Chapter 19
Gavin stood outside the villa, unusually patient as he waited. He looked into the villa, and he could even see Cecilia’s figure in the kitchen.
Gavin was filled with anticipation, even thinking that Cecilia was probably making him his favorite croissants. As long as Cecilia stopped bringing up the breakup, his life would return to normal.
After a few minutes, a car from the hospital arrived, with bodyguards from the Foster family and medical staffs stepping out.
“Cecilia, Cecilia!” Gavin never expected this. “Cecilia, come out.” In the end, before Gavin even stepped inside the door, he was forcefully escorted back to the hospital.
The outside finally grew quiet. Cecilia sat eating the croissants she had made.
At 8 a.m., the renovation team arrived. “The setup for this workspace is a bit rushed, thank you all for your hard work,”
Cecilia said.
She sat on the couch, watching the progress with a bright mood as the sun shone through the windows.
At that moment, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Simon. [Ms. Jordan, congratulations on the success of your exhibition. How is your studio coming along? When will you start working on new pieces?]
Simon was her client, so Cecilia replied immediately. [The studio’s renovation still needs some time. I’ve set up a workspace at home for now. As for the new design, I need to consult your opinion.]
[I’ll come by in a few days to meet with you and discuss.] Shortly after, Simon sent another message. [Can I see your workspace?]
Cecilia got up and took some photos. Her workspace had large windows facing the villa’s backyard, and when opened, it revealed a beautiful view outside.
She ended up chatting with Simon about her designs for a long time. After all, Simon had auctioned her work before, and his appreciation was very important for the direction of her future designs.
Cecilia received an unexpected call.
Half an hour later, Cecilia arrived at a café and saw Gavin’s mother, Vivian White, sitting by the window. Cecilia walked up and greeted her politely, “Mrs. Foster, long time no see.”
“Cecilia, please sit,” Vivian said, handing her a designer bag with a smile. “I saw this bag and thought it would suit you, so I bought it. Do you like it?”
Cecilia didn’t take the bag. “Mrs. Foster, is there something you want to talk to me about?” She didn’t believe their meeting today was just for a casual chat.
“Gavin was in a car accident and is recovering in the hospital. I went to see him but didn’t see you there. Is there something wrong between you two?” Vivian asked.
Cecilia ordered a cup of coffee, fully aware of the situation, but she didn’t confront Vivian. Today, Vivian wasn’t there to
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reconcile, she was there to test Cecilia. “Mrs. Foster, Gavin and I broke up. I’m not really involved in his situation anymore.”
Vivian’s expression pretended to show some surprise, though her lips curled up in a smile. “Cecilia, may I ask why you two broke up? Gavin doesn’t seem to have said that.”
In reality, Vivian already knew the reason. The breakup was because of the female student Gavin had been supporting, named Stella. Vivian hadn’t bothered to resolve things with Stella, a woman of vanity, because Vivian didn’t care about her.
However, Cecilia was different. She had been Gavin’s childhood sweetheart, and it was Gavin’s attitude toward her that concerned Vivian.
“Cecilia, you and Gavin grew up together. I really like you. It’s a pity that you two couldn’t make it to the end,” Vivian said.
Cecilia silently drank her coffee, not responding. She could tell that Vivian hadn’t yet reached the point she wanted to make.
Vivian continued with regret, “You know how hard it was for me to bring Gavin into the Foster family.
“He’s not getting any younger, and the elders are pushing him to get married. They want to arrange a match with an heiress from a well–matched family.”
At these words, Cecilia slowly raised her eyes. This was indeed something she hadn’t known before.
“Gavin also followed the family’s decision. A man must prioritize his career, and even though your relationship is deep, he still cannot marry you,” Vivian said, speaking from the perspective of the Foster family.
Suddenly, Cecilia understood. She had always thought marriage was just a choice between two people who loved each other, but Gavin was weighing his interests.
The reason he had never brought up marriage was that he was looking for a better match.
When Cecilia finally heard the answer she had always wanted to know, there was no emotional reaction inside her. The people who no longer mattered wouldn’t affect her anymore.
“Mrs. Foster, why are you telling me all of this?” Cecilia asked, sensing that Vivian truly hoped she would cut ties with Gavin for good.
“Cecilia, as a mother, I must consider what’s best for Gavin. Since you’ve broken up, I hope you never meet him again. I will also arrange a blind date for Gavin,” Vivian said.
“I’m not interested in knowing that,” Cecilia replied coldly.
At this moment, Vivian took out a blank check. “A woman’s youth is precious. I know Gavin spoiled you before, and even though the Jordan family went bankrupt, you still live a comfortable life.
“I don’t want to see you suffer in the future, and I’d like to do something to ease my conscience.”
Vivian’s eyes held a trace of mockery. She believed Cecilia’s breakup was just a ploy to pressure Gavin into marriage, to marry into a rich family.
“Cecilia, please accept the compensation I’m offering you,” Vivian insisted. As long as Cecilia took the check, Vivian believed that she would no longer have to worry about Cecilia pursuing Gavin. Vivian had come to offer her breakup fee.
Cecilia sneered. She had been in a normal relationship with Gavin, yet Vivian spoke as if Cecilia were merely a mistress
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seeking money.
“I do have one request,” Cecilia said, her expression turning serious and her voice cold. “Please make sure Gavin stays away from me. I’m leaving now.”
Ignoring Vivian’s displeasure, she stood up and walked out.
Gavin stayed in the hospital for two days before returning home to rest. This time, without Cecilia by his side to take care of him, his injuries were healing much more slowly.
“Gavin, don’t go to the company. You need to rest,” Vivian said, personally taking care of him.
Gavin didn’t respond, closing his eyes to rest.
The servants were preparing dinner in the kitchen.
Vivian walked downstairs, surveying the surroundings, and frowned. “How come you haven’t tidied up? The spoiled fruit and the flowers in the vase are all dead. Why haven’t you thrown them away?”
“Mr. Foster told me not to clean. Those were left by Ms. Jordan,” the servant replied.
Vivian was well aware of this, as she had arranged for people to report to her about Gavin. “Then wait until he leaves before cleaning everything up.”
“Yes, Mrs. Foster,” the servant replied.
Just then, Gavin came out of his room, his face clouded with irritation. “Mom, this is my house. Don’t move things around.”
“Gavin, what’s the point of keeping things that aren’t wanted?” Vivian said with an insinuating tone.
Gavin looked at all the traces of Cecilia’s presence in the house, his eyes darkening. “Cecilia will come back.”
He believed that Cecilia had sent him back to the hospital out of concern for his injuries. And besides, there was no man better than him for her. She would choose him again. Gavin had confidence in himself.
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