in a stunning champagne–colored gown that made her look like a fairy tale
princess.
She pulled me into a warm hug, careful not to crush either of our dresses. “You look absolutely gorgeous! That dress is perfect on you.”
“You look incredible,” I said, meaning it. “This whole ce is amazing.”
Before I could finish mypliment, a tall man with kind eyes and an easy smile approached us.
“This must be the famous Celine,” he said, stretching out his hand with genuine warmth. “I’m Fredric. Caroline talks about you constantly.”
“All good things, I hope,” I replied, shaking his hand and immediately liking his straightforward manner.
“The best things,” he assured me.
“She credits you with keeping her sane through high school and everything after. I owe you a debt of gratitude for taking such good care of
my fiancée.”
Caroline beamed at him, and I could see why she had fallen for him. He had a genuine quality that was rare in wealthy circles–at least from
my little experience.
As we chatted, I found myself rxing for the first time in days.
This felt normal, social, like the kind of evening I used to dream about having–good friends, graceful surroundings, and the simple pleasure of getting dressed up and celebrating love.
“I need to steal Celine for a moment,” Caroline said, linking her arm through mine.
Her expression had shifted to something more serious, and my stomach immediately tightened.
“Everything okay?” I asked as she led me toward a quieter corner.
“There’s something I need to tell you,” she said quietly, ncing around to make sure we weren’t overheard. “Mia ckwood is here<b>.</b><b>” </b>
My chest tightened, but I forced myself to take a steady breath.
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“Fredric and Iran into her at Meridianst week you know, that ridiculoutly expensive restaurant he loves. She was dining alone, and when
she saw us, she came over to say hello.”
Caroline’s expression was apologetic but determined.
“Fredric didn’t know about… well, about Eleanor’s ns for her and Hunter. So when she mentioned wanting to congratte us, he invited her tonight.”
“Caroline, you don’t have to exin,” I said, cing my hand on her arm. “It’s your party. You can invite anyone you want.”
“Yes, but knowing she’s the woman Aunt Eleanor wants for Hunter….”
“Hey.” I cut her off gently, surprised by my own calm.
“This is your engagement party. I’m not going to let Eleanor’s matchmaking schemes ruin your celebration.”
Caroline studied my face, searching for any sign that I was just putting on a brave front. “Are you sure? Because I can ask her to leave. Fredric would understand once I exined.”
“I’m sure,” I said, and meant it. “Besides, I’m curious to get to know the woman who has Eleanor so convinced she’s perfect for Hunter.”
As if summoned by our conversation, I caught sight of Mia across the room.
She was everything I had envied–tall, elegant, with the kind of effortless beauty that came from good genes and expensive maintenance.
Her ck dress was sophisticated without being shy, and she moved through the crowd with the confidence of someone <b>who </b>had never doubted her ce in the world.
She was also looking directly at me.
“She knows who I am,” I murmured to Caroline.
“Of course she does. The question is what she ns to do about it.”
Before I could respond, Mia was walking toward us, her smile polite and perfectly calibrated.
“Caroline, what a wonderful party,” she said, air–kissing Caroline’s cheeks with skillful uracy. “Fredric has excellent taste.”
“Thank you, Mia. I’m so d you could make it.” Caroline’s voice was polite but cooler than usual. “I would like you to meet my best friend,
Celine.”
Mia turned to me with that same perfect smile, but I caught the calcting look in her blue eyes as they swept over my dress, my face, and finally remained on my still–small bump.
“Celine,” she said warmly, extending her manicured hand. “How lovely to see you again.”
I shook her hand briefly, remembering our previous meeting at Hunter’s mansion. She was just as bright then and just as careful in her judgment of me.
“Hello, Mia,” I replied, keeping my voice neutral. “Nice to see you too.”
“I remember now–we met briefly at Hunter’s house when you were working there.” The mention of my old job as his maid was sharp and pointed, meant to remind everyone nearby of the ss difference between us.
But instead of feeling embarrassed, I found myself standing straighter. “Yes, that’s right. It seems like a lifetime ago.”
“Things have certainly changed since then,” she agreed, her smile never wavering.
Then her hand shot out, grasping mine with surprising firmness. “Congrattions on your pregnancy, by the way. Such exciting news.”
The blood drained from my face. How could she possibly know? Hunter and I had been so careful, only telling Caroline and a few close
friends<b>. </b>
My mind raced–had Hunter told her? Had Eleanor somehow found out and shared the information?
“Thank you,” I managed, my voice steady despite the panic racing through my system.
I tried to pull my hand away, but her grip tightened for just a moment before releasing me.
“Your son is adorable too,” Mia continued, apparently ignorant to my shock. “Caesar, isn’t it? Such a sweet boy. I heard he’s been adjusting
well to his new circumstances.<b>” </b>
Every word felt like a sharp reminder. She knew personal details about my life and my family.
The simple way she spoke about Caesar made my skin crawl.
