Chapter 12 The guys all exchanged uneasy glances , shrugging slightly . What were they supposed to say ? That Declan Hawthorne - Westbridge's golden boy - was drinking himself into oblivion over a woman ? And not the one standing right in front of him ? Fortunately , Celeste didn't seem to notice the awkward silence . She was more worried than suspicious . Seeing Declan passed out cold , she rushed over and gently nudged his shoulder . " Declan ? Declan , can you hear me ? How do you feel ? " Her voice brushed against his ear like a half - remembered dream . He stirred groggily , blinking open his eyes . Everything was a blur . He couldn't quite make out the face in front of him , but something about the voice felt … familiar . So when she moved closer , trying to help him up , he didn't resist . Just let her do it . " This is bad , " Celeste muttered under her breath . " He's had way too much . I'm taking him home . " She spoke like it was the most natural thing in the world , like it was her right - and none of the guys objected . In fact , they looked almost relieved to hand the problem off . Tristan watched the two of them leave and sighed . Once the door shut behind them , someone - Ryan Chambers, maybe - finally broke the silence . " So … what's going on with Declan ? " Tristan shook his head , exhaling long and hard . " Wish I knew . " If Declan had feelings for Celeste , then with Marissa out of the picture , he should've been thrilled , right ? But if it was Marissa he loved all along … then why had he said she was like a family to him ? Why had he always made excuses for Celeste ? Truth was , no one understood what Declan really wanted - not even Declan himself . He didn't come to until the next morning . Harsh sunlight streamed through the open window , stabbing at his skull like knives . His head Chapter 12 Blushwood Health EBC - 46 Tincture | 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry Extract | 50 ml | Lab -… Shop our versatile Tincture 08. This lab - tested , 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry extract with EBC - 46 is designed for both sublingual and topical use . Fast global shipping . bh 50.00 % For Chronic Discomfort Blushwood Health throbbed like hell . Groaning , he sat up and rubbed his temples , wincing as the hangover hit in full force . That's when he noticed the bowl on his nightstand . Hangover soup . Hope sparked in his chest . He threw back the covers and practically stumbled out of bed , his legs moving on autopilot toward the kitchen . Porcelain clinked against glass somewhere inside . He pushed open the door and blurted , " Marissa ?! " The woman in front of the stove froze for half a second . Then she turned around , smooth as ever . " Declan ? You're up , " Celeste said brightly . " I left some hangover soup by your bed . Did you drink it ? Actually , wait- " She turned back to the pot . " It's probably cold by now . I'll pour you a fresh bowl . " She ladled it out and handed it over with a smile . Declan took the bowl and stared at it for a long moment before finally saying , " Thanks . " Celeste's eyes lit up just a bit . " How is it ? " The soup Different . o did help - his headache eased almost instantly something about it felt … off . It didn't taste like the ones Marissa used to make . He didn't say that out loud , though . Just nodded slowly . " It's good . " Silence settled over them again. Celeste looked like she wanted to say more , but before she could , Declan spoke first . " Your parents … they're back in the country , right ? " The question caught her off guard , but she nodded . " Yeah . They got in three days ago . " She didn't understand why he was asking until the next second . Chapter 12 Blushwood Health EBC - 46 Tincture | 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry Extract | 50 ml | Lab -… Shop our versatile Tincture 08. This lab - tested , 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry extract with EBC - 46 is designed for both sublingual and topical use . Fast global shipping . bh 50.00 % For Chronic Discomfort Blushwood Health "Back when you moved in , you said your family wasn't around . But now that they're back … " His voice was flat . Distant . " You should move back home . I'll have someone drive you . " With that , he turned and walked out , not bothering to look back . "Declan ! " But Celeste wasn't letting him off that easily . She caught up to him and grabbed his arm . " What is this? You're kicking me out ? " Her voice trembled . Panic bled into every word . Declan's brow furrowed as he pulled his wrist free . His tone dropped , edged with exhaustion . " You never should've moved in to begin with . " It was brutal . Cruel , even . And for a moment , both of them just stood there - shocked by how final it sounded . Then , slowly , Celeste's eyes filled with tears . " … I'm sorry . You don't have to send anyone . I'll leave on my own . "