CHAPTER 10
Cecelia stood frozen in the foyer, eyes locked on the front door that had just closed behind Oliver.
He hadn’t even looked back at her.
It was the first time since her return that he had left so decisively, with no softness in his and no lingering hesitation.
gaze
She clenched her fists as she turned back inside, masking the sting with a practiced smile. Harry eyed her cautiously. “Cecelia… I know you once had feelings for Oliver. But you were the one who let go of him, remember? That was your own decision. And now, he’s your brother in law. There are boundaries that can’t be crossed. Let him be nothing but your brother in law.
Before he could continue, Amelia cut in sharply, “oh Harry with the scolding! The girl just go home. Why are you already lecturing her?
“Our Cecelia is a smart girl. Plenty of suitors are lining up to marry her. Men who are ten times better than Oliver. Don’t drag her down over him.”
She reached for Cecelia’s hand and squeezed it warmly. “Sweetheart, I brought back lots of gift: from Italy. Let’s go upstairs and take a look.”
Cecelia offered a soft, obedient smile. The kind that earned her love so easily.
‘Yes, Mom.”
3ack home at the Villa, the lights were dim and the house was silent.
Oliver sat alone on the couch, his shoulders were tense, and his brows furrowed.
He was waiting.
Waiting for Madelynn to return, to storm in angry, or call him just once. He wanted her to do o say something. Anything that meant she hadn’t left him.
He would even endure her constant nagging if it meant she would be here with him.
But the house remained cold, and the silence kept stretching.
Suddenly, the electronic door lock beeped. His head snapped toward the entryway. His heart skipped.
Madelynn?
The door opened, but it wasn’t her.
Instead, Cecelia stepped in, dressed elegantly and carrying a small bag. Her smile was soft as she walked toward him.
“Oliver, you’re still up? I thought you’d be asleep by now. Or maybe you were waiting for me.” She added in a sultry voice.
His expression instantly darkened. “Why are you here?”
The words landed harder than Cecelia expected. He used to light up when he saw her. Now his tone was colder than the autumn rain.
Still, she kept her composure. “You haven’t been answering your phone since you left my parent’s home. I was worried about you.”
She sat beside him and leaned in, trying to rest her head on his shoulder.
He flinched and pulled away.
“Oliver…” she whispered. “What’s going on?”
He couldn’t explain it himself.
He’d always thought he loved Cecelia. He always thought that she was the one. But now, all he could think about was Madelynn’s voice, her presence, and even her absence.
He remembered the divorce, the notebook and the baby.
She was really gone…
His fingers twitched restlessly, and his mind was spiraling out of control.
He had never felt this hollow before.
“Cece,” he said suddenly, “has your sister contacted you recently?”
Cecelia froze.
Just like that, her warm expression dropped a few degrees. But she caught herself quickly blinking innocently.
“Why would she contact me?” she asked, voice laced with mock concern. “Maddy never liked me, even as kids. If she’s gone and not answering you, it’s probably because she doesn’t want t be found.”
Oliver frowned. “She changed her number and disconnected verything. I need you to help me contact her. Ask your mom to call her if she can.”
Cecelia’s smile faltered further.
Even now, even after everything, her Oliver was still thinking about that stupid sister of hers.
She gritted her teeth, but her voice remained soft. “You want me to help you find her?”
Oliver turned to her, his eyes were serious. “Cece, she’s your sister. She’s not safe out there alone Please. I’ve always done everything you wanted and this is the first thing I’ve ever asked you for.”
Cecelia’s heart dropped. His first request of her, and it was about another woman.
She bit the inside of her cheek, fighting back her fury, then said sweetly, “Alright. I’ll ask Mom.”
She leaned in closer, fingers brushing his collar. “But first… how do you plan to thank me for this huge thing I’m doing tonight?”
Her hands reached for his tie, loosening it slowly, her lips brushing against his jaw.
Oliver didn’t stop her. So what if Madelynn was missing? He was still a man and he had needs.
He kissed Cecelia back passionately.
And then, just as her hands began slipping lower-
He stood up.what was wrong with him?
His voice was flat. “Cecelia, I’m not feeling well tonight. Let’s not.”
He picked up his coat, muttered something about work, and left the room without a backward glance.
Cecelia sat frozen on the bed, stunned.
He hadn’t just rejected her, he hadn’t even hesitated.
Something had changed, she realized, and it has everything to do with that bitch Madelynn.
