Carly lounged on the living room couch, repeatedly trying to reach Adam. It was late, and she desperately wanted him to come over. She’d been confident initially, because Adam always came when she called; Celine couldn't compete. But tonight was different. Lamentably, Adam never arrived.
Her anxiety grew. She repeatedly dialed his number, only to hear a cold, mechanical voice: “We’re sorry. The number you have reached is currently unavailable. Please try again later.”
Adam was ignoring her. In a fit of rage, Carly hurled her phone against the wall, her features contorted with fury.
“Don’t be upset, Carly. You have a heart condition,” Lucy said soothingly.
Carly shoved Lucy aside. “How can I not be? Nikki’s so useless! I genuinely believed we could turn things around with her pregnancy scheme. I planned to set a trap, letting Celine take the fall for the child’s death and destroying her. But Nikki is completely useless! Now Adam knows Celine is the woman from that night. He must have gone to her, and he’s probably with her.”
Carly was terrified that Adam would uncover the truth about that night. Unfortunately, her fears were justified. He already knew. Throughout their years together, they had never had sex, making Celine his first. The thought that men never forget their first woman tormented her.
Lucy was distressed, too. She never expected Nikki to be so incompetent. Meanwhile, Adam was with Celine—the first time he hadn’t been there for Carly. This was deeply concerning.
“I’m truly scared. Do you think Adam will discover the truth about what happened in the cave? Will he find out that I’m not the girl and Celine is?” Lucy’s expression changed dramatically. “Shut up!”
Carly was taken aback, instantly covering her mouth in shock. Thankfully, they were alone. This secret had to stay buried. "Don't say that again! If Adam hears you, it could ruin both you and the Tate family."
If Adam uncovered the truth, the consequences would be catastrophic. They had to prevent it.
Carly slumped onto the couch, feeling defeated. “Mom, we made a mistake letting Celine marry him in my place and be with Adam. Celine is just an ordinary woman from the countryside, without education or a job. I didn’t expect Mr. Alvarez to be interested in her, but he gradually became attracted to her.”
Initially, Lucy and Carly dismissed Celine as a non-threat. Fate, however, had other plans. Celine approached Adam, and, to their surprise, he remained captivated by her.
“What should we do now? We can’t just wait.”
After a moment, Lucy declared, “Carly, it’s time for our ultimate move. We must win back Mr. Alvarez and ensure he divorces Celine.” Lucy leaned in and whispered to Carly.
The following morning, Celine slowly opened her eyes, aching all over. She was in a strong, warm embrace. Adam was still asleep, holding her close. Celine looked up at his handsome face. Even asleep, he exuded an air of nobility.
Who could have imagined this esteemed Mercer City man sharing such a night with her in the women’s dormitory, on her delicate pink, heart-shaped bed?