The Breaking Point of Love

The Scent of 5

Chapter 5

Over the years, Matthias and Celeste had rarely seen each other. Yet, even from just a few encounters, Matthias could tell that she was no longer the confident and spirited person she had once been.

Matthias thought back to the Celeste he knew from the past He could never have associated the word “insecure” with that individual. He didn’t know much about Celeste’s marriage to Trevor, but he was completely clueless about her sorry state which was essentially an open secret.

He had his suspicions but didn’t voice them, Instead, he sincerely encouraged, “Falling behind for a time doesn’t matter. Your ability and talent surpass that of most geniuses. As long as you’re still passionate about this field, it’s never too late to start again.

“Don’t forget that you were our teacher’s favorite student throughout his entire career.”

Celeste smiled as she listened to him. “If he heard that, he’d probably scoff and say that he didn’t have much of a choice and could only settle on the least bad one.”

earlier that he

As she thought of her wise but sharp–tongued mentor, Celeste’s smile faltered. “I saw on the news.

also came back for the celebration. How has he been?”

“He’s doing well, though he’s often annoyed by us–his ever–disappointing students–popping up in front of him from time to time,” Matthias replied.

Celeste chuckled, her mind wandering back to the days when she toiled away working on thesis papers under her mentor every day.

“Come back, Cel,” Matthias urged.

Celeste gripped her cup tightly. After taking a deep breath, she nodded and said, “Alright.”

She had been passionate about artificial intelligence since she was a child, and she loved anything related to this field. But because of her love for Trevor, she had put her dream on hold for seven years.

It would take time to catch up after such a long absence. But she believed that with hard work, it wasn’t too late for her.

Matthias asked, “When do you think you’ll return?”

“I still need to transition out of my current job. It might take a while,” Celeste explained.

fine. There’s no

she was coming back, a little more

a genius in algorithms. They just returned to the country recently. Since we bumped into each other, why

shook her head. “I don’t know your team

“Alright.”

Matthias left, Celeste saw Trevor’s sister, Teagan Fleming, walking toward her. She had seen Teagen in the news but hadn’t expected to run into

Celeste greeted, “Hello, Teagan.”

greeting. She frowned

+25 BONUS

Chapter 5

100th anniversary today. So,

have forgotten that she graduated from Trellis College too. But aside from current students and staff, the attendees

nobody like

Fleming

the point, she said, “Nicholas says he misses your cooking.

or two older than Jordyn. With her strained marriage and demanding career, Teagan had rarely been involved in her son’s

Nicholas liked Celeste’s cooking, Teagan had frequently sent him over to Celeste and Trevor’s place over the

looked down on her and treated her

best to care for Nicholas and didn’t

and Trevor were preparing for divorce, she no longer felt the need to endure it. She rejected Teagan without

the Al field, she intended to dedicate her time to meaningful pursuits. After the divorce, she would have no ties to Trevor or his family. She

her. After all, Celeste had often humbled

didn’t dwell on it. She assumed Celeste must have something important going on. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have passed up the chance to

important? Trevor and Jordyn aren’t even with you now.” Upon hearing this, Celeste couldn’t help but smile bitterly to herself. For years, she had abandoned her own Identity and centered her life around them.

wasn’t undeserved, but Celeste wouldn’t live that way

a group of people approached them.

were clearly there for

they looked her over before asking, “Ms. Fleming, who is this?” Teagan, of course, didn’t tell them that Celeste was her sister–in–law. She replied indifferently, “A friend.” “Oh, a friend…” These people, all prominent figures attending Trellis College’s celebration, had assumed Celeste must

Teagan’s dismissive attitude dispelled that impression. Aside from one or two people admiring Celeste’s striking looks and slender legs, the rest paid her no