Chapter 27
Julia’s POV
I stepped forward, standing a few feet away as I crossed my hands on my chest.
“I’ll reach out to the doctor about it.” I added, still staring at her.
Celeste looked at me in horror only I could see, her eyes betrayed her. She was nervous. She realized that she couldn’t let Alex know she had been so vicious as to drug me because she always played the naive and innocent girl in front of Alex. So, she could only settle for something harmless, something that wouldn’t stain her hands in his eyes.
“I… I guess I didn’t prepare the congee well,” she finally broke the silence. “Maybe I messed up the ingredients. I…. I just wanted to make something for Julia, to help her feel better.”
Her fingers clutched the edge of the hospital sleeve, twisting the fabric as she lowered her head in sadness as if feeling guilty. I wasn’t so shocked seeing tears already rolling down her eyes.
“I didn’t mean for this to happen. I was only trying to be nice to her,” she sobbed. “I thought if she had something warm to eat, she’d get better sooner. I didn’t think…” she choked in her cry.
Alex came closer to her, his expression darkening. His tone sounded serious. “Celeste, is that really the truth?”
She lifted her gaze, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Yes,” she nodded. “It’s the truth. Julia is not at fault for what happened to me.”
I narrowed my eyes. The way she told the narrative, making herself the victim of some innocent mistake, disgusted me. The same woman who had nearly drugged me was now painting herself as a well–meaning fool in front of me.
“If that’s the case,” I said coolly and then took a few steps forward, “shouldn’t you apologize to me for almost making me drink the poorly made congee?”
“Julia.” Alex called. “That’s mean.” He added.
Celeste’s breath hitched. But just as quickly she wiped her tears, replaced by trembling lips and a sorrowful gaze.
Before she could speak, Alex cut in, his jaw tightening. “Julia, don’t you think you’re going too far? You can’t be mean to someone on a sick bed.”
Really? Too far? I almost laughed. “It’s also too far to have me apologize to Celeste.”
I kept my gaze on her and said, “We could always have the congee tested.”
Celeste’s face paled. Her fingers clenched tighter into the fabric of her dress, Iwas the only one noticing all her discomfort about the whole thing.. For a moment, I thought she might try to argue again, but instead, she swallowed hard and lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
Alex’s brows knitted. He looked at her and then returned his gaze to me.
“See? She just apologized.” He took a step forward. “Celeste is the least person you should see as an enemy. She can’t do anything to hurt you. She was only trying to be nice and you should show gratitude.”
“Sorry? I didn’t hear that.” I said to Celeste.
“I’m sorry Julia. I’m really sorry.” Her voice was louder this time. “Please forgive me.” She added.
I had no reason to stay any longer. Without another word, I turned on my heel and walked out of the ward
Just as I stepped out, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw the name flashing on the screen. It was Mr. Sterling calling.
I exhaled slowly before answering. “Hello.”
“Julia,” his voice came through steady, firni as always. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes, Mr. Sterling. Celeste is fine. There’s nothing serious,” I said, keeping my voice neutral.
“And Alex?” he asked.
“He’s with her.” I replied.
“Alex must make things difficult for you.”
“It’s okay, Mr. Sterling.” I had gotten used to it.
Chapter 27
+25 Bonus
There was a few seconds of silence before he spoke again.
“Julia, I sincerely hope you can give the marriage a second thought.”
There he goes, bringing up the issue of marriage.
“You know I won’t force you,” he continued, his voice gentler now. “But I need you to truly think about it. Is leaving Alex really what you want?”
I closed my eyes for a moment. Images of my Mr Sterling flashed in my mind, his frail frame, the way he had gotten thin in size due to this commotion, leading to his sickness. I really don’t want to be the reason he is feeling that way.
“I’ll think about it,” I said finally.
But in my heart, I already knew. There was no turning back. I only wanted him to feel alright and not allow his sickness to worsen.
As the call ended, I lowered my head, trying to put my phone into my purse. Lost in thought that I barely noticed someone stepping in front of me until I bumped into them.
“Hey, Julia.” It was a familiar voice.
