Chapter 18
If he truly didn’t care, a fresh relationship of Navier wouldn’t stir even the slightest emotion in I
Yet here he was–loudly protesting his indifference while clearly desperate to drag her back and chase away any man who dared approach her.
No one spoke.
His friends had pushed him enough for one right.
After a long pause. Lysander suddenly announced. “I’m going to propose to Ophelia. Spread the news–I want the whole world to know I’m marrying
her.
“Hold up,” Michael said, unable to contain his confusion. “You literally just said you weren’t ready for that. What changed in the last five minutes?
“Seriously, Lysander,” Ryan pressed. “No offense, but this kinda sounds like you’re just trying to force Navier back. And what happens when Ophelia finds out? She’ll get jeans and upset.
Lysander’s lips pressed into a tight line, his eyes clouded with unreadable emotions.
“She won’t find out. Unless one of you idiots decides to run your mouth. I’m just worried about an old friend aborad alone. That’s it. Besides, Ophelia is incredibly understanding–she’ll get
I got it. I’ll make it up to her, and the proposal is genuine anyway.”
“Uh huh. Sure, maybe,” No one dared comment further on his plans.
They could only silently hope he wouldn’t come to regret his actions.
Meanwhile, Celeste had been standing outside the private room hearing every word. Yet her mind remained perfectly calm.
Would the real Ophelia have been jealous, angry, or hurt? Maybe.
Celeste wasn’t Ophelia
From the beginning, she’d understood exactly what kind of man Lysander was
He had genuinely loved Ophelia, but after so many years, that once pure youthful love had become contaminated with countless impurities,
He would obsessively seek substitutes for Ophelia out of longing, while simultaneously becoming fixated on Navier’s departure and new life.
He couldn’t fully let go of either woman
But life didn’t work peretly that way.
The conviction in Celeste’s heart only grew stronger
Back home, Lysander presented her with several transder agreements for her signature
Looking at the shares and property documents, Celeste stayed in character. Rather than signing immediately, she gazed at his with concern.
“Lysander what is this? Has something happened? I don’t want these papers–I just want you to be okay, I won’t sign.”
His expression slightly awkward, Lysander nonetheless took her hand and placed it over the signature line,
“No, sweetie, just a gift. The Vanderbilt empire i vast–this is barely a drop in the bucket. If you Eke, I can gift you every day.”
“Really? Oh. I’m relived.” Celeste didn’t refuse butright, but pretended to sign reluctantly,
The next day, the notary confirmed everything.
The shares and properties had been successfully transferred
They now belonged to Celeste Standry, not Ophelia Belmont
Over the next few days, she casually complimented Lysander a few times, and he transferred even more assets to her.
Almost in Love with You Before That Cruel Summer Took Everything
Chapter 18
Celeste know his generosity stemmed from guilt, so she accepted everything without the slightest reservation
She finished her degree, turned liquid assets into investments, and bh her own influence, maximizing the value of everything the contraded
Secing Celeste’s business acumen, Lysander felt a peculiar pride.
-1 had no idea you were such a financial wizard, Ophelia. If that illness hadn’t stolen those years from you, you’d probably be running your own empire by now
Celeste nestled against him, responding flatly. “I learned it all from you.”
Lysander just smiled without further comment, but doubts began to form in his mind.
Had the real Ophelia ever been this clever?
