Chapter 127 - Tears Rolling From My Cheeks

"Here. I am texting you Celestes number, who knows if she changed it but give it a try. Supposedly they also had a prenup but obviously hers was more strict than his considering her assets. She could help, she also knows how Mrs. Carter is. She may have some pointers."

I cursed under my breath. 'Fuck. I did not want to contact her.' Her previous words loomed over my head and I wanted nothing to do with her at all. I had hoped that maybe Frankie would give me some advice or connect me with other people but not at all.

Even the information from the first time we met did not give me what I wanted. I met up with her sporadically over the next few weeks from the gala but she had nothing new to add. 

The things Dean Cortez has done were not really a secret. It was essentially public knowledge. And to make things worse, it was not even that juicy. He was a stereotypical rich kid who drinks, parties, has sex, and blows his money like crazy.

At least back then he did, now he has stopped his habits so there is nothing fresh to discuss. As for Celeste herself, she is an empty book. Nothing substantial on her. She just goes to work and goes home and maybe attends events if its required by her work. 

Given our history, I did not want to ask but I had no other avenue. "Haaaa ok I will try. Thanks." I hoped my annoyance did not pick up on her end. If it did, she did not comment on it. "Sure, night hope it helps."

So when Felix went to sleep, I sent the text. 

I figured I could try to sleep and see if she responds but I found myself checking at every hour. And my phone was dry, no response. I triple checked the number to make sure I sent it correctly and nothing was incorrect.

'What if she blocked you?' This was my first thought and I strongly felt that this was the case. But to ease my anxiety, I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. 'Maybe she was already asleep. She seems like the type to sleep early so lets wait until morning.'

I had probably the worst sleep I have ever had last night. The dark circles under my eyes were a testament to that. I eagerly grabbed my phone to see but still no response. I felt aggrevated, annoyed and most of all pathetic.

I looked in the mirror at my sad excuse for a look and slapped my cheeks hard. The red that bloomed from the slap rosied my cheeks giving back color but most of all got my back into a killer mindset. 'As my dad always said, we don't wait for answers, we get them.'

Maybe it was the manic thoughts from my lack of sleep but I needed her to assist me. Grabbing my phone, I looked up her work building and made my way downtown.

Of course it was in the heart of the business district. Compared to all the office workers in their suits and dresses, I was essentially wearing rags. Though Felix gave me his card to purchase clothes, I was having a hard time purchasing clothes.

Maybe it is trauma but I am scared to bring them into the house. That his mother may get to them too. So I have stalled on purchasing them. 

I walked into the building and made my way to the elevator. However when I arrived the buttons to go up would not work. I had passed a reception desk on my way in but he did not stop me at all.

I waited near the elevators to see if someone would enter but no one went up. So I made the walk of shame back. "Hi, I have a meeting with Ms. Celeste D'Angelo but I think the elevator is broken. I press the button but we don't move anywhere."

The man looked up from the computer before giving me a curt smile. "Oh did you not check in with me? We have all guests check in as you are given an guest ID card which allows for temporary access."

He pointed to the sign right on the desk that I missed. It said "Please check in with me to get your badge if a visitor."

I never have felt so stupid in my life. "Sorry I was running late and missed the sign. If I could get the badge that would be great." I held out my hands ready to receive the badge but the man gave me an odd look. He then spoke gently as though I was slow. 

"Are you sure you have an appointment today ma'am?" If steam could come out of my ears from how upset I was, it would have been steaming and piping hot. "Excuse me what are you trying to imply?"

My voice rose from my anger and the lobby quieted down to see what was going on. The receptionist did not get fazed and instead offered a customer service smile. "Nothing at all ma'am. I was asking as our president is currently not in the building at the moment. She left for work related meetings out of office. I doubt that our secretary would book you for a time when she is not here."

Damn. I never considered her being out of office and now I look like an idiot. I pretended to pull up an email from my phone. "My goodness I am so sorry, I must have the date incorrect. It seems it is for tomorrow. I will be back then to meet with her."

But luck was not on my side as the receptionist just gave me a smirk before pulling the trigger to kill me of embarrassment. "Are you sure you are trying to speak to our president and not for another company? Our president will not be in office tomorrow either."

There was nothing left for me to be able to dig myself out. I had to give up. "Sorry, not from the area and I have the wrong location. Excuse me."

I all but ran out. And not even a block away I began to cry. The tears rolling from my cheeks hot and steady. "Fucking hell, why is the universe so keen to punish me."