Chapter 6 The Favor She Owed
1054 Words
Back at the Amethyst Bay villa, Julian emerged from the bathroom, a towel draped over his shoulders, and gestured for Willow to take her turn to freshen up.
While she was gone, his gaze wandered to the crystal bracelets sitting on the dresser.
Picking up the delicate rose quartz bracelet, he toyed with it absently until Willow reappeared.
Setting aside the file he'd been reviewing, Julian approached her with the bracelet in hand.
Gently, he took her wrist and slipped the bracelet on.
Willow recognized the gesture for what it was: Julian's silent way of apologizing for his temper the other night.
She lifted her hand to admire the bracelet under the light, a faint smile curving her lips.
"It's beautiful," she said softly, her voice laced with genuine admiration. "You have excellent taste."
Rising on her toes, she planted a feather-light kiss on his jawline.
To her surprise, Julian didn't initiate anything more that night.
Instead, he wrapped her in his arms and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.
*****
The next morning, when Willow awoke, Julian was already gone.
She stretched languidly and went through her usual routine before heading out to the address Sebastian had given her.
The café was tucked near a university campus. Through the window, Willow spotted Sebastian sitting by the glass, waiting. She approached him and slid into the seat across from him.
"See the girl handing out flyers over there? That's Celeste Ellsworth," Sebastian said, nodding toward the bustling sidewalk.
Willow turned to look. The girl stood near the gates, her ponytail bobbing as she worked.
Despite the lingering summer heat, Celeste's cheerful demeanor didn't falter, though beads of sweat glistened on her forehead.
"Why don't you just give her money?" Willow asked, confused.
Instead of answering, Sebastian pulled out his phone and made a quick call. "It's too hot today—give her a bonus," he instructed before hanging up.
"She won't accept my help," he explained after a pause.
"Don't mention me to her. Just get close to her naturally, teach her piano, and that'll be enough."
Willow nodded without further questions, agreeing to his request.
*****
After Sebastian left to handle company matters, Willow lingered in the café, her eyes drifting back to Celeste.
She watched as the girl tirelessly handed out flyers until the sun dipped below the horizon.
When Celeste finally finished, she perched on a nearby planter to rest.
Willow decided to leave her approach for another day.
According to Sebastian, Celeste worked every weekend. Tomorrow would bring another opportunity.
The next afternoon, dressed casually in workout clothes, Willow approached Celeste with a tentative smile. "Hi, excuse me. Are you a student here?"
Startled, Celeste turned, her wide eyes locking onto Willow's. "Yes, I am. Can I help you with something?"
Willow feigned a nervous laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I was wondering if Montaine University allows guest auditors. I heard the economics program here is excellent."
Celeste's face brightened at the inquiry, mistaking Willow for an eager student from another school. She launched into an enthusiastic explanation.
"Oh, absolutely! Montaine is very open to auditing. You can attend lectures, and if you're good enough to pass the professor's assessments, you might even earn certification. Though, to be honest, the tests are really tough. But auditing? No problem at all!"
Willow hesitated, biting her lip as if embarrassed. "Could you maybe show me around? I'd be happy to compensate you for your time."
As she reached for her bag, Celeste quickly waved her off.
"Oh, no, no, there's no need for that! I'd be happy to help—it's not a bother at all."
With that, Celeste set her flyers and bag aside, leaving them with the security guard before leading Willow onto campus.
*****
As they strolled through the university grounds, Celeste chattered cheerfully about the school's layout and facilities. Willow made sure to listen intently, nodding along.
"And here we are! This is the administration office. You can ask for a course schedule here and then choose which lectures fit your availability," Celeste explained with a bright smile.
After thanking her, Willow stepped into the office to complete the paperwork.
By the time she came back out, Celeste had returned to her post, handing out flyers near the gates.
Willow decided to visit the café again, observing Celeste from a distance. When the girl finally finished for the day, Willow approached her with a warm smile.
"Thanks again for helping me earlier. I'm Willow Drayton, by the way. What's your name?"
Celeste returned her smile, her eyes sparkling. "It was no trouble at all! I'm Celeste Ellsworth. It's nice to meet you."
"Well, since you're done for the day, how about I treat you to dinner? I'd love to hear more about the area and the best places to eat around here."
Celeste hesitated for only a moment before agreeing. Together, they strolled to a lively street behind the university.
"This place, that one over there, and the one across the street—they're all pretty good. You should try them after class sometime!" Celeste said, her tone as animated as her bouncing steps.
From their brief interaction, Willow could already tell Celeste was an exuberant and kind-hearted girl.
Watching her carefree energy, Willow felt a pang in her chest, a fleeting ache. She couldn't help but think of her sister.
'If only she had survived... would she be this happy and full of life too?'
Shaking the thought away, Willow followed Celeste into one of the restaurants.
She requested a private room and handed the menu to Celeste.
"I'm not familiar with the food here. Why don't you pick something you like?" she suggested.
Blushing slightly, Celeste quickly chose a few signature dishes without much fuss.
As they waited for their order, Willow steered the conversation.
"I saw you working hard earlier. Are you saving up for something?"
Celeste answered without hesitation, her honesty shining through.
"I'm covering my living expenses. Tuition at Montaine isn't too bad, but I still need to work part-time to make ends meet."
Willow nodded thoughtfully before leaning forward, her tone hesitant. "If I helped cover your living expenses, would you do me a favor?"
Celeste tilted her head, curiosity evident in her expression.
"What kind of favor?"
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