Selena had met his gaze, the pain in his eyes mirroring her own understanding of loss. The role she was being asked to play was a delicate one, laden with emotion and a hint of tragedy.  She saw a boy clinging to the last threads of his childhood, desperately seeking comfort in a world that felt too harsh, too unforgiving.
"I can do that, Patrick," she said, her voice soft. "I can be Celine for you."
And so, Selena became Celine, stepping into the shoes of a woman she never knew, walking a path paved with sorrow and a yearning for a life that could never be.  The weight of the role, the responsibility of carrying another’s memories, settled on her shoulders like a cloak of mourning. Yet, she felt a strange sense of purpose, a desire to offer a flicker of comfort, a moment of solace, in a world that had turned its back on Patrick.
The day Patrick’s graduation, a day filled with a strange mix of celebration and grief, became a turning point for Selena.  It was the day she realized that her unique profession was not just about playing roles, it was about weaving a thread of hope, a tapestry of human connection, in a world that often felt fragmented and broken...
Patrick's words hung heavy in the air, a mixture of grief and determination. "Now I can move forward with my life," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I will make sure that I will be successful, so that I can make my parents and my sister proud."
Selena's heart ached for him. She saw the reflection of Celine in his eyes, the same spark of ambition, the same fierce loyalty to family.  "I know they are already proud of you, Patrick," she said, her voice soft, a smile playing on her lips.
She reached for the envelope, her fingers tracing its smooth surface, the weight of its contents a reminder of the delicate balance they had struck.  She opened it, her eyes scanning the crisp bills inside.
"Wait, what are you doing? That's your full service fee---!" Patrick’s voice rose in protest, a mixture of confusion and gratitude coloring his tone.
Selena gently interrupted him, her smile widening.  She extracted a few bills, leaving the majority inside the envelope, and pushed it back towards him.  "Keep it, Pat," she said, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "You earned this. You deserve it."
Patrick looked at her, his brow furrowed, unsure how to respond.  He had expected payment, a transaction, not this unexpected act of kindness.
"But... it's your fee..." he stammered, his voice laced with confusion.
Selena met his gaze, her expression sincere. "You don't need to pay me for something this important.  And besides, I'm not Celine. I'm Selena. And I’m just happy I could help you."
She paused, her heart softening as she looked at him.  "I know this was a hard day.  But I also know you're going to do great things.  You're strong, Patrick.  And you're loved."
Selena's gesture, a small act of generosity in a world built on transactions, was a testament to the human heart's ability to transcend the boundaries of business and reach out in empathy and compassion.  It was a moment that transcended their agreement, their temporary pact. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful connections are forged not in a transaction, but in a shared act of kindness...
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Few moments have passed.
Selena  is now finally back home after a tiring, but fulfilling day at work. She stopped on her tracks and decided to take a good look at the place she calls home.
She is living in a two-storey house along with her adopted parents and younger sister. Their "Connecting Hearts" company is located on the first floor, while their family home is located on the second floor.
Selena whispered a small prayer, thanking the heavens for giving her a warm and loving family, even though she is an orphan...
She decided to walk inside and she went straight to the second floor. The familiar scent of her mother's signature curry dish wafted through the air, which made her smile.
The weight of the day, the emotional rollercoaster of playing Celine for Patrick, seemed to melt away as she inhaled the comforting aroma.
She paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping across the cozy living room, its warm, earthy tones a testament to the love and care that filled this space.  The sound of her younger sister, Lily, giggling as she chased their cat, Mochi, added a layer of warmth to the already vibrant scene.
"Oh, you're finally home, Selena! Mom and Dad, Selena's here!" Lily smilingly called their parents, while giving Selena a big bear hug.
Selena laughed, her heart overflowing with happiness.  She was home.  She was loved.  And in that moment, as she was enveloped in her younger sister’s hug, she felt a profound sense of peace, of belonging, of gratitude for the simple joy of family.
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The clatter of forks against plates and the soft murmur of conversation filled the air as the Johnsons gathered around the table, enjoying a warm and intimate dinner. The aroma of her mother’s pasta sauce, a familiar comfort, filled the room, a testament to the love and care that permeated their lives.
Selena, her heart full of contentment, began to share the story of Patrick, her client, with her family. "Patrick was really grateful, Mom and Dad," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "He said that he can finally move forward with his life and he will do anything and everything to make his late parents and sister proud of him."
A soft smile touched Henry's lips, his eyes twinkling with understanding. "And I'm sure that his family is proud and happy for him already. And that's one of the reasons why I want to continue our small company," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "It's not all about the money, but the happiness we give to our clients."
Leans, her eyes filled with pride, nodded in agreement.  "And I'm so glad we never gave up, darling," she said, her voice filled with love. "And we are hoping that both of you can continue running and managing the company, Selena and Lily."