But Lucas turned his head at the last moment, and her kiss landed unexpectedly on his lips.
The accidental gesture deepened the flush on Yvonne’s face, and she pulled back in a flustered attempt to recover. Before she could retreat, Lucas wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close to deepen the kiss.
From a distance, Celia stood frozen, watching the scene unfold.
Perhaps it was because she was already dead, or perhaps it was because she had steeled herself to wish them happiness.
But no matter how prepared she thought she was, the sight still struck something deep within her.
As Celia watched the scene unfold, the pain she had anticipated didn’t come.
Instead, an unfamiliar sense of calm settled over her.
She didn’t disturb them. Turning away, she left quietly.
She wandered aimlessly through the property, eventually finding herself near the swimming pool.
Celia stood still, gazing blankly at the crystal-clear water, lost in thought.
She didn’t know how much time had passed before a familiar voice broke through her reverie.
“Watching all this must really hurt, doesn’t it?”
She turned to find Yvonne standing behind her.
Celia frowned slightly, confused by her words.
“Lucas told me everything,” Yvonne continued, her tone laced with feigned understanding. “He told me about your… feelings for him. Honestly, I get it. You’re just a young girl, and Lucas is so incredible. It’s normal to have a little crush.”
Her words seemed understanding, but the malice in her eyes betrayed her true feelings. “But it’s also not normal, is it? After all, what kind of child falls for their own uncle?”
Celia hadn’t expected Lucas to share her feelings so openly with Yvonne.
A wave of shame and bitterness washed over her. She didn’t need him to reciprocate her feelings. She had even resolved to bless their future together.
But why did he have to trample on her dignity like this?
She remained silent, refusing to respond, but Yvonne wasn’t done.
Her voice took on a hint of smugness as she added, “Lucas doesn’t like you. Honestly, I don’t have the patience to keep up this whole family charade with you either. Soon, I’ll be marrying into the Shaw family, and I don’t want a clingy child lingering between us.
“If you’re willing to leave, I can give you some money. You’re an adult now. It’s time you learned to be independent.”
Celia’s face turned pale at her words. After a long pause, she finally replied in a hoarse voice, “Don’t worry. I’ll be gone in three days.”
Her concession didn’t soften Yvonne’s attitude.
Instead, it only emboldened her to push further.
“Why wait three days? Why not leave now?”
For a moment, Celia was at a loss for words. How could she explain that three days wasn’t the timeline for leaving the Shaw family—it was the time she had left in this world?
