The Scent of 404

Chapter 404

“He’s never shown up?” Kieran asked.

“Yeah.” Another colleague chimed in, “That’s why a lot of us think Ms. Rodriguez is probably already divorced. I mean, it’s been more than half a year, and she hasn’t even mentioned him once.”

“Exactly.”

That actually made sense.

If Celeste weren’t divorced, would Caleb dare to pursue her so publicly?

Still, Kieran couldn’t calm down. It had never crossed his mind that Celeste had already been married.

As he sat there in a daze, Celeste walked over and asked, “What’s wrong?”

He wanted to ask, “Is it true that you’re married?”

But this was the workplace, and asking personal questions like that–especially of a superior–wasn’t appropriate. It might be alright once in a while, but any more would be crossing a line.

Snapping back to reality, he just said, “It’s nothing.”

That afternoon, Celeste received a phone call.

After hanging up, before the end of the workday, she told Matthias. “I might only come in tomorrow afternoon. Can you attend the morning meeting in my place?”

“Of course.” Then he asked, “Did something come up?”

“My mother’s going to the hospital for some health checks. I want to go

with her.”

Matthias wasn’t aware of Isabelle’s worsening condition. He thought it was just a routine check–up. So, he said, “Alright. Go ahead. I’ll take care of things here.”

Celeste nodded and left the

company.

The next day, Celeste, Betty, and Adeline all arrived early at the hospital.

Even at the hospital, they had to keep a distance, afraid Isabelle might spot them.

During the checkups, Isabelle would become inexplicably agitated struggling wildly like a madwoman. It often took multiple medical staff to hold her down to get through each procedure.

She had over ten tests in total. Once they were done, Isabelle left the hospital with the nursing home staff.

Betty, due to her own frailty, also left. Celeste stayed behind with the doctor from the nursing home to wait for the results.

Most of the reports wouldn’t be ready until the afternoon. Some could only be out the next day. But the few that were already out didn’t look promising.

After the doctor explained, Celeste felt her heart sink.

She thanked the doctor and prepared to leave the hospital. But just as she stepped into the hospital’s main lobby, a young girl’s voice called out, “Mom!”

Celeste froze. Her fingers tightened around the strap of her

bag.

She didn’t turn her head and was about to pretend she hadn’t heard it and leave when Jordyn ran over from the side and hugged

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Chapter 404

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her around the waist.

“Mom!”

Celeste turned slightly. She was just about to speak when she caught sight of Trevor standing not far away, watching from the crowd.

She averted her gaze, looked down at Jordyn, and, hearing her cough, asked quietly, “Are you sick?”

“Mm!” Jordyn nodded, coughing a few more, times before looking up.

“Mom, why are you at the hospital too? Are you sick?”

“No, I’m not sick.” Celeste touched her forehead. “Do you have a fever?”

“I had a fever last night, but it’s gone now.” Then, without waiting for Celeste to respond, Jordyn hugged her even tighter and glanced toward the approaching Trevor.

She pouted. “Last night I wanted to call you and ask you to accompany me, but Dad said you were busy.”

Celeste didn’t look at Trevor.

“I’m indeed busy. But I’m glad your fever’s gone.” She paused, then asked, “Why come to the hospital, though? What about the family doctor?”

For minor illnesses, there was usually no need to bring Jordyn to the hospital.

At that moment, Trevor spoke up, “We came for a full health check–up.”

Celeste heard this but didn’t ask why they needed it.

Jordyn clung to her and said excitedly, “Mom, I don’t have to go to school today. Can I go with you to visit Granny?”