The Scent of 12

Chapter 12

Martha sighed, feeling helpless. She thought Celeste lacked assertiveness and always let Trevor have his way. This. caused her to miss out on countless opportunities to improve their relationship. That was why, after all these years, there had been no progress between them.

However, since Celeste had spoken, Martha didn’t press further.

Once dinner officially began, the family chatted as they ato. The atmosphere was lively. Celeste, however, spoke very little and quietly focused on her meal.

From the moment Trevor entered Fleming Manor until now, over ten minutes had passed. Still, he and Celeste hadn’t exchanged a single word. There had been no interaction whatsoever.

This was typical of their relationship. Everyone else was used to it and didn’t find it unusual.

When Jordyn wanted to eat something, she usually relied on Celeste. However, by now, she was accustomed to asking Trevor to get what she wanted for her instead.

But when she wanted to eat shrimp, she instinctively looked at Celeste. In the past, Celeste would always peel shrimp for her and Trevor.

“Mom, I want some shrimp,” Jordyn whined.

Even though Celeste had decided to divorce Trevor and didn’t plan to fight for custody of Jordyn, she was still her daughter. It was her duty to care for her and fulfill her needs whenever possible. I

Upon hearing her request, Celeste responded, “Alright.”

She set down her fork and began peeling the shrimp for Jordyn

Martha glanced at her hands and suddenly paused. “Cel, where’s your ring?”

At that, everyone–including Trevor–looked at Celeste’s hand.

Since their wedding, Celeste had always worn the ring Martha had prepared for them despite their icy and loveless marriage. In contrast, Trevor had never worn his wedding ring–not even once. No one knew where it had ended

Over the years, Celeste had never taken hers off. Her attachment to the ring had even become a source of ridicule from Teagan.

But today, Celeste wasn’t wearing it. Initially, no one noticed. After all, people didn’t normally pay close attention to others‘ hands. It was Martha’s remark that drew everyone’s attention.

Celeste paused briefly in her task but quickly resumed peeling the shrimp with a composed expression. She explained, “I hurried out this morning and accidentally left it at home.”

In truth, she had removed the ring, when she prepared the divorce papers. She had placed it in the same envelope. that held the divorce papers. But since she and Trevor hadn’t officially divorced and knowing that Martha would he strongly opposed to the idea, she chose not to reveal this just yet.

Martha was satisfied with her answer. She smiled and responded, “Ah, that explains it.”

The conversation soon shifted back to normal, and everyone resumed eating

After dinner, the group moved to the living room for desser. Martha, ever eager to bring Celeste and Trevor closer, arranged for them to sit together.

Chapter 12

+25 BONUS

As usual, Trevor didn’t even glance at Celeste. Celeste didn’t want to sit next to him but didn’t want to outright refuse Martha either, so she quietly took the seat beside him.

It was the closest they had sat to each other in months. She could smell the faint, familiar scent of his cologne, but her heart remained calm. She focused on her dessert, taking small bites of her fruit pudding without attempting to initiate conversation.

Martha, on the other hand, was delighted. She looked at the pair and smiled. “You two look perfect together.”

Visually, they did make a striking couple. Trevor was tall and handsome, while Celeste was demure and beautiful. But their appearances were where their compatibility ended. In every other aspect, Celeste felt woefully Inadequate.

Teagan and Queenie refrained from dampening Martha’s enthusiasm even though they thought she was just wasting her time.

That night, per Martha’s wishes, everyone stayed overnight in Fleming Manor.

At around 8:00 pm, Trevor accompanied Martha to her study to discuss business matters.

Meanwhile, Jordyn tugged on Celeste’s hand, saying she wanted to bathe and sleep. Celeste went upstairs with her to help her get ready for bed.

Sitting in the small bathtub, Jordyn looked at Celeste and hesitantly asked, “Mom, are you busy tomorrow morning?”

Though she was willing to let Celeste take her to school the next day, she secretly wished Wynn could go instead. Celeste shook her head and replied, “I’m not busy. Why?”

Jordyn pouted slightly in disappointment upon hearing that She muttered, “Never mind.”

Celeste didn’t press her further.

After Jordyn was done taking a bath, Celeste dried her hair gently. Once her hair was dry, Jordyn yawned and said she wanted to sleep.

Celeste noticed her gaze lingering on her phone, so she reminded her, “You can look at it for a little while, but you need to sleep by 9:30 pm. Don’t stay up too late, okay?”

“Okay,” Jordyn replied, though she felt a bit annoyed.

She wanted to message Wynn about the change in plans for tomorrow, but she didn’t want to upset her. Hence, she hurriedly pushed Celeste toward the door irritably.

“Mom, you can go now. I’ll turn off my phone and sleep by 9:30.”

Jordyn was usually disciplined in such matters, so Celeste nodded and bid her goodnight before leaving the room.

As soon as Celeste was gone, Jordyn locked the door behind her. Celeste paused for a moment when she heard the soft click of the door lock. She didn’t think that Jordyn was guarding against anyone else–it was likely only her. Jordyn probably wanted to discuss something with Wynn.

As Celeste thought, Jordyn immediately opened her phone and messaged Wynn on WhatsApp.

Celeste had no way of knowing what they talked about, nor did she care to find out. She returned to her room.

Having spent years visiting Fleming Manor, she had many of her belongings stored there. She found pajamas and took a shower. Afterward, she sat on her usualled a

+25 BONUS

Chapter

brought in her bag.

Time passed unnoticed, and her eyes grew tired. She checked the clock and realized it was already 11:30 pm, but Trevor had yet to return.

She wondered whether he wasn’t planning to come back at all or if he was busy with work.

Lost in thought, Celeste found herself leaving the bedroom and heading downstairs. That was when she heard a voice from the shadows.

“Everyone else has gone to bed. Are you avoiding going back because Celeste is there? You don’t want to face her, do you?”

+25 BONUS

Chapter 13