Chapter 222

On the white table, the candle dancing inside the wine glass flickered light across Celestia Brooks’ conflicted face. Her eyes, clear yet tangled in emotions, were fixed on Dexter Goodwin, whose sincere expression carried a hint of pleading. Her heart felt like it was thrashed in a washing machine. He’d always been there for her, helping her without asking for anything in return, staying by her side through the rough patches. Thinking about all that, Celestia couldn’t bring herself to turn him down again. So finally, she gave in. “I understand,” she nodded, her tone firm. She took a deep breath and looked him straight in the eye. “I’ll seriously think about it.” Dexter knew she probably said yes out of guilt, but still, hearing her agree made his heart skip a beat. “Thank you,” he said, a warm smile spreading across his face—gentle and comforting, like a breeze in springtime. That smile loosened the tangle in Celestia’s chest. The tenseness on her face softened just a little. After fin