Adam’s expression was cold and impassive. “Grandina wants to see you. When we get there, you know what to do, right?”

Celine found his tone brusque. “Pretend to be in love? I can’t take that.”

Adam sneered. “Haven’t you always enjoyed pretending to be in love with me in front of Grandma?”

Her heart ached. Mary Horton’s health had been poor for years, and during their visits to the Alvarez residence, Adam had always treated Celine coldly. She had been the only one putting on an act, playing her part in a one-woman show. Now, he used that to mock her.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the Alvarez residence. As Celine walked across the lawn, she ran into Melody Alvarez, Adam’s uncle’s daughter and Carly’s close ally.

Melody’s face immediately twisted with disdain. “Celine, Adam doesn’t like you, and here you are sucking up to Grandma again? You know she’s the only one in this family who likes you.”

“Just look at yourself—a country bumpkin who got to marry into this family because Carly wasn’t around. Do you really think you’re worthy of being Mrs. Alvarez? You don’t deserve Adam. Just hurry up and get a divorce.”

Celine was used to it. Adam’s family, like his friends, had never liked her. Nonetheless, Celine walked directly into the Alvarez residence without acknowledging Melody.

Inside, Mary greeted her with a warm smile. Her silver hair shone under the light as she held Celine’s hand tightly. “Celine, why haven’t you come to see me these past few days? Don’t you miss me?”

Celine felt a slight warmth in her heart. Mary was the only source of kindness she’d found in the Alvarez family. She smiled and gave Mary a gentle hug. “Of course I missed you, Grandma.”

Mary beamed with joy, her laughter filling the room. At that moment, Adam’s tall, imposing figure entered.

Celine released Mary and said, “Grandma, you haven’t had your medicinal soup in days, have you? I’ll go prepare it for you.” With that, she headed to the kitchen.

Adam then sat beside Mary. “Hey, Grandma.”

Mary glanced toward the kitchen, where Celine was getting busy. “Adam, did you have a fight with Celine?”

Adam didn’t want to upset his frail grandmother. “No.”

“Then why did she run to the kitchen the moment you came in? She never used to do that. Adam, don’t let Carly cloud your judgment. Three years ago, when you were in a coma, Carly left you and went abroad. It was Celine who married you and cared for you.”

“During those three years, I was devastated, and my health deteriorated. Celine not only looked after you but also took care of me, preparing all sorts of medicinal soups. Without Celine, the Alvarez family would have fallen apart.”

“I’m never wrong about people. Celine is a good woman. When a woman loves you wholeheartedly, you must never let her down. Because once a woman has accumulated enough disappointment, she’ll leave. And once she walks away, she’ll never look back.”

“Adam, don’t wait until it’s too late to regret it.”

Adam’s gaze shifted toward the kitchen. Celine stood there, her sky-black hair tied into a low ponytail. It revealed her delicate, refined face and swan-like neck. She indeed looked breathtaking.

The scent of the medicinal soup she was preparing wafted through the air—a bittersweet aroma with a distinct freshness.

Adam found the scent familiar. Over those three years, she had fed him plenty of similar soups.

In truth, Adam was fully aware of things when he was in a coma. He knew a woman had stayed by his side. He remembered her soft hands, which had touched every inch of his body during his care. At the time, he thought it was Carly. But when he opened his eyes, he saw Celine instead. She told him that her name was Celine Tate.

That evening, Mary insisted that Adam and Celine stay the night at the Alvarez residence, leaving them with no choice.

Later, Adam walked into the room where Celine was staying. Her back was turned to him, and she held a pen, writing on a notepad.

From her phone came an audio message from Robin, saying, “Celine, my darling, you’re already getting a divorce! Stop playing housemaid for them and get out already. Come on, I’ve set up a blind date for you!”