Chapter 5
Before Cecilia could state her purpose, two rich guys in suits pushed in, also asking to see Mr. Hall. She quietly moved aside, finally realizing why people joked about the line being miles long.
The receptionist, clearly used to such situations, responded with a professional smile, “Mr. Hall’s schedule is fully booked at the moment. Please leave your details, and I’ll let you know if he becomes available.”
The others listed fancy job titles and company names. Cecilia peeked, knowing her plain office worker background didn’t help, so she scribbled, [Mr. Hall, I’m the designer of “A Wishing Girl,” which your family acquired four years ago. I want to include it in an upcoming exhibition. Please contact me at your convenience.]
With the exhibition deadline approaching, Cecilia grew increasingly anxious. She visited Hall Group daily, before work, during lunch breaks, and after hours, persistently waiting for a chance to meet Mr. Hall.
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The receptionist, now familiar with her routine, would politely explain his unavailability each time. Despite the mounting frustration, Cecilia remained determined, though she couldn’t shake the discouragement of how elusive the heir seemed to be.
*****
“Your ex’s family knows the Halls, doesn’t they?” Cecilia asked Chloe. “Do you think there’s any way to get me introduced? That might help.”
“They probably do, but I’m not contacting my ex,” Chloe said firmly. She unfolded the property blueprints on the table with a sigh. “We need to decide fast. Renovations take forever. Just pick whichever spot you like best.”
Cecilia glanced through the options. “Honestly, they all look perfect to me,” she said with a shrug. “You’ve got better taste anyway. Just pick your favorite and let’s go with that.”
“Typical you,” Chloe laughed, rubbing her temples. “I’m done over–thinking this. If they’re all good, let’s grab the priciest one and call it a day.” The agent’s face lit up like he had won the lottery at her no–budget attitude.
Then Cecilia’s phone buzzed with an incoming call from Charles. “Hope you didn’t forget my birthday. I’ve booked a private dining room. Just sent you the details. Be there on time.” Charles and Cecilia were also college buddies, so she agreed to go without hesitation.
***
When Cecilia arrived and opened the door, she wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there. He sat beside Charles, a cigarette between his fingers, a drink in his other hand. His eyes skimmed past her without stopping, as if she weren’t even worth noticing.
“Cecilia, sit here.” Charles immediately stood up and tried to smooth things over. All their mutual friends at the table knew that Cecilia broke up with Gavin before the wedding.
“Happy birthday, Charles,” Cecilia said with a warm smile, passing him a neatly wrapped gift. As she reached into her bag, the property floor plans she had been carrying slipped out and fluttered to the ground beside them.
“Thanks.” Charles took the gift, then grinned at the fallen papers. “No wonder you’ve been MIA. Shopping for wedding locations?” Hearing that, Gavin shot a glance at Cecilia, who stayed silent. That familiar mocking smile played on his lips.
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Chapter 5
The air hung heavy with cigarette smoke. Cecilia settled by the door where she could breathe. “Come on, Gavin,” Charles said, “planning a wedding solo is not easy. You really want to throw away all those years together over nothing?” Around them, friends nodded, nudging Gavin to do the right thing.
Gavin put his drink down and blew out a cloud of smoke. “Let’s get this straight,” he said, staring at Cecilia. “You’ve been acting childish this whole time. Stella worked hard to get where she is, while you’ve had everything handed to you. Now that your family’s broke, maybe it’s time to grow up.”
Cecilia’s eyes went cold when he brought up her family. “I’m proud to be a Jordan. No matter what.” Those old memories of her father were precious, not weak spots for Gavin to poke at. Yet he twisted the knife anyway.
“Alright, Gavin, enough,” Xavier jumped in, siding with Charles. He gave a knowing smirk. “Let’s be real. You’re the one who spoiled her for years. That’s on you, man. Own it.”
At that moment, Gavin’s phone rang. “Stella?” His voice softened. “You should be resting, not running around with a fever. Stay put. I’m on my way.” He snatched his suit jacket and pushed back his chair. “Gotta go. Next round is my treat.”
Walking past Cecilia, Gavin saw her looking down. ‘Finally realizing her mistakes,’ he thought. With a cold tone, he said, “Figure out where you went wrong first. Don’t even think about wedding plans until then.”
Cecilia didn’t even glance his way as Gavin left. She picked up her fork with deliberate calm. “What?” She raised an eyebrow at the gawking faces around the table. “Never seen someone eat dinner before?”
Xavier cleared his throat. “Cecilia, don’t read too much into it. Guys like Gavin have to keep up appearances sometimes. You know how it is. At least he always comes home to you in the end.”
Charles quickly changed the subject, nodding at the papers sticking out of her bag. “Need an extra pair of hands?” Cecilia just shook her head with a polite but firm smile.
The whole group figured Cecilia would fold like always. After all, she and Gavin had been inseparable since childhood. Everyone just assumed she would eventually forgive him and set a wedding date like nothing happened.
**
Cecilia balanced her laptop and phone, her mom’s face smiling on screen. “So, darling,” Lily began, “how was that dinner with Henry? Has he called you yet?”
Cecilia shrugged, scrolling through emails with her free hand. “No word from him yet,” she said absently. “But it’s fine. He’s probably swamped at the office.”
“Mr. Quinn says he’s just shy. He never had a girlfriend.” Lily noticed the unfamiliar background behind her daughter. “Cecilia, you’ve worked at Foster Group all these years. You and Gavin, is there something between you?”
“Mom, I’ve left the job.” Cecilia’s voice stayed calm, but firm. “I’m finally doing work that matters to me. And at this point in my life, I’m ready for marriage, kids, the whole future I used to imagine.”
She had spent too many years waiting for the wrong man, and now she was done. As the call ended, Cecilia turned back to her work, but a sudden buzz from her phone made her pause. It was Henry, [Sorry, work’s been crazy. Free for dinner this Friday?]
Cecilia let out a quiet laugh. “I’m sure Mom talked to his uncle. They must have pushed him to text me.” Not wanting to let her mother down, she quickly typed back, [Friday’s perfect. You choose the place. Just tell me where to show up.]
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Gavin’s stomach growled loudly in the empty kitchen. The untouched sandwich on the counter looked dry and unappetizing. He suddenly remembered those buttery croissants Cecilia used to get for him, warm, flaky, perfect. But the fridge held only takeout boxes and half–empty jars.
Gavin rubbed his aching stomach and grabbed his phone. He typed out [Where did you get those croissants] and hit send, only to see the message fail with a red warning. He stared at the screen in disbelief. Cecilia had actually blocked him.
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