Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty-three

"Lady Celeste..." Evelyn's voice wavered as Celeste stood in her drawing room with Clara, her eyes widening at the sight before her — Celeste's dress was plain, her hair loose, and her eyes swollen from crying.

Celeste forced a small smile. "It's just Celeste now. I'm no longer a noble — just plain old me."

Evelyn's brows knitted together, anger flaring in her eyes. "How could he do this to you?"

Celeste shrugged, her voice quiet but steady. "He's always been an awful man. This isn't surprising." She looked down, wringing her hands. "I'm sorry for showing up like this. I didn't have anywhere else to go."

Evelyn's expression softened immediately. "Don't be ridiculous—it's fine, Celeste. You're welcome here." She hesitated for a moment, then added with a small grin, "And if I'm calling you just Celeste now, then you're calling me Evelyn. No more titles."

"Oh... that's not necessary," Celeste murmured.

"It is," Evelyn insisted, folding her arms. "We're friends, aren't we?"

Celeste's lips trembled into a faint smile, and she nodded. "We are."

"Good!" Evelyn said brightly, the tension easing. Then her tone grew more curious. "But tell me... does Lady Victoria know about this?"

Celeste's shoulders stiffened slightly. "No... I came straight here."

Evelyn tilted her head. "Won't you tell her?"

"Just... not yet."

'I can't let her see me like this. Not when I look like I've been kicked by a horse.'

Evelyn offered a small, understanding smile. "Alright then." She gently placed a hand on Celeste's shoulder. "Have you eaten anything yet?"

Celeste hesitated, lowering her gaze. "Not since yesterday."

"Then that settles it," Evelyn said, her tone firm but kind. "I'll have the maids prepare something. Come, both of you."

As Evelyn guided them toward the dining room, Celeste felt a flicker of warmth stir in her chest. She had lost her title, her wealth, and the only home she'd ever known... but not everything. Not everyone.

After Celeste and Clara had eaten their fill, Evelyn returned with a bright smile. "I've had some clothes sent up for you both, and the maids have prepared a room."

Celeste shook her head gently. "No, that's not necessary. I can't stay here."

Evelyn frowned. "Why not?"

"I don't want to impose on you any further," Celeste replied softly. "Besides, I have enough money to rent a small house."

"Rent a house?" Evelyn sighed, crossing her arms. "If you insist on that, then at least let me help. My father has a guest house in the city—he won't mind lending it to you."

"Evelyn..." Celeste began, touched but hesitant.

"Thank you, Lady Evelyn!" Clara interjected eagerly, her face lighting up. "We'd love that very much!"

Evelyn chuckled. "Then it's settled."

Celeste let out a soft sigh, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "I suppose there's no arguing with either of you, then."

"Exactly," Evelyn said cheerfully. "I'll send a message to my father tonight so the caretaker can have the place ready by morning. You'll move in first thing tomorrow."

Clara clasped her hands together. "Thank you so much, Lady Evelyn. You have no idea how much this means."

Evelyn waved her off. "It's nothing. Just promise me you'll rest properly tonight."