CHAPTER 18 Celeste's POV I pressed the power button again . And again . Nothing Frustration coiled tight in my chest as I stared at the lifeless screen . The phone refused to turn on , no matter how many times I tried . A bitter sigh escaped my lips . Why , when I was so close to learning the truth ? I clenched my jaw and set the useless device aside . There had to be another way to figure this out . But for now , all I could do was wait . The sky outside had darkened by the time I heard a knock on the door . My heart leaped - then settled when I recognized the familiar voice calling my name . " Theo , " I whispered , a faint smile coming onto my lips . I pulled the door open to find him standing there , holding a few bags in each hand . The familiar smirk on his lips softened . into something more gentle as he took me in . " No offense , Celeste , but you look like you haven't eaten a proper meal in days " I let out a breath of laughter , shaking my head . " Well , yeah , something like that " His brows furrowed , as if that only confirmed his worst suspicions . Without another word , he stepped inside , carrying the bags to the kitchen . It was only when he started unpacking that I noticed something odd WBIL- -are those groceries ? " I asked , bewildered Theo glanced at me , amused " What does it look like ? " I folded my arms . " Since when do you shop for me ? Theo , this is too much " He actually chuckled . I'm not just giving you groceries . But tonight , you're in luck because I'll be cooking for you too . " I gasped . " And since when do you cook too ?! " He shot me a mock - offended look . " You think I got through college living off takeout alone ? " " Yes , actually . " He let out a low chuckle . " Wow , no faith in me at all . " I A small smile tugged at my lips . It had been so long since I felt thing normal Something easy . As Theo moved through the small kitchen with surprising efficiency , I leaned against the counter , watching him " You really can cook , " I murmured , almost to myself . " A powerful CEO and billionaire , cooking in my measly kitchen … " He smirked , shooting me a glance over his shoulder . " There's a lot you don't know about me , Celeste " That made me pause . Maybe it was true . I had spent so much of my life up in Damien that I had let so many things- so many people - fade into the background . Yet , standing here now , I realized how effortless it was with Theo . How easy it was to fall back into step with him , like no time had passed at all 25 BONUS Theo reminisced as he expertly diced the vegetables , a small smirk playing at his lips . " You know , you weren't a bad cook back in college either . " I raised an eyebrow , amused . " Oh ? You remember that ? " He chuckled . " Yeah . But there was something you were even better at. " He set the knife down and turned to face me , his expression softening . " Designing Istilled . " You were brilliant , Celeste , " he continued , his voice quiet but certain . I remember watching you sketch for hours , lost in your own world . It was like watching someone create magic out of nothing . " His words hit something deep inside me . " You had this spark , " he added : " And I know it's still there . " A lump formed in my throat . It had been so long since anyone spoke about me - not as Damien's wife , not as the woman at the center of a scandal - but as the person I used to be . The person I had almost forgotten . I forced a smile , looking away . That was a long time ago , Theo . " So what ? It doesn't mean it's gone I exhaled , pushing past the lump in my throat . " Thank you , Theo . For reminding me . " His lips quivered , but he didn't say anything , just watched me carefully I straightened . " Actually , I need to get a job . Theo raised an eyebrow . " A job ?" " Yes " Determination solidified in my chest . Tm divorced now , and I can't afford to be stagnant . I have to move forward Aunt Eleanor's face flashed in my mind - the way she used to look at me with quiet pride , always believing in me , always pushing me toward something greater . She had high hopes for me , even when I was just a little girl sketching designs in the corner of her office . I refused to disappoint her now " And . " I hesitated " Auntie Eleanor's follow - up treatments will be expensive . I need to help her however I can . " Theo studied me for a moment , then gave a slow nod . Then let me help you . " I blinked . " What ? " He leaned in slightly , his voice lower . " You're a genius designer , Celeste . I looking for a job . Work with me . " I stared at him . " Work with you ? " I know talent when I see it . You don't need to go Theo reached out then , his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear , lingering for just a second longer than песравагу A subtle , intimate gesture His thumb grazed my cheek lightly before he pulled away , making my heart leap . " Think about it , " he murmured before going back to his cooking . The sudden pounding on the door made me stiffen . +25 BONUS Theo froze too , his head snapping toward the sound , his fingers going slack . The chopped vegetables spilled from his hands , scattering across the counter . " Who could it be ? " I wondered , my eyes narrowing as I turned toward the front door . Theo exhaled slowly , wiping his hands on a dish towel . " I'll check , " he said , his voice firm . " Stay here . " But I wasn't about to just stand back . Ignoring his instruction , I followed a few steps behind as he strode toward the door . The moment he pulled it open , a figure pushed hard through the threshold . Damien ! his hand shot out , gripping Theo by the collar . " What the hell ?! " Theo barked , stumbling back as Damien slammed him against the cabinet with a force that rattled the shelves . My heart raced . " Is all this because of you ? " Damien growled , his voice raw with fury . " What the hell did you do at Ravencrest Asylum , Mercer ? " My pulse pounded in my ears . His accusation hung heavy in the air , crackling with rage .. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!