Chapter 26

Before heading out that afternoon, Celeste was in her room doing her makeup. Ethan, unusually staying home, was sitting by the window flipping through a book. Watching her dab at her face in the mirror, he casually asked, "Why are you going to the auction?" "Just bored at home," she replied offhandedly, "Thought I'd get out for a bit." "Yeah?" Ethan eyed her reflection, his tone more serious. "I've gotta stop by city hall later. You could just come with me." Celeste's hand paused ever so slightly as she tapped on her foundation. "I already told Mom I'd go. Backing out now wouldn't look good. Plus, she asked me to help her check if the jewelry and calligraphy are authentic." Ethan didn't press it further, but said, almost like he was talking to himself, "Used to be, you hated this kind of thing." Back then, Celeste had been quiet and timid-probably because she'd been pretty sheltered growing up. Being at those events always made her feel like she was walking on eggshells. And the harder