Chapter 4 Declan’s Heart Disease
‘Bowing? Isn’t Grandpa being a bit over the top?‘ Flora thought.
“But Grandpa-” she called out.
Wesley shot back, “Either bow down or don’t call me grandpa!” He couldn’t stand having a disobedient granddaughter.
‘She had to be rude to Celeste, did she? If Celeste got upset, who would teach me how to make medicine later? And how would I make money? Wesley thought.
Wesley wanted Flora to realize that the Paige family was in such a good place now, thanks to Celeste. If it hadn’t been for Celeste saving him and lending a hand, the Paige family might not have made it to Ravenshire at all.
That was why gratitude was so important. Since bowing was completely out of the question for Flora, she reluctantly bowed and offered an apology to Celeste.
That seemed to satisfy Celeste. But instead of letting Flora off the hook, she stepped aside and said to Wesley, “I’ve finished Marcus‘ surgery. You just need to wait for him to wake up. I’ve got things to do, so I’m heading out.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Wesley said, waving a mortar and pestle in an almost cheerful manner. It surprised everyone in the room. This was totally different from the Wesley who usually commanded such presence.
Wesley had just dropped Celeste off at the car when he caught a glimpse of Evan sitting in the driver’s seat.
He thought to himself, ‘Isn’t he from the Ravenshire–Huxley family? What’s he doing in Kingston all of a sudden? And why is he with Celeste? What’s up with that?‘
Before he could figure it out, Evan drove off with Celeste back to Ravenshire.
Inside the car, Celeste was fiddling with the mask she wore. She had kept it on since that car accident a year ago that left her face disfigured.
Even though she had cured her face, she couldn’t shake the need for the mask. It had become a part of her routine, so much so that no one–not even Wesley–had seen her face without it for over a year.
With a deep breath, Celeste grabbed her phone and texted Logan.
[Hey, Logan. I came by the hospital today because my real parents sent someone to pick me up, and I’m ready to head home. I wish I could say goodbye in person, but I couldn’t find the words, so this is how I’m saying it. Take care, and I’ll reach out once I’m settled at home.]
Just as she hit send, her phone died–perfect timing for a little break.
Two hours later, the car was driving slowly through Ravenshire’s most exclusive neighborhood.
The scent of flowers all around them made Celeste, who was asleep, slowly open her eyes.
Looking at everything in front of her, she was in a trance for a moment. Although she had expected her biological parents‘ family to be in a good position, she had not expected it to be this good.
“Missy, it’s here.” Evan’s voice brought Celeste back to her senses and out of the car.
Celeste was about to step into the mansion when a middle–aged woman in a very stylish dress rushed up to her and threw her into a hug.
“My precious daughter, you’re back at last. Your father and I have been looking forward to seeing you for three whole months!” Amara Husley exclaimed.
Celeste, who hadn’t felt a mother’s love since she was a child, had a very strange feeling in her heart the moment she was hugged. So this was what it was like to be held by her mother.
Amara noticed that Celeste, cradled in her arms, didn’t say a word. She gently let her go and looked at her with red eyes, spotting the mask on her face. She understood why, so she decided not to push for answers.
“Hey, little one, why are you so quiet? Still upset with us for losing you back then?”
Celeste shook her head. “No.” She had no hard feelings towards her birth parents. It wasn’t their fault they lost her.
Even though her adoptive parents in the Sinclair family hadn’t always been kind, her big brother, Logan, had always been
there for her.
Hearing Celeste’s response brought Amara some comfort. It was a relief to know her daughter didn’t blame her.
“Alright then, welcome home!” Amara said with a smile.
Celeste nodded as she strolled with Amara into the villa, which was decorated in a stunning, exotic style. The spacious living room was filled with a collection of pricey ornaments, giving it a lavish vibe.
Her eyes landed on a painting hanging on the wall, and she felt a jolt of surprise. This was the piece she had painted three
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Chapter 4 Declan’s Heart Disease
years ago to raise funds for the struggling Sinclair Group.
She remembered it had been bought by a young woman–how on earth did it end up here?
“Hey Mom, where did you get this painting?” Celeste asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
“Oh, your big sister bought it! They say it’s by a really talented artist and cost 30 million dollars. If you like it, I can have someone take it down and send it to your room,” Amara replied.
‘Sister?‘ Celeste thought. ‘Wait–haven’t I only got one little brother? Where did this sister come from?
“My big sister?” she inquired, raising an eyebrow.
Amara suddenly realized she hadn’t shared the news about adopting a daughter once Celeste went missing. Grabbing Celeste’s hand, she explained, “She’s the child your father and I adopted from the orphanage after you disappeared.
“I was heartbroken when I lost you and couldn’t have another baby, so your dad decided to bring home a girl a few years older than you to help lift my spirits.
“She’s been with us all these years while you were gone. Her name is Isolde Hxley. She’s 24 and works as a surgeon at Ravenshire Hospital. You’ll get to meet her this evening.”
Celeste’s mind raced as she put it all together. Isolde was the woman who had bought her painting. It looked like she had crossed paths with the Huxley family three years ago.
Feeling drained from the intense surgery she had just performed, Celeste sighed. “Hey Mom, where’s my room? I could really use a nap right now.”
Amara led Celeste upstairs to her new room. “Your dad and I weren’t exactly sure what you’d like, so we decorated it with things we love. If it’s not your style, we can totally change it up.”
The room was filled with plants, and the wallpaper and flooring had a bright, inviting design. “Honestly, I love it just the way it is,” Celeste said with a smile.
“Awesome! You should take a little nap now. By the time you wake up, Isolde and your dad should be back from work. As for Declan…” Amara felt a heavy sadness when she spoke of Celeste’s little brother.
Celeste’s father, Rafferty Huxley, was supposed to be home today to welcome Celeste, but he had to rush to the hospital because Declan had a sudden heart attack. He promised he would come back as soon as Declan was stable.
It was Celeste’s first day home, and Rafferty, as her dad, needed to be there, no matter what. He didn’t want Celeste to feel
left out.
Celeste had already heard from Chloe about Declan’s condition, and it was confirmed now. Worry set in as she asked, concerned, “What’s wrong with him?”
‘As long as it’s not something terminal, I can handle it, she thought.
Amara sighed and explained, “Congenital heart disease. He was doing well managing his condition, but it took a turn for
the worse.
“Today, it has escalated to heart failure. The doctor said he needs to find a new heart within three days, or he won’t make it.”
Heart failure was tough to treat, but Celeste was determined to do something. She decided to put her plans for a nap on
hold and told Amara, “Alright, take me to him.”
“Now? Aren’t you going to take a nap?” Amara asked.
Right now, saving a life came first.
