In the following days, Celeste remained as busy as ever.
She left early and came home late every day, even though Jordyn had been staying with the Rodriguez family, the mother and daughter didn’t actually spend much time together.
Trevor, though also busy with work, reportedly called Jordyn almost every day.
However, Celeste was never around during those calls, so she didn’t know what the father and daughter talked about.
Jordyn’s birthday was on Friday.
Perhaps due to Trevor having always given her enough love and attention, when she found out he likely wouldn’t be able to make it back in time for her birthday, she wasn’t too upset.
Instead, she hugged Celeste’s arm and said, “It’s okay. As long as Mom is with me on my birthday, that’s enough.”
When she later found out that Celeste was really busy and might only have time to cook her a bowl of her favorite soup and give her a gift on her birthday, Jordyn did feel a little disappointed. (4)
It had been a long time since she’d had one of Celeste’s homemade cakes.
She missed them. She had assumed that, at the very least, Celeste would make her a cake. 6
But over the past few days, seeing how busy Celeste had been at the Rodriguez residence, she didn’t throw a tantrum or make any demands.
She simply said, “Okay, I understand…”
Celeste was truly swamped lately.
Whether it was with YodaVision, Fleming Group, or Velotra there had been an endless stream of matters needing her attention.
She’d been working overtime late into the night every day–there really was no time to spare. 2
It was Jordyn’s birthday after all. She had given birth to her. So, no matter what, she had a responsibility.
Even though she and Trevor hadn’t officially divorced yet, she had already started stepping back from parenting
duties. 19
That in itself was already somewhat irresponsible. 2
But, now…
Thinking of this, Celeste said, “If I get off work early tomorrow, I’ll make you a cake.” 1
Jordyn beamed. “Yay! Thank you, Mom!”
However, by Thursday, Celeste was so busy she completely lost track of time.
By the time she finished everything and snapped back to reality, it was already around three in the morning.
After returning home and washing up, it was already 5:00 am. And she had a meeting at Velotra scheduled for a bit past 9-
There was simply no time to make a cake…
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She only managed to cook a bowl of Jordyn’s favorite soup and hand her the birthday gift before rushing off to her meeting at Velotra.
By the time her workday ended, it was already past 9:00 pm
Celeste checked the time. Thinking about how she had barely exchanged a word with Jordyn that morning before rushing out, a flicker of guilt crossed her face.
Matthias noticed the shift in her expression and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Today is Jordyn’s birthday.”
Matthias could understand Celeste’s complicated feelings toward her daughter. And he knew that no matter what, she hadn’t truly let go. (1)
Seeing how Celeste had been busy all day without even managing to make a phone call home, he checked the time and said, “There’s still time. If you go back now, you can still keep her company.”
Celeste hummed a response.
Then, she left the office and drove straight home.
When she arrived, Betty was still awake.
Seeing her return, the elderly woman softly said, “You were gone all day, and Trevor didn’t call either. Jordyn hasn’t been very cheerful today.” 2
Celeste was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected that Trevor hadn’t called all day.
Betty sighed and gently patted her hand. “She’s still awake. Go spend some time with her.”
Celeste nodded and went upstairs.
Upstairs, Jordyn was lying on her bed reading a comic book
Seeing Celeste return, she glanced up and greeted her flatly “Mom, you’re back.”
“Mm.” Celeste set down her bag and paused for a couple of seconds before walking over to her. “Sorry. I’ve been busy with work, so…”
“I know.” Jordyn looked up at her. “Mom, I understand.”
She seemed very mature, but Celeste knew she was genuinely upset. When Jordyn was truly happy, she loved to act spoiled with her.
In the past, when Jordyn was upset, Celeste had all kinds of ways to coax her into a smile. But now, standing there watching her, she suddenly didn’t know what to say or do to comfort her. 2
Only now did Celeste realize that even though things between them seemed normal on the surface, there was already a distance growing between them. 9
Just then, Jordyn’s phone suddenly rang. She glanced down and saw that the caller was “Dad.”
She didn’t look particularly happy, but she still answered the call quickly, though her tone was a bit cold. “Hello?”
On the other end, Trevor smiled and said, “Jordyn, happy birthday.”
Still flipping through her book, Jordyn responded flatly, “Okay.”
Trevor seemed to sense she was upset, but he didn’t sound surprised. “You’re mad, huh?”
2/3
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Jordyn pouted silently and didn’t respond.
“Sorry,” he said. “I was on the plane earlier and couldn’t make any calls, so…”
Still, she said nothing.
Then, Trevor chuckled softly and said, “I’m actually outside Granny’s neighborhood right now, Jordyn, you-”
At those words, Jordyn jumped up from the bed. “Dad, you’re back? You’re not lying to me, are you?”
Trevor’s voice still carried a smile. “Mm, I came back just to spend your birthday with you. It’s only a bit past ten. So, I’m still on time.” (73
