Chapter 20 - CELESTINE RETURNS TO THE FLOORThree years after lobby incident, Celestine attended charity event at Solmere.
She wore red, not white.
Less diamonds.
During cocktail hour, a young woman in catering uniform stumbled near bar and fell.
Before staff moved, Celestine knelt.
Helped.
No camera initially.
Charlotte saw from distance.
The woman was fine.
Celestine laughed with her.
Later social clip appeared anyway.
Internet called redemption.
Celestine hated.
She texted Charlotte:
I can’t even help someone without it becoming narrative.
Charlotte:
Welcome to being recognizable.
Celestine:
This is your fault.
Charlotte:
You started.
They had become not friends exactly, but women who survived same scandal from opposite sides.
Celestine never forgot assault.
She voluntarily paid settlement? Charlotte never sued. Maybe she donated equivalent to hospitality workers fund at Charlotte’s suggestion? But user may want satisfying consequences. She had lost sponsors, CEO leave, public accountability. Good.
They spoke privately.
Celestine:
“Do you forgive?”
Charlotte thought.
“Yes.”
Celestine looked surprised.
“Really?”
“Forgiveness isn’t same as saying okay.”
“I don’t think about punishing you anymore.”
Celestine cried.
“I don’t forgive myself.”
“Then work on that.”
“Self-hatred is another way to keep yourself center.”
Strong.
Celestine laughed through tears.
“You sound therapist.”
“Expensive.”
Callback.
She later admitted Gideon sent letter.
“He says he loved me.”
Charlotte:
“Maybe.”
“I don’t know if I want that true.”
“Love doesn’t acquit.”
Same theme Douglas/Meredith.
People can love and harm.
Celestine nodded.
Then she asked:
“Are you happy with Holden?”
Charlotte smiled involuntarily.
“Yes.”
“Annoying.”
“Yes.”
May you like
They laughed.
Socialite shock from opening evolves.
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