Chapter 1258 You Must Be Happy
Seeing the intense and earnest look in Barry's eyes, Cecilia found herself at a loss for words and lowered her head.
Barry glanced at his watch and said, "Sorry, I gotta go. Got some stuff to take care of."
"Yeah, I should head out too," Cecilia replied, and they both left the café together.
Standing outside, Cecilia felt a whirlwind of emotions. She always felt indebted to Barry and didn't know what to say as they were about to part ways. His eyes, filled with an exotic charm, seemed to hold so much.
Barry smiled at Cecilia and said, "I've closed my studio in Maple Valley. I'm gonna travel with my parents around the beautiful landscapes of Luminara, then head back to Zandoria. There's nothing left here I can't leave behind."
"Barry," Cecilia's eyes welled up upon hearing this.
She never wanted to hurt Barry, but she had, and she felt deeply guilty with no way to make amends.
Seeing the tears in Cecilia's eyes, Barry stepped forward, placed his hands on her shoulders, and smiled. "Hey, don't be sad. You should be happy for me. Maybe I'll find my happiness in Zandoria. Even though I like the girls here, it seems I'm not meant to be with one."
Barry's attempt to comfort her made Cecilia force a smile. "I think the girls in Zandoria will suit you better."
Barry tilted his head and smiled at her words.
Then he opened his arms to her and said, "How about a hug, for old times' sake?"
No wonder he sounded so sad; he didn't plan on coming back.
Realizing this might be their last meeting, Cecilia felt a wave of sadness. But perhaps this was the best ending. Since they couldn't be together, they should part ways and find their own happiness.
In the next moment, Cecilia stepped into Barry's embrace.
Barry held her tightly, and Cecilia rested her chin on his shoulder, shedding a few tears. She quickly wiped them away, not wanting to make Barry any sadder.
Barry patted her back and whispered in her ear, "Promise me you'll be happy."
"I will," Cecilia nodded firmly.
Barry then gently pushed her away and said, "Take care."
Without hesitation, Barry walked past Cecilia and left.
Cecilia turned around and watched Barry's retreating figure. He never looked back. Silently, she wished him a smooth and happy life.
Back from the café, Cecilia lay lazily on her bed, feeling drained. Her mind was filled with the image of Barry walking away.
At five in the afternoon, Cecilia received a call from Daryl.
"Hello?"
Hearing Cecilia's lazy voice, Daryl said, "It's already five o'clock. Are you still in bed?"
"We're not married yet, and you're already trying to control me?" Cecilia teased, leaning against the headboard.
"How could I dare to control you?" Daryl replied gently.
"That's more like it," Cecilia said.
"But once I marry you, then I'll start," Daryl added.
"You're so sneaky," Cecilia laughed.
After a chuckle, Daryl asked, "What did you do this afternoon?"
"I had coffee with Susan and Isabella. They gave me some really expensive wedding gifts, which made me feel a bit embarrassed," Cecilia said.
Her eyes inadvertently glanced at the painting Barry had given her, sitting on her vanity. She thought about mentioning that she had seen Barry today but decided against it. They were getting married soon, and bringing up Barry would only upset Daryl. She could tell him another time.
"It's just the way it is. You can give them something in return later," Daryl said.
"That's true," Cecilia laughed.
"By the way, what are you doing?" Cecilia suddenly asked.
"Me? I'm on my way to pick you up. The traffic is a bit heavy," Daryl said casually.
"Pick me up? For what? Dinner?" Cecilia's interest was piqued, and she realized she was hungry.
"Yep, for dinner," Daryl replied.
"Great, where are we going?" Cecilia asked with a smile.
"We're going to my place," Daryl answered.
Cecilia's jaw dropped. "What? Your place?"
"Yeah, my mom called and insisted I bring you home tonight. It's probably for dinner," Daryl explained.
"Do I have to go?" Cecilia asked, feeling a bit uneasy.
To be honest, although she knew she would have to interact with Azalea in the future, she wasn't ready for it now. It felt like a lot of pressure.
Daryl patiently said, "We're getting married in three days. My mom probably wants to make amends for the past. You have to go. By the way, I brought the local specialties your mom and brother sent back. My mom has already tried them, and although she didn't say much, I could tell she was pleased."
"Really? Are you almost here? I need to change clothes and wash my hair. Talk to you later," Cecilia said, hanging up quickly and rushing to the bathroom.
Half an hour later, when Daryl stood in Cecilia's small living room, she emerged from her bedroom wearing a beige sweater dress, black boots, and a fuchsia cashmere coat draped over her arm. Her hair was tied in a long ponytail. She twirled in front of Daryl and asked, "How do I look?"
"Beautiful!" Daryl said, stepping forward to hold her shoulders.
"Ready to go?" Cecilia smiled.
"Just one more minute," Daryl's eyes narrowed.
"Why?" Cecilia asked.
Daryl leaned in and kissed her deeply, swallowing her words.
His kiss was intense and passionate, and Cecilia soon found herself lost in it.
Daryl turned and pressed her against the wall, their kiss growing more fervent.
A moment later, Daryl finally pulled away, looking at Cecilia with burning eyes, breathless. "What now? I don't want to leave."