Chapter 273 Seraphina Likes Dashiell
Inside the car, Cecilia shot a glare at Alaric, clearly frustrated.
Alaric, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease and even a bit smug.
Cecilia couldn't help but feel he was quite proud of himself for exposing Seraphina's "true colors" to Dashiell.
"Seraphina does have feelings for Dashiell," Cecilia said, convinced she needed Alaric on her side for this one.
She had a strong intuition about it.
Alaric and Dashiell were close, and she thought that maybe Alaric could actually influence Dashiell.
She couldn't afford to let Alaric become a stumbling block.
"What makes you think that?" Alaric asked, clearly skeptical.
If it weren't for Seraphina's death in her past life, Cecilia would be just as doubtful.
Before she died, Seraphina's last unsent message was: [Sorry, Dashiell. I… love you.]
The message forever remained in her drafts.
Cecilia didn't know why Seraphina never sent it.
And she respected Seraphina's choice by not telling Dashiell.
She believed that those who were alive should live fully.
Perhaps that was Seraphina's final wish.
To have Dashiell forget her and move on with his life.
"Seraphina isn't worthy of Dashiell," Alaric said, sensing Cecilia's silence.
She thought, 'Is he trying to explain why he wanted to break them up?'
"No one's obligated to wait for her to get better," Alaric continued.
For a moment, Cecilia found herself at a loss for words.
In her considerations about Seraphina and Dashiell, she had mostly focused on Seraphina.
The tragic end of Seraphina in her previous life had left her deeply fearful of repeating the same mistakes.
But some things, she couldn't fully share with Seraphina.
She feared the current Seraphina might not handle the truth well.
Alaric said, pulling Cecilia into an embrace, "Alright. We haven't even sorted out our own issues. We should focus on that instead of meddling in others' affairs. Why not think about how you can fall for me?"
It seemed Alaric didn't want to argue with Cecilia over other people's problems.
"Who says I want to fall for you?" Cecilia shot back.
"Women are so contradictory," Alaric teased.
"Don't get too full of yourself... and stop trying to kiss me!" Cecilia said, suddenly covering her mouth with her hand.
She knew exactly what Alaric was about to do from just his movement.
Alaric chuckled lightly. "Aren't you going to give me any praise?"
"Because you lied to me," Cecilia said, keeping her distance from him.
"Lied about what?" Alaric raised an eyebrow.
"You told me you never won a debate in college. With how you're performing today, that's impossible!"
Alaric's tone turned dismissive. "Because I withdrew before the event even started!
"Those people were so pathetic, they weren't worth me showing up for."
Cecilia couldn't help but think, "Could you at least have some self-respect?"
"The only person who can make me step into the spotlight is you, Ms. Lockhart." Alaric's voice suddenly grew tender.
Cecilia felt a flutter in her chest.
Alaric was at it again with his charm.
She had a nagging feeling that one day, he might just charm her to the point where she'd be left with nothing but crumbs.
Augustus, focused on driving, caught a glimpse through the rearview mirror.
He quickly averted his gaze.
He thought, 'Ever since Mrs. Whitaker has come into the picture, Mr. Whitaker seems to have undergone a complete transformation.'
Seraphina had indeed returned.
She felt a bit sleepy after waking up so early this morning.
Deciding to catch up on some rest, she walked back inside.
The living room was empty.
Dashiell rarely appeared in the common areas of the house; he spent most of his time in his room.
Seraphina couldn't quite figure out who was avoiding whom.
In any case, she was secretly relieved not to have to see Dashiell.
She made her way to her room, passing by Dashiell's bedroom.
She took a quick glance inside.
Inside, she saw Lucy Long, a young maid hired by Magnolia for Dashiell. At twenty years old, Lucy wasn't particularly striking, but she was certainly not unattractive.
Her face had a certain innocence, and though she was a bit plump, she had a curvy figure in some areas.
At that moment, Seraphina watched as Lucy's body almost pressed against Dashiell's calf, diligently massaging it with oils—presumably as part of his rehabilitation therapy.
It was hard not to let her mind wander.
When she suddenly halted, the man lying on the bed clearly noticed her.
The instant their eyes met, she spun on her heel and left.
Dashiell's gaze followed Seraphina's retreating figure.
Having just received a call from Alaric, he had overheard her and Cecilia's conversation.
He had always known about it, but hearing her speak with such righteous indignation and unwavering resolve always stirred something within him.
"Sir, do you need a massage for your thigh as well?" Lucy asked.
Dashiell replied, "No, thank you. Please just clean up the oil."
"Of course," Lucy said promptly.
She went to fetch a basin of warm water and meticulously cleaned up the area.
Once everything was taken care of, Lucy helped Dashiell into his wheelchair. "Would you like to go for a walk?"
"No, you go ahead and take care of your own tasks."
"Understood."
Lucy left the room.
Dashiell pulled out his laptop and wheeled himself out onto the balcony to get some work done.
At noon, Lucy knocked on the door to call Dashiell for lunch.
Dashiell set aside his laptop, and Lucy wheeled him to the dining table.
Just as Lucy helped Dashiell settle at the table, Seraphina appeared.
Both Dashiell and Lucy turned to look at her.
Seraphina frowned. "What are you staring at me for?!"
She thought, 'I'm just feeling restless and hungry. Is it such a crime to come out and have a meal when I smell the food?'
Dashiell shifted his gaze away.
Lucy quickly followed suit, respectfully asking, "Mrs. Rainier, would you like to join us for lunch?"
"Who's Mrs. Rainier? Call me Ms. Everhart," Seraphina snapped.
Lucy glanced at Dashiell, who gave her a slight nod.
Lucy corrected herself, saying, "Ms. Everhart, would you care to join us for lunch?"
"Do you think I'm here just to watch you all eat?" Seraphina's mood was clearly foul.
Lucy felt put on the spot.
She thought, 'What have I done to upset Ms. Everhart?
'I've been here a week and had never seen Ms. Everhart join us for a meal. Is it wrong to ask?'
"Lucy, please serve Ms. Everhart food," Dashiell said in a noticeably gentle tone.
He always spoke to Lucy with such kindness.
Lucy nodded and went to the kitchen.
Seraphina, seeming indifferent to Lucy's presence, took a seat at the dining table, deliberately choosing the farthest spot from Dashiell.
Dashiell quietly rearranged the dishes on the table, pushing some towards Seraphina's side, as usually it was just him and Lucy dining together, and there weren't many dishes.
The table was large, and it wasn't easy for Seraphina to reach the food from her spot.
"Ms. Everhart," Lucy said, placing a plate of pasta in front of Seraphina with a respectful gesture.
Seraphina nodded and, not one for pretense, picked up her utensils and started eating.
Dashiell, on the other hand, took his time, focusing on the dishes closest to him.