Chapter 43

Celestia's arrival not only soured Marigold's mood, but also made Isabelle visibly uncomfortable. Her soft, lovely eyes were discreetly scanning Celestia's now-flat belly. There was a brief flicker in her gaze, as if she was putting two and two together. Her pupils tightened slightly before she looked up, only to meet Celestia's direct stare. She paused for a beat, then quickly flashed a smile, as if nothing had happened. "Grandma, Celestia must be here to see Mrs. Owens," Isabelle said sweetly to Marigold, using her go-to spoiled-girl tone. That seemed to ease Marigold's sour look a little. Then Isabelle turned and greeted Celestia in a cheerful voice. "Celestia, it's been forever! How have you been?" Celestia just gave a small nod without speaking. For some reason, there was something about Isabelle's look that felt... off. Was she overthinking it? Before she could process the feeling, two curious voices suddenly piped up. "And who is this young lady?" one of Marigold's friends asked