“He’s around here somewhere,” I said, forcing a smile. “Probably with ke, charming someone into giving him extra dessert.”
“Children are such a joy,” Mia said wistfully, her eyes taking on a dreamy quality.
“I’ve always wanted a big family myself. There’s something so appealing about the idea of building somethingsting with the right person.”
The message was very clear. She saw herself as the right person for Hunter, and my presence was merely a temporary obstacle to ovee.
“Well,” I said, deciding I’d had enough of this conversation, “I should go find Caesar and make sure he’s not causing too much trouble. Enjoy the party, Mia.”
“Of course. It was so lovely to finally meet you properly, Celine.”
As I walked away, I felt her watching me closely, noticing every step and movement. The meeting made me feel helpless, as if she could see through all my defenses.
Caroline appeared at my elbow within seconds. “What did she say to you?” she asked, concern etched across her features.
“Nothing I need to worry about,” I lied, not wanting to burden my friend on her special night. “Just the usual pleasantries.”
Before Caroline could investigate further, a familiar voice called my name from across the room.
<b>“</b>Celine? Celine Brown?”
I turned to see a man approaching with a huge grin, and it took me a moment to ce him.
Then recognition hit like lightning.
“ncey?” I gasped, hardly believing my eyes.
“I knew it was you!” He reached me in three quick strides, pulling me into a warm hug that smelled like expensive cologne and brought back a flood of memories from our time at the motel and hospital.
“What are the odds?”
“What are you doing here?<b>” </b>I asked, stepping back to look at him properly.
He looked different in his tailored suit–more polished, more at home in these surroundings than I would have expected.
“Fredric’s my cousin,” he exined, his green eyes bright with genuine pleasure at seeing me.
<b>“</b>When I heard he was getting engaged, I had toe support him. But I never imagined I’d run into you here.”
“Your cousin?” The pieces clicked into ce. “That’s why you were in that area for business meetings.”
“Family business,” he confirmed with a wry smile.
“The exciting world of corporate restructuring. Not nearly as exciting as pancakes and diner coffee, but it pays the bills.”
I found myselfughing for the first time since arriving at the party, the sounding easily and naturally.
ncey had always had that effect on me–making me feel normal, rxed, like I could just be myself without worrying about judgment or ulterior motives.
“How’s Caesar?” he asked, his expression growing more serious. “Is he here tonight?”
“He’s with a friend somewhere,” I said, ncing around the room. “Probably making friends with every adult who’ll listen to his stories about dinosaurs and superheroes.”
“Some things never change,” ncey said fondly.
“He was quite the chatterbox at the hospital. And you? How are you doing? You look…” He paused, studying my face with those sharp green
eyes.
“You look happy. Really happy.”
“I am,” I realized, and it was true.
Despite Eleanor’s schemes and Mia’s veiled threats and all theplications of my rtionship with Hunter, I was genuinely happy.
“Things are good. Really good.”
“I’m d,” ncey said softly. “You deserve all the happiness <b>in </b>the world, Celine. Both you and Caesar.”
The simple sincerity of his words made something warm bloom in my chest.
Here was someone who had seen me at my lowest point–copsed in a motel room, desperate and afraid–and still looked at me like I was
worth something.
Before I could respond, ke appeared at my elbow with Caesar in tow, my son’s face lighting up when he spotted ncey.
“Uncle ncey!” Caesarunched himself at the man who had bought him pancakes months ago, apparently remembering him perfectly despite the time that had passed.
“Hey there, buddy!” ncey scooped Caesar up easily, spinning him around before setting him back down. “Look how much you’ve grown!
You’re practically a giant now.”
Caesar giggled, the sound drawing warm smiles from other party guests nearby. “Are you friends with Aunt Caroline too?”
“Caroline’s marrying my cousin,” ncey exined. “Which makes us all family now, in a way.”
The simple statement made something swell in my chest.
<b>4/5 </b>
Family.
The word had taken on such different meanings for me over the past few months, but this felt right. Chosen family, found family, the kind of
connections that mattered more than blood.
For the first time in weeks, I felt like I belonged somewhere.
Not because of Hunter’s wealth or status, not because of what I could offer someone else, but simply because I was me.
And that’s when I heard his voice cut through the ambient party noise like a de.
“Celine.”
I turned to see Hunter approaching us, devastating in his ck suit<b>, </b>but there was something in his blue eyes that made my pulse quicken
with anxiety rather than attraction.
He looked like a storm barely contained, and I could see the exact moment his gazended on ncey’s hand resting casually on Caesar’s
shoulder.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees..
“Hunter,” I said carefully, moving instinctively closer to him. “You made it.”
But his attention was entirely focused on ncey, his jaw tight, his stance spreading out the kind of controlled danger that made smart
people step back.
The evening that had felt perfect a moment ago suddenly seemed uncertain, and I had a sinking feeling that everything was about to change
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