Six years ago, I saved Celeste Morgan and her mother from a fire. Overnight, she fell from her pedestal as the darling of fate to the harsh reality of the world.
I never left her side. I cared for her paralyzed mother, stayed by her for six long years—supporting her, encouraging her, watching as she rose again and returned to her former glory.
But when her company went public, it was someone else standing beside her.
When the reporter asked her about it, she smiled and said, “He is the love of my life.”
Without hesitation, I asked the lawyer to draft the divorce papers.
“If he’s the love of your life, then I’ll help you be with him. We’ll divorce. You’ll leave everything behind.”
——
[Celeste, Heaven’s Darling, Returns to Glory After Six Years]
The headline screamed across the webpage, and the live broadcast played beneath it.
Celeste held Damien Whitlock’s arm, her face radiant with confidence.
The reporter asked, “Miss An, from what I understand, Mr. Caldwell saved you and your mother from the fire six years ago. You married him and have lived a seemingly blissful life since. Why isn’t he the love of your life?”
Celeste glanced at Damien and smiled softly.
“Ethan Caldwell did rescue me and my mother, and I’ll always be grateful. I’ve been married to him for six years and appreciate his support and companionship. But gratitude and marriage don't equate to love. Do you understand?”
The reporter nodded politely.
The live chat exploded. Some berated Celeste for being heartless. Others defended her right to pursue true love. And some mocked me, calling me a pathetic simp.
[Simps never meet a good end]
Comments like that kept flooding the screen. I stared at the interview playing, watching Celeste answer questions with ease, her tone calm, her eyes firm.
I laughed at myself.
So it was all one-sided—my feelings for the past six years.
She only ever felt gratitude, not love.
If that’s the case, it’s time I let go.
“Lawyer Cross, please draft the divorce agreement as soon as possible.”
“Yes, Mr. Caldwell.”
I put down my phone and walked into the second bedroom.
Celeste’s mother lay in bed, the ECG monitor beside her beeping rhythmically.
I picked up a towel, dampened it, and began gently wiping her body.
“Mom, I’m sorry I won’t be able to care for you anymore.”
“The truth is, I should’ve known long ago. Celeste never stopped loving Damien. I just kept dreaming, hoping one day I could win her heart.”
“I’ll be leaving soon. I hope you wake up before I go.”
I spoke quietly for a long time, but the only sounds in the room were my voice and the soft hum of medical equipment.
My thoughts drifted back to the past.
I first met Celeste in high school. I had a crush on her for three years, but never dared say a word.
She was the rich, dazzling girl everyone adored. I was just an orphan. Back then, I didn’t even dare imagine being with her.
Just seeing her each day felt like enough.
After the college entrance exams, I saw her walking with Damien. She looked happy, her smile brighter than the sun. The light filtered through the trees, casting shadows across her face. That moment was seared into my memory.
She didn’t go abroad like most expected. She applied to a local university—same as me.
Maybe because we came from the same high school, we got closer.
I had a sense of inferiority from growing up without parents. She often encouraged me, cheered me on.
Each time I saw her or heard her voice, her image grew heavier in my heart.
After college, she asked if I wanted to join her company. I said yes without a second thought. Like before, just seeing her was enough for me.
Later, I heard she got engaged to Damien.
It hurt, of course. But I didn’t resent her. I didn’t get jealous. I just quietly wished her happiness.
For years, I got used to chasing her shadow, following behind her.
I never thought I’d one day stand beside her—
And I never expected that standing beside her would still feel so far away.
