Page 148 of Chandelier Enthralled
“And you have me, too.” Willa’s gaze narrowed. “Why did your mom not live with you?”
“It wasn’t because of her financial circumstances. Or because she couldn’t raise me. It was more complicated.”
“She continued to visit?”
“Now and again.”
“She couldn’t be seen with you?”
I nodded. Willa was probably wondering if she was a married woman.
“I never needed for anything,” I explained. “Toys, clothes, food, she spoiled me.”
“She sounds lovely.”
“I have hours of footage of her.” I turned and glanced back at the Hollywood sign.
Willa caught it. “You’re not talking about home video, are you?”
“I was kept hidden from the world because of who she was.”
Willa gave me a puzzled look.
“Photos of us together were taken in front of the same trees that are there now. Same pool.”
Willa let out a sigh of empathy, realizing the truth. It was the same pool where that awful tragedy happened.
Her comforting smile was full of kindness and understanding.
“I still have her Blancpain, a Ballerina watch. It was given to me afterwards. After she died.”
“How old were you?”
“Nine.”
“How did she die?”
“It was because of my father. Jewel has no idea what she’s going after.”
“How do you mean?”
“She knows there are secrets surrounding my birth, only not quite this compelling.”
“Greyson, who was your mom?”
I was on the brink of letting everything spill out—to a journalist, a woman I considered a friend, and someone I hoped would remain in my life. Yet, I knew it was still a risk.
“Celeste Starling.” Her name sounded sweet on my tongue, like it always did.
Willa stiffened, inhaling sharply. “I think I understand now.”
I picked at a blade of grass, waiting for Willa to continue.
She visibly shivered. “Celeste Starling was rumored to be dating the French Prime Minister at the time of her…” She paused, slowly putting the pieces together. “Greyson, was he your…?”
“Mom didn’t want anyone to know he was my dad. Especially him.”
“Why?”
