Chapter 1380 Stalemate
Watching Freya's plump figure disappear into the restaurant with Thaddeus in her arms, Cecilia finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Initially, she was concerned that Thaddeus would cling to her relentlessly, which would certainly have made her anxious to leave.
Afterward, Cecilia glanced at Daryl, who was sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper, and then turned her gaze to Azalea. Smiling, she asked, "Mrs. Fields, how have you been feeling lately?"
"Same as always. As long as I'm alive, I'm content," Azalea replied with a smile.
Azalea's response made Cecilia feel a twinge of sadness. After all, Azalea had a terminal illness, and controlling the condition was, indeed, a blessing amidst misfortune.
Though Cecilia and Azalea had reconciled their differences, it was impossible for them to become very close, especially since they were no longer connected. Thus, they maintained a polite and respectful relationship.
Yet, Azalea's affection for Thaddeus moved Cecilia deeply. She felt grateful that, despite her absence for over six months, Thaddeus had thrived under Azalea's loving care.
"I see you're looking well and in good spirits. Try not to worry too much," Cecilia consoled her.
Azalea dismissed the concern lightly, saying, "I'm not worried. I just try to enjoy each day to the fullest."
At this moment, the butler Finn gently reminded Azalea, "The food is getting cold."
"Indeed, let's hurry and eat," Azalea cheerfully said to Cecilia.
Cecilia politely refused, saying, "Mrs. Fields, I won't be dining here tonight. I have to get up early tomorrow to be Elowen's bridesmaid, so I want to go back and get some rest."
Upon hearing that Cecilia was about to leave, Azalea grabbed her hand anxiously and pleaded, "It won't take long to share a meal before you go. Knowing you were coming, I had the cook prepare your favorite dishes with two days' notice!"
Azalea's sincerity was evident, and Cecilia believed her. However, she couldn't dine here because Daryl was also home, and sharing a table with him would be extremely uncomfortable.
Cecilia decided to lie, saying, "I appreciate your kindness, but I'm sorry, I've arranged to meet friends tonight. You know, I rarely come to Maple Valley, so my friends are waiting for me."
Azalea frowned and kept hold of Cecilia's hand.
Looking briefly at Daryl, who was still engrossed in his newspaper, Finn swept her gaze over him.
Azalea immediately understood and said, "Daryl, won't you say something?"
Clearly, Azalea hoped Daryl would personally persuade Cecilia, since she herself had failed.
Daryl furrowed his brow, folded his newspaper, placed it aside, and calmly approached Azalea and Cecilia, saying, "Mom, if she insists it's inconvenient, don't force her."
Azalea glared at Daryl and chided, "I asked you to persuade her, and this is what you say?"
Cecilia's heart sank as she met Daryl's indifferent gaze.
She then smiled and said, "Azalea, once Elijah's wedding is over, I'll come visit you, alright?"
Though Cecilia spoke gently, her determination to not stay for dinner was clear.
Azalea could only concede, saying, "If you have plans with your friends, then go ahead. But it's dark outside now; let Daryl drive you."
Both Cecilia and Daryl were taken aback by this suggestion.
Seeing Daryl hesitate, Cecilia quickly responded, "Azalea, that's not necessary; it's easy to get a cab outside."
Without further delay, Cecilia grabbed her bag and headed towards the front door.
Daryl remained standing in the same spot, wearing a white shirt.
Azalea hurried forward, giving Daryl a push and urged in a low voice, "What are you standing here for? Get going and drive her!"
Daryl frowned and said, "Mom, she prefers to take a cab."
Azalea pushed him forcefully, saying, "Get going before she's too far away!"
Daryl reluctantly walked towards the front door.
Cecilia stepped outside and walked for a while until she reached the roadside. It was peak traffic time, and finding a cab was challenging, so she waited patiently.
Cold wind tousled her short hair, and a sense of melancholy washed over her, an inexplicable feeling.
A minute later, a luxurious black car pulled up in front of Cecilia.
She frowned, recognizing Daryl's car immediately.
Indeed, a moment later, the driver's window rolled down, revealing Daryl's face.
"Get in," Daryl said to Cecilia.
The winter night was frigid, with streetlights glowing dimly.
Cecilia met Daryl's gaze, noting his expressionless face and indifferent eyes.
"I prefer to wait for a cab," she replied.
Daryl's face darkened, but he said, "Don't worry, I have no ulterior motives. I merely wish to fulfill my mother's request. Her health is poor, and I prefer not to defy her wishes."
Cecilia's hand clenched inside her pocket. She scoffed, "You could just take a quick spin and claim you've dropped me off."
"I don't lie," Daryl retorted, gripping the steering wheel without another word, but his car remained stationary.
Seeing him not move, Cecilia stood there stubbornly, glancing around for a cab. Despite several passing by, they were all occupied, leaving Cecilia helpless.
Traffic congestion increased behind Daryl's car, and drivers began honking impatiently, creating a cacophony.
Some drivers opened their windows, shouting angrily.
Seeing this, Cecilia frowned and bent down to speak to Daryl, "You're blocking traffic; please move your car.”
However, Daryl replied, "Get in, and I'll move."
Disheartened, Cecilia stood upright. She thought, 'If he chooses not to move, it's not my problem. I won't be the one getting scolded.'
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