Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty-six

Meanwhile~

"This place is perfect," Celeste said as she stepped into the empty store, her eyes sweeping across the spacious interior. Dust danced in the shafts of light filtering through the tall windows. "What do you think, Clara?"

Clara turned slowly, taking in the high ceilings, the sturdy shelves, and the faint scent of old wood. "It's lovely. It has charm... a little dusty, but that's easy to fix."

Celeste smiled, already imagining bolts of silk, sketches pinned to walls, and displays of sparkling jewellery. "The seller is willing to reduce the price if I take care of the renovations myself," she said, glancing down at her notes.

"That's generous," Clara said, trailing her fingers along the countertop. "You could turn this into something beautiful."

"That's the plan." Celeste's eyes gleamed with determination. "I can already picture it - mannequins by the window, the jewellery display there, and maybe a small section for cosmetics and skincare."

"It sounds wonderful," Clara said, smiling at her friend's enthusiasm.

Celeste nodded, flipping open her notebook. "I still have to meet with Rhea about the initial dress designs and Freya to discuss suppliers. Then there are the manufacturers I want to pitch my product ideas to, plus the renovation team... and I need to get the business licence paperwork sorted." She sighed, though a small smile lingered on her lips. "It's a lot."

Clara chuckled softly. "You sound like you've already been running a company for years."

"Well, I plan to," Celeste said, determination returning to her voice. "If I want this to work, I need to treat it like it already exists."

Just then, Celeste's notebook slipped from her hands, sending several pages fluttering across the floor. Clara immediately bent down to help. "Oh no-quick, before they get dirty."

Celeste crouched beside her, gathering the scattered sketches. "I can't have them mixed up; each one's labelled for a specific collection."

"Here you go," Clara said, handing over the last few sheets.

"Thanks," Celeste replied with a small sigh of relief. She tucked the papers neatly back into her notebook, straightened her posture, and smiled. "Alright, let's go. We've got a full day ahead."

✦ ✦

It had been a long, exhausting day filled with meetings and planning. By the time Celeste finally sank onto her bed, her entire body ached with fatigue.

Clara entered the room, holding a neatly sealed envelope. "You've got a letter," she said with a smile. "It's from Lady Victoria."

Celeste blinked, sitting up a little straighter. "From Victoria? What could it be about?" she murmured, taking the envelope from Clara's hand. She carefully broke the seal and unfolded the letter, her eyes scanning the neat handwriting.

Dear Celeste,

It's been far too long since we last saw each other. Evelyn and I were just talking about how much we miss your company-and I admit, things feel quieter without you around. I missed having you around.

I heard from Evelyn that you've started your own business. Congratulations! I'd love to hear all about it. Perhaps you could visit sometime? Or better yet, we could come see you. I'm curious about what you've been working on.

With affection,

Victoria

"She misses me!" Celeste exclaimed, hugging the letter close to her chest, her smile radiant.

Clara chuckled. "You look like someone who just received a love letter."

Celeste rolled her eyes, though her grin didn't fade. "It's just been so long since I saw her. I've missed her too-but I've been so caught up with everything lately."

Clara smirked, leaning against the doorframe. "Then maybe you should ask her out-just the two of you. A little reunion."

Celeste blinked, her face turning a soft shade of pink. "A-Ask her out?!"

"To tea, or brunch," Clara teased. "You know, something simple."

Celeste sighed but couldn't hide the growing smile on her lips. "I suppose that would be nice... But what about the store? There's still so much left to do."

"I'll handle things here," Clara said reassuringly. "You deserve a break, and it might help you recharge."

Celeste glanced down at Victoria's letter again, the corners of her mouth curving into a gentle smile. "You're right... Maybe I do need that. I'll write to her tomorrow and set something up."