Chapter 24
Julia’s POV
Mr. Sterling is ill and he wants to see me? What now? I didn’t want to go. After everything that had happened, stepping into that house again felt like reopening a wound that had barely begun to scab over. But when I thought about the possibility that Mr. Sterling’s health had been affected by this entire marriage withdrawing debacle, I felt guilty. Thad truly pushed things so far that it had taken a toll on an old man’s health and didn’t know if I would really live with myself knowing that I had refused his request to see me.
When I arrived at the Sterling estate, I was greeted at the entrance by a servant who led me inside. The moment I stepped inside, his frail appearance struck me like a blow.
The moment I saw him, his face was pallid, his eyes sunken. Seeing him like this, I felt a deep sense of self–reproach rise within me. He didn’t look so lively like he used to be. He had grown thin now.
“Child, you’ve come,” he said warmly, a weak smile spreading across his lips.
After I entered the room, I saw Celeste kneeling on the floor. Before sitting down, I glanced at Mr. Sterling, who looked irritated.
“She’s here to apologize,” he said flatly. “And that’s her punishment.”
Mr. Sterling sighed, unimpressed.
Mr. Sterling, on the other hand, didn’t spare her a second glance.
“Come sit with me,” He said to me.
Thesitated for a moment before flashing a smile.
“Mr. Sterling… …”
“Come,” he insisted. “my child”
Reluctantly, I sat beside his bed..
His kind eyes studied me for a moment before he asked, “I’m so glad that you’ve come. How have you been?”
“I’m fine,” I replied softly.
Mr. Sterling let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good… that’s good,” he murmured. “I’in glad to hear that. But I must say…” His voice sounded like worry. “I haven’t been feeling well lately, my health is failing me.” He said.
I stiffened at his words.
I felt bad. I knew this whole commotion, this business of the engagement being called off has done him no good but to raise his BP at his old age. He shook his head.
Mr. Sterling’s voice was calm. “I’ve missed you here, my child. You should come back,” he said, his eyes watching me closely, “You are Alex’s wife. I can only allow you to be the wife of my grandson and no one else.”
I swallowed hard.
“…” My words didn’t come, and I cleared my throat. “I don’t think that’s my decision to make anymore.”
His expression didn’t change. “It is,” he countered, his voice steady, “You belong here, in this house, with Alex.”
“Alex and 1… we’re not the same people we used to be,”
“People change, but family is forever. Do you truly believe you can walk away from that?”
I had convinced myself I was free but seeing Mr. Sterling being persistent, I didn’t know how to handle the situation considering the fact it was affecting his health really bad.
Before I could respond, a low thud was heard. I turned just in time to see Celeste’s knees buckle as she collapsed to the floor.
Mr Sterling sighed. “Celeste, stand up. Stop making a scene.”
“Thank you… thank you, Grandfather,” she whispered.
Pretending and acting weak from kneeling for long, she forced herself to stand, wiping off her tears.
It was laughable but I kept a straight face. Drama queen
Dropbar 24
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Before I could say more, Celeste broke the silence.
“Grandfather… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry for what I did alongside Alex,” she choked out. “It wasn’t with bad intentions.”
I clenched my fists at my sides, watching her. Her apology looked genuine, her eyes were already tearing up.
My fingers curled into fists as I watched her pretend in guilt. I saw how happy she looked that night while they made me drink for Alex and here she was acting up.
Mr. Sterling barely spared her a glance, his expression unmoved.
“I’m really sorry, it won’t happen again.” Her both hands were placed in front of me in a pleading manner. “You are soft at heart. Thank you for forgiving me.” She added and then continued again.
“I… I made some congee for you,” she said, sniffing, her voice barely above a whisper. “I spent hours perfecting it, choosing the best ingredients, stirring, it carefully so it would be just right. I wanted to show my sincerity.” She hesitated. “Do you mind trying it? Just a sip?” Her eyes searched mine.
I stared at her. Congee?
I recalled, with painful clarity, what had happened in my previous life. That night, just hours before an important banquet attended by esteemed guests and influential international business partners of Alex, Celeste had brought me a bowl of congee.
She had smiled sweetly, telling me it was specially prepared and if I could have a try of it. Trusting her, I had eaten it without suspicion.
But soon after, my stomach shot in agonizing pain. I barely made it to the banquet before I felt nausea. My vision blurred and before I could even excuse myself, I doubled over, vomiting in front of the guests, embarrassing myself and Alex, which Alex didn’t let me go unpunished that day after the banquet. Gasps and whispers filled the grand hall.
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Faces twisted in shock and disgust as they said out their hurtful words, saying Alex had stooped so low to be with someone like me who never gets tired of embarrassing him. Others said their opinions too. That only fueled Alex’s anger towards me.
He dragged me and made me clean the mess myself without the help of any maid.
That night, I was bedridden, suffering from relentless vomiting, and diarrhea. The doctors said I had ingested something that severely upset my stomach, later, I learned that Celeste had added a mild laxative to the congee, ensuring my humiliation.
And now, she was offering me congee again. A specially prepared congee.
I turned back to her, my expression unreadable.
She smiled hesitantly, as if expecting me to accept her peace offering.
“You will love it, trust me.”
Mr. Sterling, unaware of my darkening thoughts, gave his permission. “Go on. Bring the congee,”
Celeste nodded and hurriedly walked out, bringing over a porcelain bowl. The congee was still warm, I could see the smoke coming out of it.
I stared at it. Then, slowly, I smiled.
“Such a precious bowl of congee,” I mused lightly, “Mr. Sterling, have a taste. It must be good for your health” I said, approaching him with the bowl.
Celeste stiffened instantly.
Her eyes widened in horror, and before I could reach him, she reached out in “No!” she blurted. Her voice sounded nervous, only I could feel it.
I raised a brow. “Why not?”
Celeste smiled, scrambling for an excuse. “It… it’s meant for ladies,” she stammered.
“Oh.” I smiled. “You should have it then.”
