The Scent of 35

hapter 35

Chapter 35

Noticing Trevor’s gaze directed toward the bathroom, Jordyn remarked, “Mom’s in there taking a shower.”

Trevor replied, “Hmm. Did you ask your mom to shower here?” 1

“No, Mom brought the clothes herself.”

Trevor did not ask any further questions. After exchanging few brief words, he advised her to go to bed early before walking away.

Celeste heard some noises outside while in the bathroom, realizing Trevor had arrived, but she couldn’t hear their conversation. Jordyn was still unwell and easily fell asleep after taking medicine. As it was getting late, Celeste lay down on the bed with her after the shower.

Jordyn snuggled into Celeste’s embrace, burying her face in her shoulder. “Mom, you smell amazing and feel so soft.”

She found Celeste’s hugs to be the most comforting, even more so than Wynn’s embrace. Yet, aware of Celeste’s disdain for Wynn, she chose to keep her feelings to herself.

Jordyn quickly fell asleep, followed by Celeste, who was also tired.

When Jordyn fell ill, she frequently kicked off her blanket. Celeste was worried and often woke up in the middle of the night like she did when caring for Jordyn. She could only sleep peacefully again after repeatedly covering her with blankets to keep her warm.

That night, Celeste struggled to sleep well and awoke at dawn. While Jordyn was still asleep, she quietly got up and looked out of the window. She saw Trevor jogging downstairs as he usually did for about an hour.

After freshening up, Celeste changed into some clothes and headed downstairs to prepare breakfast. 30 minutes later, she passed the remaining tasks to Hannah. Once she confirmed that Jordyn was recovering well and not experiencing a relapse in her fever, she went upstairs to grab her bag and car keys before leaving.

Shortly after Celeste departed, Jordyn awoke. As she scanned the surroundings and found no sign of Celeste, she inquired, “Where’s Mom?”

Hannah replied, “Mrs. Fleming went out for something.”

Jordyn was disappointed. “Oh…”

Hannah chuckled. “But Mrs. Fleming prepared breakfast for you before she left.

Jordyn was finally feeling brighter. While she hadn’t fully recovered from her illness, her spirits were high, and her appetite had returned. After freshening up, she made her way downstairs for breakfast.

After a while, Trevor also came down. Noticing Celeste’s absence, he paused and asked Hannah, “Where’s Celeste?

11

“Mrs. Fleming has left.”

Upon receiving a response, Trevor refrained from asking any further questions.

Meanwhile, Celeste grabbed a quick bite to eat after reaching home. After that, she packed her laptop along with a few essentials and prepared to head to the office when the doorbell interrupted her.

Glancing at the surveillance camera, she saw her neighbor Hilda and her daughter Sylvia awaiting her at the door.

Chapter 35

+25 BONUS

She opened the door. “Mrs. Golden…”

Tilda appeared visibly anxious. “Ms. Rodriguez, Sylvia’s grandmother is unwell, and I need to take her to the hospital. Could you please help me get Sylvia to school?”

Celeste agreed since Jordyn and Sylvia’s kindergarten was conveniently located along her company’s route.

20 minutes later, they reached the entrance of the kindergarten. Celeste was searching for a parking spot when she spotted Trevor, Wynn, and Jordyn.

Jordyn appeared to be in high spirits, happily holding hands with Wynn as they skipped along together. Their joy was palpable. Meanwhile, Trevor stood beside them, thoughtfully keeping Wynn and Jordyn safe from the busy traffic.

Sylvia exclaimed upon seeing Jordyn, “Ms. Rodriguez, look! It’s Jordyn!”

Celeste averted her gaze. “Hmm, I noticed her as well.”

“Who is that lovely woman holding Jordyn’s hand? Is she Jordyn’s mother as well? Does Jordyn have two mothers?

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Chapter 36

+25 BONUS

Chapter 36