Celeste lowered her gaze and faced forward steadily, but she could still feel the stare coming from the man beside her from time to time.
She was certain that Gary was there for her. But why did he do that?
Both of them basked in each other's presence as they walked side by side on the pavement, staying silent the entire way.
The rain continued to pour as they walked home in silence.
Celeste wore his coat and felt warm.
When they were about to reach the entrance of the villa, she muttered softly, "Gary, you didn't have to follow me to the convenience store. It's quite normal for me to go shopping alone. I've been this way for more than four years now. I'm fine. Don't worry."
With her emotionless tone, her soft words seized Gary's heart, which hurt him.
He locked his sorrowful gaze on her face, watching her as she comforted herself with a serious look on her face.
He sighed as a wave of emotions flickered across his eyes. He didn't want to admit that he had gone to the convenience store just for her.
He smiled, explaining, "Celeste, I wasn't there for you. I really wanted to smoke, so I went to buy a pack of cigarettes."
Celeste was flabbergasted. She felt a little embarrassed after hearing that. She couldn't help but ask, "When did you start smoking?"
"I've been smoking a lot more in the past few months. I've been very busy with my research, so I'll usually smoke a pack when I can't sleep. I'm probably somewhat addicted to it at this point," Gary replied indifferently.
As he said that, his tone was calm. He mentioned that it was a result of his late nights of research, but Celeste had a feeling that it was caused by their breakup.
Since he denied it, there was no reason to pry any further. Although it seemed slightly deceitful, she had to keep looking forward. How could they be together if they weren't meant for each other?
So Celeste accepted his explanation. He wanted to smoke, so he went to the convenience store.
"Don't smoke so much. It isn't good for your health," she said softly.
Lifting his eyebrows, Gary fixed his gaze on her again, "Celeste, are you concerned about my health?"
She was taken aback and flustered by the sudden question. She lowered her head to hide the embarrassment in her eyes.
Gary grinned knowingly when he saw her behave in such a manner.
He knew that she was very stubborn.
But she was kind.
He knew that she would most probably feel ashamed by what he had said, but if he didn't say it out loud, she wouldn't have known how her heart truly felt for him.
He didn't dare to admit that he had been there for her. He, Gary Smith, had never been in such a state before.
After a long silence, Celeste decided to ignore his previous question.
She said, "Let's go home. It's too cold out."
"Alright, let's go home," He answered softly.
Celeste felt a warm bubbly feeling in her chest. She longed for a home.
They entered the house together. Pedro saw them enter through the door. He chuckled from a distance and sneaked away, leaving some space forthem.
As soon as Gary entered, he noticed that there wasn't anyone in the living room. He frowned and asked, "Where's Pedro?"
Celeste looked around and noticed that there wasn't anyone around.
"Maybe he's busy."
"Is this how it usually is?" Gary frowned as he asked.
"I've never paid any attention to it." Celeste shook her head, "What's wrong?"
"He's going overboard. He doesn't know how to take care of others. Is this how you guys have been treated all these years?" Gary had his eyebrows furrowed.
"No." Celeste shook her head. "Pedro does a great job. He's probably just a little busy."
"Don't speak up for him. He's just slacking off." Gary looked around searching for Pedro.
The more he thought about it, the more his frown deepened. It seemed that Pedro really was slacking off at work.
"This won't do. I'll talk to him later and remind him to do his job well. How can he take care of others like this? I can't have him slack off and collect his salary just like that."
"Don't say that. Pedro does an amazing job. He might have be dealing with another problem today," Celeste quickly defended Pedro.
Gary decided against arguing with her.
But he stood firm by the fact that Pedro wasn't doing his job and was getting paid for nothing.
Pedro hid behind a secluded corner as he listened to Gary's complaints. Rubbing his nose, he started laughing at himself. Gary dared speak ill of him behind his back, but it didn't matter as it was all part of his plan.
He had deliberately created an opportunity for the both of them.
He slowly walked out of the corner and said to the two of them, "Master Gary is right. I've deliberately neglected both of you today."
Both Celeste and Gary were stunned. They looked at Pedro and wondered what he was up to.
Pedro took their umbrellas with a smile, "I was so worried about your breakup. Why should the both of you, who are such a good match for each other, fight? After the trip to the convenience store, both of you seem to be on better terms. Have you finally gotten back together?
Upon hearing him say that, Celeste was dumbfounded.
She shook her head, "Pedro, you shouldn't overthink things. I won't make up with him. We're not suitable for each other."
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