Chapter 3

Celine POV

I returned to the villa at Crescent Bay and handed the birthday gift watch to a servant.

"When Westley comes back, please give this to him for me."

"Yes, Miss Sterling."

I lay in the bedroom bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Until I heard the sound of a car outside the villa.

I picked up my phone to check the time. The person who said he'd be back soon had actually taken over three hours.

Then I saw that Sophie Evans had posted a new update on Instagram.

"On his birthday, I said I wanted to see the stars, and without a word he left his friends to take me to the observatory. I even saw the legendary Orion constellation. These stars all over the sky are so romantic!"

The accompanying images showed a man with his back to the camera, standing before an astronomical telescope, in a nine-grid layout.

I curved my lips mockingly and gave her a like.

Footsteps came from downstairs, and soon the bedroom door was pushed open.

One side of the bed sank down as a pair of strong, powerful arms pulled me into an embrace.

"Celine... are you asleep?"

Up close, I could smell an unfamiliar perfume on him.

A wave of discomfort rose in my chest as I pretended to be half-asleep and murmured.

"Honey, I'm really glad you could make it back today."

Westley's hand roamed over my body, and when he touched a sensitive area, I pressed both hands against his chest, stopping his next move.

I frowned.

"I haven't adjusted to the time difference yet. My head is still dizzy and I'm not feeling well."

It was supposed to be a passionate reunion, like newlyweds. He hadn't expected me to refuse.

Westley paused.

"We haven't had sex in so long. Don't you want to?"

"I really don't feel well today. Next time."

As my words fell, he was silent for a long while.

Finally, he seemed to sigh helplessly and kissed my eyes.

"Alright, I won't touch you. Rest well tonight."

Westley showered and changed into pajamas, and when he lay back in bed, he just held me in his arms.

In all our years together, apart from playful little spats, Westley and I had never had a real argument.

However, I never imagined that our first real fight would happen at the welcome-home party Westley threw for me.

And it would be because of Sophie Evans.

At the party, friends were playing truth or dare. Westley lost and drew a penalty: kiss the person of the opposite sex to his left for five minutes.

And the person to his left was Sophie Evans.

Everyone looked at Westley, then at me. The air suddenly felt awkward.

Sophie said softly and weakly,

"Maybe... we should just skip it. Miss Sterling doesn't seem like someone who can handle this kind of game."

Westley gently patted the back of my hand, as if explaining.

"Celine, this is just a penalty, nothing more. Don't worry, at most our lips will just touch. I won't really kiss her."

I hadn't said a word yet when he turned to look at Sophie Evans.

Under Sophie Evans's nervous yet expectant gaze, he leaned closer and lowered his head to kiss her lips.

The others erupted in teasing cheers.

Sophie Evans's expression became increasingly enjoyable and engaged. She even closed her eyes, her cheeks flushed, slightly opening her mouth to respond to his kiss.

Westley felt her response, and his dark, bottomless eyes deepened.

An ambiguous atmosphere flowed between them, and the scene looked as if they were the deeply loving couple.

My eyes stung painfully, a pent-up frustration blocking my chest. I couldn't help but set down my wine glass heavily.

"You all have fun. I really can't handle this kind of game!"

With those words, I stood up and strode away.

In the hallway, Westley chased after me and grabbed my wrist.

"It's just a game. Do you really need to be this angry?"

I found it laughable.

"Just a game?"

Westley's handsome face was tense.

"A bet is a bet. Everyone who lost did their penalty. I can't be the only one lacking sportsmanship and refusing to accept the penalty."

"Westley, do you think I'm blind? She was using her tongue!"

Westley's expression changed slightly.

"She just got carried away..."

"Carried away?"

What a nice excuse.

"She got carried away, but what about you? What's your excuse?"

My lips trembled slightly as my nails dug into my palms.

"Were you also carried away, or was it sportsmanship that made you not push her away even though you knew she was using her tongue?!"