Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 142

Celeste's fingers stilled above the keyboard.

"The band has a gig at the hotel tonight, but our pianist had an accident and can't make it. We barely know anyone in Asterwynn—could you possibly fill in for us?"

"I'm really not much of a pianist," Celeste replied, hesitating. The violin was always her true strength.

But Kate sounded desperate, her voice on the verge of tears. She pleaded, promising it wasn't some grand concert hall performance; they just needed to fulfill the contract, and the penalty for backing out would be steep. Worse, it would let down the audience and damage their reputation.

Celeste glanced at the deadline on her project. There was still time.

"Send me the address," she typed.

"Thank you! I owe you a coffee tomorrow!" Kate practically squealed, already sending over the setlist and arranging everything for the evening.

Celeste didn't own a piano, so she found a quiet practice studio nearby to rehearse.

Night fell.

Outside the hotel, a steady stream of luxury cars pulled up, guests in designer attire sweeping through the grand entrance.

Kate's band was renowned, their reputation stretching across borders. Tonight's show was a last-minute event for their homecoming, the guest list packed with Asterwynn's elite—artists, magnates, the city's crème de la crème.

After practicing, Celeste headed straight for the hotel.

As she stepped out of the cab, two familiar figures caught her eye.

Viola clung to Philip's arm, her head tilted affectionately toward him.

"I've always dreamed of joining Luna's ensemble. Maybe after tonight's show, we could try to meet them backstage? Philip, if you run into the manager, could you put in a good word for me—"

Before she could finish, Viola spotted Celeste walking past.

"Save your chivalry for the bedroom. If you won't even give Viola a public title, don't bother standing up for her here. Empty words just embarrass you both—and drag the Robertson name through the mud."

Philip flinched, caught off-guard by the force of her retort.

He took a breath, trying to gather his composure, still worried Celeste's modest outfit would draw ridicule inside. He was about to suggest she change when—

A whirlwind of energy barreled into Celeste from behind.

"There you are, sweetheart! I've been waiting forever—come on! You've got the best seat in the house tonight!"

Celeste staggered, then turned to see Kate's beaming face. She laughed, hugging her friend before letting Kate sweep her into the hotel, leaving Philip and Viola in the dust.

Viola watched the two disappear, noting the pale, understated dress Kate wore. Assuming she was just another nobody, Viola gritted her teeth and muttered under her breath.

"Best seat? Please. With clothes like that, Celeste is lucky if she's not stuck in the back row. Who's she trying to fool?"