Chapter 102 Celia
It had been two weeks since Rebecca realized Derek had truly begun courting her. It had been two unexpected weeks filled with warmth, thoughtful gestures, and quiet affection.
Two weeks of feeling seen and cherished in ways she had not expected from him. Two weeks since the doctor assured her that she was almost ready to return to work. And a week since Mr. Hemsworth had finally returned home, bringing a sense of normalcy back into the house.
Monday morning arrived calmly and after Derek left for work, Rebecca settled in the sitting room with a stack of documents and her tablet.
Her secretary had been sending her files daily so she wouldn’t feel completely disconnected from work while she recovered. It helped keep her mind occupied, especially on days when Amelia was not around to keep her company.
She crossed her legs on the sofa and opened the most recent deal proposal her secretary had forwarded, the one she was meant to review before meeting an investor once the doctor officially cleared her. She read carefully, highlighting key points and jotting small notes in the margin. For a moment, she felt like her old self again, focused, composed, and in control.
Just as she was getting absorbed in the document, the doorbell rang.
Her brows knitted slightly. Derek hardly ever returned home this early, and whenever he did, he always called first. Still, a small hopeful thought crossed her mind. Maybe he had decided to surprise her again, the way he had been doing these past few days.
A faint smile curved on her lips as she stood up and walked toward the door since the house helps were out running errands.
She opened the door but it wasn't Derek she saw Standing there. Standing outside was a woman she had never seen before.
Rebecca’s smile faded slightly, replaced by polite curiosity as she wondered who she might be.
The woman was elegant and perfectly composed. She wore a fitted navy-blue dress that hugged her frame neatly, paired with simple but expensive-looking heels. Her hair fell in soft, controlled waves over her shoulders, and her makeup was light yet flawless. She carried a structured leather handbag, and her posture was straight and confident, almost intimidating in a quiet, refined way.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. They simply looked at each other as though weighing their worth.
"Yes?" Rebecca asked politely, though a slight unease had already begun to settle in her chest.
The woman’s gaze moved slowly over Rebecca’s face, studying her with calm precision. It wasn’t openly rude, yet it wasn’t warm either. It felt as though she was quietly assessing her, measuring something Rebecca could not understand.
"Good afternoon," the woman said at last, her voice smooth and controlled. "Is Derek at home?"
Rebecca shook her head gently. "No, he’s still at work. Can I help you with anything?"
The woman gave a small nod, as though she had expected that answer. "I see… I thought as much."
A short silence followed, heavy with unspoken tension.
Then the woman spoke again, her tone softer, almost thoughtful.
"You must be Rebecca."
Rebecca’s heart skipped slightly. "Yes… I am." She replied, she had never seen the lady before, so how did she know her name? She thought.
The woman’s lips curved into a faint smile, polite, but distant. "I’ve heard quite a lot about you."
That single sentence made Rebecca’s stomach tighten subtly. She forced a courteous smile despite the discomfort rising within her.
"I’m sorry," Rebecca said gently, "but… who are you?"
The woman stepped a little closer, though she still kept a respectful distance. "My name is Celia."
She paused deliberately, watching Rebecca’s face as if waiting for recognition. But Rebecca’s expression remained blank. The name meant nothing to her, yet the way the woman said it made it feel significant.
"Please tell Derek that Celia stopped by," she continued calmly. "And tell him… it’s been a long time. We really need to talk."
There was something about the way she said a long time that made Rebecca’s stomach twist slightly.
Still, she nodded politely. "Alright. I’ll let him know."
Celia held her gaze for one more moment, as if trying to read the emotions behind Rebecca’s calm face. Then she gave a small courteous smile. "Thank you."
Without another word, she turned and walked back toward her car. Her heels clicked softly against the tiled porch, each step measured and graceful. Moments later, the engine started, and she drove away.
Rebecca remained standing at the doorway long after the car had disappeared from view.
Her fingers slowly tightened against the edge of the door.
"Celia…" she whispered quietly.
She closed the door slowly, her thoughts already racing. Who was that woman? How did she know Derek? Why had she spoken with such ease, as though she had known him for years? And most importantly… why had Derek never mentioned her before?
An uncomfortable feeling settled in her chest, something between curiosity and unease.
For the rest of the afternoon, Rebecca found it impossible to concentrate. She returned to the documents, but her eyes merely skimmed the pages without absorbing a single word.
Even when she tried watching television, her mind drifted back to Celia’s calm gaze and the way she had confidently said, "I’ve heard quite a lot about you."
Rebecca tried to shake the feeling off. She walked back to the sofa, picked up her tablet, and stared at the screen. The words blurred together.
Celia.
The way she had said Derek’s name. Calm. Familiar. Almost personal. Rebecca pressed her lips together and dropped the tablet on the couch.
She couldn’t sit with this alone. Without thinking twice, She reached for her phone and dialed Amelia.
The call rang twice before Amelia picked up.
“Hello, my almost-back-to-work queen,” Amelia’s cheerful voice came through. “Why are you calling me by this time? Don’t tell me you’re bored already.”
Rebecca tried to smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Amelia… someone came to the house today.”
There was a short pause. “Okay… and? Don't tell me it's another delivery?”
“No.” Rebecca shook her head even though Amelia couldn’t see her. “A woman. I’ve never seen her before.”