By the time I arrived, he was holding her tightly in his arms, her face streaked with tears.
My chest tightened, but I said nothing.
Later, Celeste explained quietly, “I was terrified. Whoever got there first, I would have reacted the same way.”
The day after our wedding, I flew overseas for an urgent project. When I returned, I didn’t tell her because I wanted to surprise her.
I went quietly to the glass conservatory I had given her as a gift.
And there, I saw a scene I would never forget for the rest of my life.
My adopted brother, Philip, had my new wife pressed against the glass. Their bodies were closely intertwined, with spring sunlight shining through the conservatory.
The gift box slipped from my hand and hit the ground with a sharp crack.
I lunged forward and slammed my fist into Philip.
Celeste hurriedly pulled on her clothes and grabbed my arm. “Nathan, listen to me. Let me explain!”
“Explain?” I yanked my arm free. “Explain how the two of you ended up together? Do you think I’m blind?”
I looked at Philip, then at Celeste.
My anger was already pushed to its breaking point. Still, deep inside, a foolish glimmer of hope remained. Maybe she had just been momentarily confused.