Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty-seven

The next morning, soft sunlight filtered through the curtains. She sat with her quill poised above the paper, her heart fluttering as she stared at the blank page.

After a moment of hesitation, she began to write.

"Dear Victoria,

It's been far too long since we last saw each other. I miss our talks—and you. Would you like to meet for tea this weekend? There's a lovely new garden terrace café I'd love to show you."

Celeste reread the letter once more, her lips curling into a shy smile before sealing it with a careful press of wax. Her heart fluttered the entire way as she delivered it herself, the cool morning air doing little to steady her nerves.

When she returned home, Clara was waiting by the door with her arms crossed and a knowing grin.

"You actually did it already?" Clara asked, amused.

Celeste nodded, trying to hide her flustered expression. "I did. Now I just have to wait for her reply..."

"Oh, the agony of anticipation," Clara teased dramatically. 

"Stop teasing me," Celeste huffed as she passed her by Clara, her heart still beating fast.

✦ ✦

By the next afternoon, Celeste found herself glancing at the clock more often than she'd like to admit. Every sound from outside made her turn toward the window, heart leaping in hope.

Finally, there was a knock at the door. Clara appeared moments later, holding a sealed envelope with a teasing grin. "It has arrived."

Celeste took it carefully, her fingers trembling just a little as she broke the seal. The elegant handwriting inside made her heart skip.

"Dear Celeste,

I would love to join you for tea. I've missed you too.

—Victoria."

Celeste's eyes sparkled as she read the words again, a bright smile spreading across her face until her cheeks ached.

"She said yes!" she squealed. "I need to start planning everything! This has to be perfect."

Clara chuckled. "You are overthinking it already." But Celeste was already heading towards her wardrobe.

When the day finally arrived, Celeste reached the café early. The air was sweet with blooming flowers, sunlight filtering through the trees. She took a deep breath, smoothing her skirt as she sat.

Then—

"Celeste."

She looked up, and there was Victoria. Elegant as ever, dressed in a deep blue gown.

"Victoria," Celeste said softly, standing to greet her. "You look..." Her voice faltered, and she smiled shyly, "beautiful."

Victoria's lips curved in soft amusement. "So do you. You know I hardly ever leave the capital unless it's for something special."

Celeste laughed lightly. "I'm just glad you accepted my invitation, you hermit."

"Hermit, I am offended now" Victoria feigned annoyance while Celeste just laughed.

They both sat, just as the waiter arrived with a tray of delicate pastries and tea.

"This place is lovely," Victoria remarked, glancing around the cosy terrace.

"I stumbled upon it while running errands in the capital," Celeste explained, pouring the tea.

"Oh?" Victoria asked, leaning forward slightly. "And how's your business coming along?"