Chapter 20 - White Roses

Celeste's POV

I sighed, disappointed as the man pulled the bouquet away from his face slightly and greeted me politely before confirming my identity.

"It is for you." The man extended the bouquet towards me, giving me a friendly smile.

"Thank you."

After closing the door, I grabbed the note on it and read it.

'I am sorry.

J.S.'

I heaved a loud sigh and went towards the kitchen, holding the bouquet in my arms.

As soon as I reached the dustbin, I opened it and threw the flowers and note into it. Suddenly, the doorbell buzzed again. My heart started pounding like crazy.

Is it Joshua? Maybe he has sent the flowers before to make me soften up, then he came himself to talk to me.

I took a deep breath and went to open the door. I felt disappointed when I opened the door. It was Hazel.

"Were you waiting for anyone else?" she asked, raising her eyebrow.

"No, no. Come in," I lied, forcing a smile.

"Are you okay?" Hazel asked, concerned.

"Yes. Would you like something to drink?" I asked, changing the subjects.

"Coffee, please."

I nodded and went to the kitchen. She followed me, telling me about his boyfriend.

"Why did you throw these flowers? Who did send you them?" Hazel asked curiously as she saw the bouquet in the dustbin.

"Not important one," I mumbled under my breath, rubbing my temple, and sighed sadly.

"That not important one marked his territory," she commented, giving me a knowing smirk. I looked at her in confusion. She grinned as she pulled her phone out of her back pocket and opened the camera before turning it towards me.

My eyes widened in shock as I saw a hickey on my neck. I closed my eyes, clenching my fist.

Joshua!

"Well, will you tell me about your mysterious vampire?" she asked mischievously.

I rubbed my forehead and sighed. "I don't want to talk about him."

"Why? Did you have a fight?"

I heaved a loud sigh, leaning against the counter, and replied sadly, looking into the distance. "Yes and no. It is just... This man confuses me. He blows hot and cold. I don't know what to think anymore. I am tired."

"Celly." Hazel caressed my arm, giving me a sympathetic look. "Who is he? Do I know him?"

I bit my lower lip and shook my head. I didn't want to lie to her, but I couldn't tell her that it was his brother. Everything had already been complicated between Joshua and me. I didn't want to make it worse. If Hazel found out about us, she would give Joshua trouble.

"Give me his address. I will kick his ass. I won't let him hurt my best friend," Hazel said, determined.

"Haze... He didn't promise me anything. Maybe he is confused himself as well, or he isn't sure of his feelings. I don't know. I just..." I heaved a loud sigh, pausing. "I think it will be better if I stay away from him." She gave me a compassionate smile and hugged me.

***

When I was about to go to the company, my phone rang. I pulled it out of my bag and looked at the screen. It was Robert.

I picked up the call and greeted him politely.

"Come to the police station. I am on the way," he informed me after greeting me.

"Police station? Are you okay?" I asked, worried.

"Don't you know?" he asked in confusion. "There was an accident in the construction site last week."

"Oh, yes. Is the worker still in a coma?" I asked, rubbing my forehead. I felt guilty that I forgot about all of these. The last two days I was just thinking about Joshua's behavior towards me, feeling depressed while staying home.

"Yes. The police arrested Mr. Sullivan this morning, accusing that they didn't follow the safety protocols in the construction site," he informed me.

"Tristan?"

"No, Joshua Sullivan. He was the head of the project," Robert replied.

"What?!" I exclaimed in worry.

"Celeste, I arrived. It is the police station near the company. I am waiting for you. See you," he said in a hurry and hung up the phone.

As soon as he hung up the phone, I rushed out.

When I walked into the police station, I saw Joshua sitting on the seat, holding his head between his hands. Despite the fact that I didn't see his face, from his body language I guessed that he was mad.

For a moment, I hesitated to approach him, feeling nervous. I didn't know how to act towards him. So I looked for Robert, but he was nowhere seen. I bit my lower lip as my eyes laid on my husband again. There was some voice inside me telling me to approach him and comfort him, but my pride didn't let me.

