Celestial Ties

CHAPTER 13

Evelyn POV

After finishing up at Everbright Advertising, I headed straight to Starlight Library. My routine had changed ever since Mr. West moved out of the healthcare center. Now, instead of visiting him, my days had settled into a predictable pattern: home, office, library, daycare, and then back home. It was a quiet life, but one I had grown comfortable with.

As I sat in my usual corner of the library, completely engrossed in the novel Magical Bond, I was vaguely aware of the world around me fading into the background. The story had pulled me in deep, and I hadn't moved in what felt like hours.

"Hello, what are you reading? You haven't moved for an hour now," Cassandra's voice pulled me out of the fictional world I had been lost in. I looked up, a bit dazed, and saw her standing there with a curious smile.

"Oh, this book is so beautiful," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to break the spell the story had cast over me.

"Are you crying?" Cassandra asked, her eyes widening in surprise. It wasn't until she pointed it out that I realized tears had been silently streaming down my face. I quickly wiped them away and chuckled, feeling a bit silly.

"The book is just... beautiful," I repeated, trying to find the right words. "Desmond never thought he would fall in love with Elsa, even after his crazy girlfriend made fire rain." The plot twist had hit me harder than I expected.

Cassandra smiled knowingly. "I told you the book was amazing. I should really become a book reviewer."

"You would make a perfect one," I agreed, still a bit emotional from the story. Cassandra had a knack for picking out the most heart-wrenching yet soul-soothing reads.

"But you know what time it is," she said, a hint of mischief in her voice.

"What time is it?" I asked absentmindedly, still partially lost in the world of Desmond and Elsa. Cassandra didn't answer right away. Instead, she gently turned my head towards the large library clock.

"Oh my!" I gasped, seeing how much time had passed. "I didn't realize I spent that much time here. I promised Mr. West a visit this evening."

Cassandra nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Please, can you cover for me?" I asked, knowing she'd have my back.

"Sure, I got you," she replied with a reassuring smile. I hugged her quickly, grateful for her friendship, and was about to leave when she stopped me with a question that caught me off guard.

"I've been wanting to ask... when you say Mr. West, do you mean Mr. West West as in Graham West, the mega star?" Her voice was filled with curiosity and a hint of excitement, her eyes sparkling with the prospect.

I couldn't help but laugh at the way she phrased it. "Firstly, I don't know who this 'Mr. West West' is," I said, using air quotes to emphasize her words. "I'm going to see old West from the healthcare."

Her face fell slightly in disappointment. "Oh, I thought this was going to be a 'Magical Bond' reality," she said, feigning dramatics. We both laughed at the absurdity of it.

"See you tomorrow," I said as I waved goodbye and walked out of the library, feeling lighter after our exchange.

After I left the library, I decided to take a taxi instead of the bus. I didn't know the place well, and I didn't want to risk getting lost. I handed the taxi driver a piece of paper with the address Mr. West had given me the day he moved out of the healthcare center.

"West Estate?" the taxi driver asked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

"Yes," I confirmed, feeling a bit nervous as the car began its journey.