When Damon and Celeste arrived at Davidson Hospital, Caleb had completed the pre-surgery preparations. At that point, he was already in the operating room."Family member, please sign here. It's better to do the heart transplant as soon as possible," Nicholas stated as he approached them.He skipped the pleasantries and immediately handed the surgical risk disclosure form to Celeste.Celeste's hand trembled violently. She could neither read the contents of the form nor write. Then, she took a deep breath, trying to compose herself.At that moment, Damon's hand enveloped hers as he helped her sign the form."He'll be fine. Trust me," he said in a low voice."Okay."There was a slight nasal tone in Celeste's voice. Seeing her in such a vulnerable state tugged at his heartstrings.Caleb's surgery lasted for over four hours. During that time, Celeste waited outside without moving.Damon could not bear to watch any longer. He took her to a chair outside the operating room before gi
Celeste took a week off to take care of Caleb. Thus, her plans to work had to be put on hold.However, she was relieved that Caleb had mild rejection reactions and adapted well to the new heart.According to his attending physician, he could resume a normal life with the support of regular medication in less than six months.As Caleb became healthier with each passing day, Celeste's sleep quality improved significantly, too.Back then, she found it hard to fall back asleep after waking up from nightmares. But now she had someone sleeping by her side.Perhaps because of that, each time she woke up, Damon would embrace her. While listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat, Celeste could easily drift off to sleep again.After some time, she realized that she was having far fewer nightmares than before.Celeste would go back and forth between the hospital and the villa daily. Although tough, she was well aware of Caleb's physical well-being. With that, she started to worry less.
The following morning, Damon had someone prepare their outfits.He wore a classically designed Irethian-style bespoke suit in silver-gray. Damon paired it with a navy blue tie and handmade leather shoes, showing his exceptional taste.On the other hand, Celeste was dressed in a navy blue strapless gown with black high heels, complementing his look as a couple.The navy blue dress accentuated the freshness and elegance of her fair, flawless skin.Damon looked at Celeste. Suddenly, he handed her a box, saying, "Put this on."She opened it with confusion. In the next second, her eyes widened in disbelief.It was the recently auctioned gem from Christie's Auction House—the pink diamond bracelet!With her expert insight, Celeste was knowledgeable about the prices and quality of jewelry.Although she didn't pay much attention to the auction, she could still guess the closing price of the bracelet made of ten pink diamonds, each weighing ten carats."T-This is too expensive. I can't
Leah had also attended the auction at Christie's a few days ago.At that time, a mysterious buyer bid 90 million dollars and successfully acquired the legendary pink diamond bracelet.The crowd could not help but marvel. Indeed, in Taverdale, there were extraordinary individuals.Leah secretly speculated on the identity of this mysterious buyer, too.At that moment, the pink diamond bracelet was on Celeste's wrist. So, the answer was clear as day.Leah could not believe that Damon would spend such a staggering amount for Celeste. At that instant, she struggled to catch her breath.Serena noticed the change in Leah's expression. She followed the latter gaze and saw the pink diamonds on Celeste's wrist.Upon opening her mouth, Serena immediately taunted, "Ms. York's appetite is much larger than I imagined."Such an embarrassing remark would have made anyone else turn red. Yet, Celeste remained composed."I have an average appetite, but my man is willing to feed me," she countere
"Back in the day, Danny and I used to play around here a lot," Leah said as she strolled alongside Celeste by the Bishop family's artificial lake. Her voice carried a gentle undertone."We would often play by the lake. One time, Danny wasn't watching me, and I accidentally fell into the water."He was so frantic, crying on the shore. The butler had to come and rescue me."Because of that incident, Mrs. Bishop made Danny kneel for an entire day and wouldn't let him eat."Danny lost his father at a young age. Since our family had no boys, my father treated Danny like his own son, stepping up as a male figure whenever he needed one."Of course, Danny was quite the protector. He got into plenty of fights at school to defend me."As they walked, Leah continued sharing her history with Damon."The night before I married Robin, I spent the whole night in tears with Danny. Ms. York, has a man ever shed tears for you?"Celeste, still caught up in the innocent and carefree childhood tale
Celeste stood on the shore, watching Leah splashing around in the lake.Her mind raced for half a minute.Serena had hoped for a rekindling of the connection between Damon and Leah.Whether Celeste could prove her innocence or not, this would surely be pinned on her.Moreover, everyone was busy at the banquet, with no witnesses around.If the accusation of "pushing Leah into the water" stuck, not only Serena, but even Damon wouldn't let her off.After all, they shared a bond deep enough to cry in each other's arms all night.This realization left Celeste with a momentarily suffocating feeling.Now, the only conceivable solution was to jump in herself.Fight fire with fire. It was a reluctantly chosen path to clear her name.Leah continued shouting, and without overthinking, Celeste hastily took a step and plunged into the water as well."Don't be afraid, Ms. Sullivan! I'll rescue you!" she yelled. She intentionally thrashed around a bit near Leah before sinking to the bottom
Did Celeste love him?Damon pondered on it, unable to be sure.Nicholas had left, leaving Damon looking at Celeste, both angry and frightened.This woman was truly insane. Setting aside the fact that Leah was Damon's childhood friend, her actions were inappropriate.Even for the sake of her well-being, she shouldn't act this way! Why couldn't they communicate properly?Just then, Celeste, seemingly disturbed by a dream, suddenly woke up and sat up.Her gaze around the room was vacant and fragile. After a while, her focus shifted to Damon's face.Damon's heart ached, but he kept a cold demeanor."Not afraid to die when awake, yet every time you sleep, nightmares terrify you. Celeste, you've done too much wrong."Celeste stared blankly for a moment before saying, "Still alive, huh? That's nice."After speaking, she surprisingly lowered her head and chuckled.Damon's suppressed anger erupted. He grabbed Celeste by the neck, veins bulging on his forehead."If you want to die so
Damon returned to the villa, still angry with Celeste.Edna greeted him, noticing his gloomy expression."Mr. Bishop, why did you come back alone? Where's Mrs. Bishop? I even made scallop risotto for Mrs. Bishop.""Are you all being so nice to Celeste because of me?" he suddenly asked, recalling Liam's phone call."I can't speak for others, but I certainly am not. Although Mrs. Bishop doesn't talk much, she's kind-hearted and gentle. I like Mrs. Bishop."Edna, who had served in wealthy households for many years, had encountered various high-and-mighty attitudes.Someone like Celeste, who was easy to serve, was a first."One time, I cut my hand while working, and Mrs. Bishop, to keep me from cooking lunch, specifically said she had no appetite."I later found her quietly cooking instant noodles in the kitchen in the afternoon.""Is that so?"Celeste had never shown such a side in front of him. She was like a hedgehog with all its spines intact, unwilling to reveal her soft sid