Suddenly, Joshua lifted his head up and looked at me. As soon as our eyes met, I started walking towards him like his eyes magically drew me towards him. His expression softened up and he gave me a charming smile.

"I didn't think you would come here," he commented happily.

"Why?" I asked nonchalantly.

"You were angry at me," Joshua replied sadly, rubbing the back of his neck uneasily.

"I am still, but I am professional. I am your lawyer. So I have to be here," I stated firmly.

"You aren't just my lawyer, you are my wife as well," he reminded me cockily.

I gritted my teeth, giving him a dirty look. "It is temporary," I reminded dryly.

Joshua sighed and mumbled. "Celeste... I ... that day... I thought you..."

"It isn't the right time or place to talk about it," I cut him off. "You have serious problems right now. Think about them," I added coldly.

When he wanted to say something, Robert approached us, interrupting him.

"There isn't any evidence to support the charges. So they can't keep you here," Robert informed him.

"Good," Joshua mumbled, nodding.

"The investigation will involve reviewing safety protocols, interviewing witnesses again, and analyzing any relevant data or documentation," he resumed in a serious tone.

"Can I leave now?" Joshua asked, resting his hand into his pocket.

"Yes, but you can't leave the country."

"Fine." Joshua nodded.

"See you in the company." Robert gave us a friendly smile and left.

When I wanted to leave as well, Joshua grabbed my arm stopping me and stated firmly, "We have to talk."

"There isn't anything to talk about," I commented dryly, pulling my arm away, and walked away in quick steps.

"Celeste!" Joshua exclaimed, following me. "Celeste, stop!" he said angrily, grabbing my wrist, and pulled me around, making me bump into his chest.

"Joshua! Let go of me!" I demanded angrily.

"I won't let you go before we talk, Celeste," Joshua stated, determined.

I gritted my teeth and pulled my hand away. "You want to talk?! Fine, let's talk," I agreed angrily and ruffled my hair. I noticed he was looking at the hickey on my neck in guilt. I gave him a death glare.

Joshua frowned in annoyance. "Celeste, I don't fully understand why you act like this. I didn't force you. Don't act like that I raped you," he said between gritted teeth.

"Stop using me as a stress-relieving object. You can't solve your problems by fucking me every time you are angry or stressed," I stated furiously, clenching my fist.

He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion and heaved a loud sigh. "Celeste...."

"What?! Will you deny it?" I asked mockingly while my eyes welled up. "Please, Joshua. Leave me alone. And.... I don't want to wait to get divorced till you handle your problems."

His jaw clenched and he nodded. "Fine...., but give me some time. Now everyone's eyes are on me. I can't let them find out about our marriage as well. It isn't the right time. Please give me some time. I promise I will try to stay away from you as you want," Joshua said sadly.

I heaved a loud sigh and nodded while being angrier at him because he was still afraid that someone could find out about our marriage. Then I turned around as tears shimmered in my eyes. When I turned around, I saw Mark watching us, standing in front of the car. I averted my gaze and rushed towards my car.

Joshua's POV

I clenched my fist, watching Celeste walking away. I heaved a loud sigh, running my hand through my hair, and walked towards my car.

"We are going to the company," I informed Mark and got in the car. He nodded, closing the door for me.

"Are you okay?" Mark asked, concerned as he got in the car and looked at me through the rear-view window.

"No," I replied honestly, leaning my head back against the headrest, closing my eyes.

"Did you have a fight with Ms. Marshall?" Mark asked curiously.

"No," I mumbled, still leaning my head against the headrest.

"She didn't look good today either," he commented. "I also saw her crying when I have come to the mansion to see you the last time."

"What?" I asked, puzzled as I lifted my head up and looked at him. "I... I didn't know," I muttered in guilt, clenching my fist, and looked through the window.