The Broken Vows: Zane and Celeste's Story (The Windsors)

My heart begins to race, and I can’t wipe the grin off my face when I notice little nail polish bottles in between the roses and candles. I pick one up, only to burst out laughing when I realize the beautiful coral shade is called Celestial. Did Zane have this custom made for me? What’s going on?

I take another step forward, my gaze roaming over the path, my heart skipping a beat with each bottle I pick up. There’s a red shade called Mrs. Windsor, a peach shade called Zane’s Goddess, and then there’s a deep crimson color called Zane’s Wife. I frown when I realize why they look so

familiar. These are the shades my nail artist used today, aren’t they? They’re all the shades of the roses in the garden

Before I even realize what I’m doing, I’m driving up the windy road that leads to Sierra’s house, my heart pounding wildly. I park in front of her door and just stare at the box for a few minutes, undecided. When we were younger, I’d once promised her I’d give her the first box of cookies I ever received from Grandma Anne, but it seems silly to be here now. She likely wouldn’t even take them, purely because I’ve touched the box

Raven glances over, her eyes roaming over my outfit. “That’s from my first collection,” she says, frowning as she stares at the embellishments on my sleeves. I pull my hand toward my chest, flustered. I’ve had this blouse for so long that I grabbed it without thinking. Raven smiles at me, genuinely, for the first time in years. “I’ll send you some of my newer stuff. You’re a Windsor now, Celeste. That means you’re now officially one of my unpaid brand ambassadors.” She hesitates and shakes her head. “But then again, you always have been, haven’t you?”

some days, you were the only reason I kept going. You’re the reason I never gave up, even on days I wanted to.”