Chapter 107
I didn't admit to Levi that I was the girl from his childhood story.
He asked me why I was crying. I said I was just too tired.
I said I hoped my home could be a bit quieter. I went back to my room alone, and somehow, I slept really well that night.
When I woke up in the morning, I looked at the spot next to me. The sheets were barely wrinkled - Levi must not have come back to the bedroom last night.
He probably rested in the study. There are too many rooms in this house, and I don't really care where he sleeps.
Anyway, I don't feel uncomfortable without him around.
"Mommy, are you awake? Can I come in?"
Celestia knocked on the door.
"I'm awake, come in."
I got out of bed and put on a jacket. I think I'm catching a cold - even though I'm at home, I feel cold.
Celestia came in holding a big apple.
"I wanted to share it with Hayden. I even woke up early, but he and Auntie Cleo are both gone."
"They're gone?"
I checked the time. "Did they take your brother to school?"
Celestia shook her head. "All their stuff is gone. Indigo said they won't be living at our house anymore."
Since Cleo's not staying anymore, I guess Jessa has no reason to stick around either. Now that they're gone, the air in the house instantly feels fresher.
"Then I'll have Auntie Faye move back today to keep you company."
"Great! We can fold stars together."
Faye's internship at Levi's company is pretty casual - she shows up when she feels like it. She's comfortable staying with me. She told me Levi's mom has started nagging her, telling her to focus on her studies and not obsess over celebrity heartthrobs.
"Where's your dad?"
"Dad's in the dining room. He told me to call you for breakfast."
"Okay, I'll wash up first. You guys start eating, I'll be right there."
Celestia gently closed the door, and the room became quiet again.
Levi hasn't left for the office yet. Does their leaving have anything to do with him? After all, he hasn't been trying to kick Jessa out these past few days.
Sure enough, without outsiders around, the house is much quieter.
I came to the dining room. Levi and Celestia were chatting, and they hadn't started eating yet.
"Mommy, you're finally here. The milk is just right to drink now."
Celestia thoughtfully pushed the milk toward me and started distributing today's breakfast.
If it weren't for Arabella, my Celestia would already be in kindergarten by now. She's been stuck at home all winter, and we're both at work with no one to keep her company.
Sometimes I really struggle with my decision to work - I spend so little time with my child. And one troubling thing after another - I haven't given her a good living environment.
"Why aren't you guys eating? Go ahead and eat."
"Daddy said to wait for you."
Before, the two of them would already be eating, but back then I wasn't working and basically always had breakfast with them.
Sometimes I would even make breakfast for them myself.
Indigo used to joke that when I cooked, she could actually relax.
"Celestia, Auntie Faye said she'll be here before lunch. Be good at home, and if anything comes up, tell Mommy right away."
"I know, Mommy. Daddy said you're busy, so if anything happens, I should contact him."
I glanced at Levi. He seemed different today somehow, with a bit more warmth in his eyes.
"Is your back feeling better?"
"Yeah."
Levi put down his milk glass and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"Did you find a place for your sister?"
Even though Cleo's arrogance annoys me, thinking about her being abandoned still makes me feel sorry for her.
"Yeah, it's in your name."
My name?
Did Levi buy a new place?
"What does that have to do with me..."
"She's just staying there temporarily."
I watched him get up and leave for work. Celestia finished her meal and went back to her room, leaving me alone in a daze.
Looks like I now own a property. When Cleo moves out, if I don't want to come home, I'll have a temporary refuge.
This is the first time in years Levi has given me something other than money. I feel kind of pleasantly surprised.
When I got to the office, Nola was already in my office.
She was drinking coffee, and as soon as I walked in, she was all smiles.
"Blair, your coffee has arrived."
I had a weird feeling. Usually, when she's like this, she's either riding high or has new gossip to share with me.
"Spill it. What's up?"
I put down my bag and sat next to her.
Nola raised her coffee. "Congrats, you finally have some peace and quiet. I heard they all left."
"Your gossip skills are way too strong. You even know what's happening in my house?"
I seriously suspect she's installed surveillance in my home, or how would she know so fast?
"Of course. That house was recommended by that silly guy."
"John?"
Nola nodded. "Yep, that's right."
"They're that close already?"
Levi's affairs are usually handled by his people. He's only met John two or three times, and he trusts him that much already?
"Who knows? He told me last night that Levi asked him about houses in the middle of the night. He was super sleepy but suddenly wide awake, calling all his friends asking about properties, all to satisfy his idol."
"So you two night owls started gossiping about this?"
Nola giggled. "You really know us too well."
"John said, from a guy's perspective, your Levi really cares about you. You two should find time to have a good talk. Without outside interference, you'd be really happy together."
"Thanks so much. Instead of gossiping about me when you have time, why not focus on work?"
I took a sip of coffee, processing Levi's "special attention" toward me.
Nola pouted. "Look who's talking. We need to think about adding another collection. New Year's is coming up."
"I've already thought of it."
"You have?"
I nodded. "Yeah."
"Tell me!" Nola's eyes were full of anticipation.
"The New Year theme will be 'stars.' I'll start designing in the next few days. I don't need help - I'll complete it independently."
"Isn't 'stars' a bit ordinary? There are so many trendy styles now. Aren't we going for a big hit?"
I actually have selfish reasons. From the moment I saw Levi's star collection, I was pretty much set on this theme to commemorate those times.
"Even if sales aren't good this time, I'm doing it. If we lose money, it's on me." I was determined to do this.
Nola rolled her eyes at me. "I've never doubted your abilities, and I'll support whatever you want to do. Stop saying you'll take responsibility alone."
"Hey, go get ready for the meeting. I won't be attending. Also, have the marketing department keep a close eye on things - make sure we don't get into a price war with other brands right now."
"Okay, okay, whatever you say, Ms. Ember."
She ran out as soon as she finished speaking. Any later and I would have thrown something at her.