Chapter 215
Celine lay on her side, her back turned to Adam, while he sat stiffly on the edge of the bed. The two looked exactly like a couple locked in the aftermath of a bitter tight.
Adam’s hands were clenched into tight fists, his knuckles white with tension. After a long pause, he finally spoke a single word.
“Alright.”
Then he stood and walked away
He was gone.
The tears Celine had fought so hard to hold back spilled out when he left. She grabbed the blanket and pulled it over her face, hiding her tear–streaked cheeks beneath the covers.
It wasn’t a big deal; it was just one night. If he didn’t like her, then she’d just treat it like a dog had bitten her–nothing more.
But her heart ached, deeply and unbearably.
Celine knew the truth–she still loved Adam.
She loved him so much. So, so much.
After that day, Celine and Adam stopped contacting each other entirely.
In the meantime, the person who seemed to be on everyone’s lips was Nikki.
Nikki had suddenly burst onto the scene as the breakout star of one of the most buzzworthy reality shows. Her fresh, sweet image had captivated audiences, skyrocketing her to fame almost overnight.
Dubbed “the little sweetheart” by fans, Nikki quickly amassed millions of followers and became the entertainment industry’s newest darling
Rumors were swirling that Nikki had already secured the lead role in Shane Vega’s highly anticipated new film, Whispering Splendor.
As if that weren’t enough, her face graced the covers of major magazines, she secured several high–profile endorsement deals, and her commercial value skyrocketed to new heights.
Her meteoric rise in the entertainment industry felt like she had boarded a rocket straight to stardom. She effortlessly landed opportunities that most people could only dream of
Nikki was now a bona fide A–list celebrity.
One evening, Celine and Hailey arrived at the Atlas Hotel for dinner. Just as they reached the entrance, a group of black–suited bodyguards stormed out, barking, “Move aside! Make way!”
Without warning, one of the bodyguards shoved Celine and Hailey into a corner. They even roped off the area with caution tape.
Hailey stumbled, nearly losing her balance, but Celine caught her arm just in time. Buning, Hailey snapped, “What are you guys doing? Who exactly are we blocking?”
The towering bodyguard, radiating arrogance, shot back, “Ever heard of Ms. Barnett? You’re in Ms. Barnett’s way.”
Nikki?
At that moment, a sleek luxury van sped into the driveway. A young assistant quickly jumped out and pulled open the back door.
Nikki’s high–profile manager, Diana Wolfe, emerged first, expertly shielding Nikki as she stepped out of the vehicle.
It had been a long time since Celine and Hailey had last seen Nikki. Of course, they had seen her countless times on TV, but seeing her in person now? They almost didn’t recognize her.
Nikki had changed so much. She was dressed in an elegant high–end designer gown paired with sparking crystal heels, draped head–to–toe in luxury brands that screamed exclusivity and prestige.
Her delicate face was partially obscured by oversized sunglasses, and she carried herself like a true celebrity.
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“Ms. Barnett, welcome!” Gary Greene, the manager of the Atlas Hotel, rushed out to greet her.
Just a short time ago, Nikki had been a waitress at this very hotel. Now, in what felt like the blink of an eye, she had transformed into a superstar–the kind of person even Gary bent over backward to impress.
Nikki slid off her sunglasses with practiced ease, revealing a perfectly executed no–makeup makeup look that only enhanced her beauty. Her clean, sweet features were sharp, vibrant, and undeniably striking
Flashing a smile in her signature red lipstick, she said warmly, “Mr. Greene, hello. Actually, we’re not strangers. I used to work here as a waitress.”
“Oh, no, no! Ms. Barnett, that was my oversight back then. Please, a luxury private room has been prepared for you. This way, if you will.”
With Gary leading the way, Nikki and her entourage swept through the hotel’s grand entrance like royalty.
Hailey stood frozen in shock. “Celine, is that really Nikki? She feels like a stranger now.”
Celine’s gaze lingered on Nikki. Her once sweet and innocent eyes now glimmered with a pride that only success could bring. Frowning slightly, she murmured, “She does seem different.”
Just as the two were lost in their thoughts, Nikki suddenly glanced back and spotted them.
She stopped mid–stride. “Celine! Halley! What a coincidence seeing you here,” Nikki called out.
The two instinctively began walking toward her, but they were abruptly blocked by the black–suited bodyguards.
“Stop right there!” one of them barked.
Nikki waved them off with a casual smile. “It’s fine, they’re my classmates.”
Chapter 215
