The Love That Came Too Late

Chapter 3 Broken Promises

Perhaps even Xavier himself had forgotten, but Celia remembered it very clearly.

Back then, Celia was the golden girl of Hawthorne University's law school, while Xavier was just the scholarship kid from the economics department next door.

Even his tuition had been paid for by Celia's mother.

She had guys lining up for her back then, some writing bad love songs, others bringing her flowers.

But none were like Xavier. He would wait by her dorm every single day, rain or shine. Iced drinks in sweltering summers, hot lattes in freezing winters, all just to give her rides to the library on his rickety bicycle.

Celia never gave him the time of day.

Her dormmates would tease him too.

"Look at this toad dreaming of dating a swan. I guess fairy tales are not total lies after all."

The whole group burst into laughter that day, until Celia suddenly stopped. To everyone's shock, she walked right up to Xavier and said flatly, "I have never ridden a bike before. Teach me."

Word of their relationship spread like wildfire across campus. Upperclassmen complained about being heartbroken before even getting a chance. The university forum buzzed with threads predicting how soon this odd couple would split up.

And honestly, the odds were terrible. Xavier was completely ordinary in every way, while Celia had stunning looks, top grades, and a wealthy family. She was the full package.

Yet against all expectations, they got married right after graduation. When he proposed, Celia looked into his eyes and murmured, "Xavier, you treat me so well it makes me feel guilty. Saying no would feel like I am wronging you. Promise you will never change?"

His answer came instantly. He held her tight as if he could show her his heart.

"Celia, you are the one who gave me a whole new life. You made me feel like a real person for the first time. I promise you, as long as I am breathing, you will be the only one I cherish."

Now those words tasted like ash in her mouth.

Just five measly years of marriage, yet when Celia looked back, it felt like a lifetime ago. Turns out men's promises are just pretty lies waiting to shatter.

By their third year, Iris had been brought home by Henry. From that day on, Celia felt Henry and Xavier being ripped away from her day by day.

Henry, who used to give her the silent treatment, now spent hours consoling Iris after a lost court case. And Xavier, who could not even name her hobbies, stayed up till sunrise watching those ridiculous soap operas just to keep Iris company.

Then came the Clearwater Manor case a year ago, the earthquake that shattered whatever was left between them.

Celia lay awake until dawn, only to wake past noon. As she came downstairs, their laughter rang out from the living room like she did not even exist.

Whatever Iris had said had their father's face folded up like a used napkin from laughing. Xavier wore that stupid fond look as he tapped Iris's nose.

The laughter died instantly when Celia appeared.

It was as if she were some unwanted stranger.

This was her damn house. Even the villa itself was her mother's legacy, left to her alone.

Iris nestled against Xavier's arm, her voice syrupy with fake concern. "So lazy, Celia. We have already finished lunch."

Henry could not be bothered to look up from doting on Iris. "Tell the kitchen to make her some pasta."

Iris cooed with fake sympathy. "The chef took the afternoon off for personal stuff. I guess Celia is out of luck for pasta today."

Henry did not even glance up. "Just order takeout. Kids these days live on that crap."

His face lit up with a doting grin as he turned to Iris, every wrinkle radiating affection. "Iris, I know you sneak that greasy junk behind my back. Do not think I have not noticed. That garbage will ruin your health. Quit it."

Iris gave a cheeky tongue poke.

Celia's expression stayed blank. Without a word, she turned toward the door.

Xavier suddenly stood. "I will cook the pasta."

"Xavier!" Iris whined, clearly annoyed, but he was already striding to the kitchen. She shot Celia a dirty look before turning away.

Just then, a maid entered carrying a cardboard box. "Ms. Celia Hartwell, your delivery arrived."

Celia paused. "For me?"

The maid set it down. "Yes, it is addressed to you."

Celia frowned. She had barely unpacked. Who would be sending her things?

Iris's eyes sparkled with nosy excitement as she snatched the package. "Let us see what goodies Celia splurged on."

She ripped into the box, her voice laced with fake sweetness. "Someone is treating herself already? You must have had a fun trip."

Before she could finish, she let out a bloodcurdling shriek.