Chapter Twelve Summary, Analysis, and Key Takeaways

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

The chapter opens with Brad reflecting on the two weeks since Celine told him he could do anything but that they can't be together. He decides both statements can't be true, so he spends the time being her friend and flirting with her, while also Googling whether he can write a book—a new creative ambition that feels both exciting and intimidating.

During Christmas break, Brad and Celine travel to the Sherwood hotel for their score meetings with Katharine Breakspeare. In the elevator, Brad is overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts—worst-case scenarios about the meeting, counting floor numbers, and fears of failure. Celine notices his distress and, instead of rushing to her appointment, rides the elevator up and down with him, giving him time to ground himself. She tells him to relax, and he gradually recovers, thanking her warmly.

As they exit the elevator, Celine mentions she doesn't do boyfriends, revealing that Luke was never actually her boyfriend. Brad is surprised but doesn't push further. Outside the conference room, they encounter Katharine Breakspeare, who is seeing out a group of adults—including Celine's estranged father, Mr. Soro. He recognizes Celine and stops, but she calmly pretends not to know him, saying she doesn't recognize him. He stammers and retreats, and Katharine observes the scene with interest before taking Celine into her meeting.

In her meeting, Katharine reports that Celine's leadership and team-building scores are high, noting that she supported quieter members and gave others' ideas a chance. However, her lowest score is creative thinking. Katharine advises Celine to try