The hallway on Nathan's hotel floor was quiet—softly lit, elegant, and hushed like the world outside had been muted. The subtle scent of something woody and musky drifted through the air, mingling with the faint hum of the air conditioning. Celine walked down the carpeted hall carrying several bags, balancing her phone between her shoulder and ear as she talked to Nathan.
He had been on the phone all day with Marv, buried in projects he couldn't step away from. He hadn't eaten. He hadn't rested. So Celine did what came naturally—she took care of him.
"It's okay, love. You don't have to help me," she said softly. "I'm almost at your door."
She hung up just as she reached his suite.
The door swung open immediately.
Nathan stood there, looking tired but still devastatingly handsome. His eyes widened at the sight of all the bags she was carrying.
"Celine…" He stepped forward, kissed her, and relieved her of everything she held. "I told you we could order room service! These look heavy. Why didn't you ask Letty to help you?"
"Don't worry about it," she said with a smile. "I wanted to do this for you."
Nathan carried everything inside and set the bags on the counter. Celine was already unpacking them with careful excitement.
One by one, she laid out the containers—each warm, fragrant, and lovingly prepared.
She had cooked for him.
Braised beef short ribs simmered until tender. Smooth mashed potatoes drizzled with melted butter. Roasted Brussels sprouts and caramelized carrots glistening lightly with honey.
The scent filled the room instantly—rich, comforting, home.
Nathan froze for a moment, touched beyond words. His chest tightened with emotion before he pulled her into his arms, hugging her so tightly he lifted her slightly off the floor.
"Thank you," he murmured into her hair.
"Thank you so much for thinking of me like this."He kissed her repeatedly, slow and tender.
Nathan had never felt this kind of affection—pure, intentional, unforced. Celine made everything feel safe.
She beamed as he devoured the meal, watching him with a joy that warmed her from the inside out.
After a few bites, she cleared her throat softly. "Love… I have a favor to ask."
Nathan wiped his mouth and smiled. "Anything."
"Would you want to come with me to visit one of the orphanages I volunteer at?" she asked gently.
"Absolutely," he said without hesitation, kissing the back of her hand. "Just tell me when."
"Okay! Deal!" she said, her excitement bubbling.
•••
The day arrived with sweet sunlight breaking through small clouds. Celine waited outside the hotel lobby, wearing her yellow chiffon midi dress—the one she bought specifically for this day. It flowed beautifully around her legs whenever the breeze passed. Even if the forecast mentioned rain later, nothing could dim her mood.
Nathan approached with easy strides, wearing a forest green collared shirt and relaxed chinos. Understated, modest, yet effortlessly captivating. When he saw Celine, he froze for a heartbeat—staring, admiring, absorbing.
He leaned in, kissing her cheek near her ear. "You're lucky we have somewhere to be," he teased. "Otherwise I'd take you home and adore you."
Celine blushed, swatting his arm lightly. She didn't notice that Nathan was too enchanted by her presence, too distracted by her brightness to think of anything else.
The orphanage sat on a quiet street, cheerful and lively. The building was well-kept, with pastel-painted walls and a large open yard. Children ran across the playground, their laughter echoing. Others clustered around tables doing arts and crafts under staff supervision.
When they spotted Celine, everything exploded into joyful chaos.
"Ms. Celine!""Ms. Celine is here!""Ms. Celine!!"
A group of kids barreled toward her, hugging her legs, her waist, her arms. She bent down, laughing, hugging them all back. The scene was pure warmth—Celine glowing in the middle of children who adored her.
Nathan stopped to watch, his heart softening. She looked radiant. Natural. Like she was meant for this. She'll be an incredible mother one day, he thought. Nothing like his own.
She waved him over. "Nathan! Come meet everyone!"
"Is he your husband?" a little girl asked with wide eyes.
"No!" Celine squeaked, turning pink.
"Then your boyfriend?" another asked.
She nodded shyly. The kids erupted into cheers. Nathan laughed, the sound rumbling deep and warm.
"We're so lucky today," one child said proudly. "Nana Marie visited us, and now Ms. Celine and her boyfriend!"
Celine brightened. "Where's Nana?"
"She's in the kitchen preparing snacks."
Celine gently encouraged the children to keep playing, then took Nathan's hand, leading him toward the kitchen.
The hallway grew quieter, the echo of laughter fading behind them. In the kitchen, a woman in her early fifties arranged cups of juice and trays of snacks. Her back was turned, but Celine's smile widened instantly.
"Nana Marie!" Celine called warmly.
The woman turned.
And Nathan froze like the ground beneath him had vanished.
Ms. Marie Davis stood there—eyes already glistening, a soft gasp slipping from her lips.
She reached for them, her voice trembling. "Nathan…?"
Celine kept smiling, oblivious. "Love, this is Ms. Davis—Marie Davis. I'm sure you know—"
But before she could finish, Nathan stepped back sharply, his expression closing off like a slammed door. His jaw tightened. His eyes darkened.
Celine looked at him, confusion flooding her face.
Ms. Davis hesitated, then took a shaky step forward. "Nathan… sweetheart—"
Nathan backed away as though burned. And then—
He turned and stormed out.
"Nathan!""Nathan, please!" Ms. Davis called out, voice breaking as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Celine's heart raced as she followed him. "Nathan! Nathan, wait!"
He didn't slow down. Didn't look back. His steps were quick and furious, each stride charged with anger and hurt.
By the time she caught up outside near the parking lot, he spun around.
"Nathan! Where are you going?! Don't you want to see your mother?" she asked—naïve, hopeful, trembling.
His voice was ice.
"Whoever told you I WANT to see that damn woman?"
Celine flinched.
"I—I thought you would…" she whispered. "She's been looking for you. Missing you."
"You should've asked me first!" he snapped. "I don't want anything to do with her!"
Tears welled in Celine's eyes. "Nathan, please… please give her a chance. Let her explain. I'm so sorry I didn't ask. I just thought—maybe—you missed her too."
"You thought?" he barked. "Celine, you don't know anything. You had NO RIGHT to do this. You overstepped your boundaries!"
Celine's whole world tilted.
"Boundaries?" Her voice cracked. "I don't have the right? What am I to you then, Nathan?! Nothing? Am I just… a fling?"
Her chest shook as she cried. She thought she was helping. She thought she mattered enough to try. So why did she suddenly feel like a stranger?
Nathan's anger burned too hot for words. He turned his back to her and walked to his car.
"Go ahead!" Celine shouted through tears. "Leave! Run away from your pain again!"
Nathan didn't turn around. The door slammed.The engine roared.He was gone.
Celine stood there, shaking, heart splintered. But when she turned back toward the orphanage and saw Ms. Davis—crying, hands trembling—something inside her steadied.
She walked toward the woman who had already suffered enough.
And then—As if the sky shared her grief—the rain began to fall.
Soft at first. Then heavier. Cold drops mingling with her tears as she stepped back inside.