Chapter 96

Chapter 96

Crimson was waiting at the lobby by the time we returned to Queen's Courtyard.

"Did you two enjoy your time together?" He asked.

“We had a great time,” I replied. “But we had to cut it short because Cleo's leg was hurting from all the running around at the zoo.”

His face broke into a wide smile as he scooped our daughter into his arms, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Did you miss Daddy?”

Cleo nodded, snuggling into his shoulder. "Cleo is sad because Daddy can't come to the zoo with us. But Mommy promised we will have a fun outing together soon, so I'm feeling better.”

"That sounds wonderful! We'll all go out together in the future— you, Mommy, and Daddy. Will that make you happy?”

Our daughter beamed with excitement and nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes! Cleo will be very happy!”

Seeing them together made me grateful that despite our complicated relationship, both Crimson and I still cared deeply for our child.

"Why are you here?" I inquired. Curious. As far as I knew, he was busy. I wondered how he found the time to come here at all.

"I need to talk to you. It's about Celestine.”

“Alright. We can talk on the restaurant terrace.”

“By the way, I brought you a black forest cake.”

My pupils dilated in surprise, but I immediately composed myself. “Thank you. That's really thoughtful of you. Sapphire's at the front desk. We can leave Cleo there for a while so we can have a private talk.”

“Alright,” he agreed.

We made our way toward the front desk, where my stepsister was indeed present. Her face instantly lit up the moment her eyes landed on Cleo.

“Auntie Saph! How have you been? Cleo misses you.”

“Awww. I'm great. I miss you too, baby girl.”

Finally, Sapphire turned to look at me. I cleared my throat and explained to her that Crimson and I needed to have a private conversation, asking if she could watch Cleo for a little while.

"Of course, no problem at all.”

With that settled, Crimson and I made our way to the restaurant terrace, where we could talk in peace.

“Do you want some drinks?” I offered.

“Don't bother. I won't be staying long.”

“So, tell me about Celestine. What did she do this time?” I asked. Knowing Celestine, I wouldn't be surprised if she had a trick up her sleeve.

"I've heard from a reliable source that she's attempting to bribe officers and judges in order to receive a lenient sentence for her crimes. She's also using her influence to advocate for her own release.”

He continued. "Did you also hear about the man who works closely with her, supposedly her right-hand man? Even though Celestine won't reveal any information about him, he is rumored to be supporting her from behind the scenes.”

Now that Crimson mentioned an accomplice, I remembered a couple of times in the past seeing Celestine with a man who had the same build and height as Crimson. I often thought it was him. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember his face since it's been a long time.

"Elizabeth, please be careful… always… We are unsure of Celestine's intentions. Just because she appears to be locked up doesn't guarantee your safety.”

“I’ll be very careful,” I assured him. “As long as I don't leave the hotel, I'll be safe. We have plenty of guards.”

—

The very next day, Crimson arrived for another visit.

I was busy going over some reports and trying to meet a deadline when suddenly, a knock sounded on the door.

“Come in.” I called out, thinking it's one of my employees needing something.

I couldn’t picture how surprised I was when Crimson walked in, holding a small box of treats in his hand. I couldn't believe my eyes that he's here. We just saw each other yesterday.

My mouth watered as I caught a glimpse of the Tiramisu cake nestled inside the box. Tiramisu was one of my favorite desserts. He knew that it's my weakness.

I could feel my heart race as he walked closer. I wish my heart could just behave normally when he's around.

He hesitated for a moment, appearing to gather the right words before speaking. "I just wanted to drop by to give you these treats.”

“You've already given me cake yesterday.” I told him.

“Today's different. This is a thank you treat for taking good care of our daughter.”

I felt a warm feeling spread through me at his words. It was nice to know that he's showing appreciation for my efforts.

Maybe it's not bad if I open my heart to him as a friend.

"I can't stay for much longer. My secretary is probably going crazy searching for me. I need to get back to my office before he completely loses it," he said with a grin.

I chuckled, feeling more at ease with him now. "Well, thank you again for this.” I smiled, lifting the box in the air. “You have to go now before he comes to pick you up!”

He nodded and started to head for the door. "I'll see you around."

I waved at him before the door closed then went back to work.

—

At approximately four o'clock, the door of my office swung open and in walked Samantha. "Are you busy?" She inquired, glancing at the stack of paperwork on my desk.

"Not anymore. I've just completed all my tasks for the day," I replied.

She appeared anxious, and I could empathize with her situation. It was clear that she was dealing with pre-wedding jitters.

“What brings you by?"

“The wedding is next week but I have no idea where to find a gown!"

"Well, I know just the place. I would recommend checking out Exquisite Collections.”

I gave her an encouraging smile and continued, “You can ask the boutique if they can accommodate your request for a gown in less than a week.”

“Thank you. I'll stop by after work.” Samantha said with a relieved smile. The worry and anxiety that had been visible on her face disappeared in an instant.

"I'm glad I could help. In fact, I would like to accompany you to the boutique.”

Her eyes lit up like fireworks at night. “Really?” She replied. Clearly overwhelmed.

“Wait for me at the lobby. I'll be there after work.”

Sam got out the door and gently closed it behind her.

—

Exquisite Boutique is conveniently situated just a short distance from Ashford's mall.

“How may I help you Ma'am?” A friendly sales associate approached us.

“We're here to browse for wedding gowns,” Sam replied.

“You came to the right place. Our current designs won't disappoint you.”

The sales associate led us to the bridal section of the boutique, where a stunning array of gowns in various styles and designs were on display.

After trying some gowns, Sam finally found the right one. The intricate lace detailing, the flattering silhouette, everything about it was just right.

“I think this is it,” She whispered.

I couldn't agree more. She looked like a princess in the gown, and I knew she would be a beautiful bride on her special day.

My best friend had a huge smile on her face when we left the boutique. She looked evidently relieved to have found the perfect gown for her wedding day.

—

Days passed by and my daughter finally had to return to her father.

Seeing her walk through the door brought a flood of emotions to the surface. The few days she spent with me felt like it wasn't enough. I held back tears as I hugged her tightly.

“I'll be back again in a few weeks mommy. Please take care of yourself.” She placed a soft kiss on my cheeks.

“Alright sweetie. You take care too, okay?”

I watched her leave, waving until she disappeared from view, wishing that time hadn't passed so quickly.

I threw myself into my paperworks, trying to distract myself from the loneliness that settled in after my daughter left.

Every spare moment, I found myself thinking of her, missing her presence.

“When will Cleo be returning?” My step sister asked, already missing the little girl.

“In a few weeks, she'll be back,” I replied with a sigh.

“I'm sure she'll be back before we know it,” my step sister reassured me.

I nodded, trying to push away the feeling of emptiness that lingered inside.

“Why can't you just marry her father so the two of you could live together.”

I spluttered some of the coffee I was drinking, taken aback by my step sister's sudden suggestion.

“Marry him? That's...that's not that simple.”

“Why not? Clearly, you still have feelings for him. And it would be better for Cleo to have both parents under one roof.”.

“Crimson has clearly no feelings for me.”

Sapphire elegant brows arched. “Are you sure he has no feelings for you?”

“Yes…. What he has is all in the past now. Both of us have moved on.”

“You say that and yet your expression looks conflicted.” She remarked. “Well, I think you should consider it. At least for Cleo's sake.”

Sapphire's words struck a chord within me.