Chapter 65 Provoked
Cecilia took a sip of coffee, savoring its rich flavor, and warmly thanked Arabella.
Arabella eagerly pulled Cecilia down to sit beside her, exuding genuine affection. "Cecilia, I truly like you. I'm overjoyed that you married Alaric," she said, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
Cecilia smiled shyly in response.
"Hello, I'm Rebecca Adams," came a smooth voice from Jasper's girlfriend. "Mrs. Whitaker has been buzzing about your return since early this morning," she continued with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Your grand wedding yesterday had many people green with envy! And seeing you two so close today, even I’m feeling a bit jealous. Isn’t that right, Jasper? Don’t they just look adorable together?"
Rebecca's words were laced with something unpleasant, and Cecilia instantly picked up on the underlying malice. So, this was one of the individuals Alaric had hinted at.
"Indeed. Cecilia is so graceful and lovely. Alaric is lucky to have her," Jasper said with a courteous smile.
"Really?" Rebecca chuckled, her smile clearly carrying deeper meaning.
"But let’s make sure you know everyone here," Arabella interjected brightly, steering the conversation away. "Let me introduce the family properly."
Arabella enthusiastically went through the introductions, finally stopping at the girl at the far end, still cradling the white cat. "And this is my precious daughter, Emily, my miracle baby. She’s 22, just like you, Cecilia."
Cecilia was a bit surprised.
She was visibly surprised. She hadn’t known the Whitaker family had a younger daughter; she had only heard about the three sons. Moreover, Emily looked much younger than 22—more like a high school student.
Noticing Cecilia’s confusion, Arabella explained, "Emily’s had frail health since childhood. The doctors recommended she stay home to avoid strain. So, she’s been tutored at home all this time. Perhaps because she’s had limited exposure to the outside world, she looks much younger than her age."
Cecilia nodded, maintaining her watchful demeanor.
"Cecilia, I have a gift for you," Emily spoke softly, her cheeks flushing slightly.
She shyly presented a delicate gift box to Cecilia. When Cecilia opened it, a soothing fragrance and gentle music filled the air, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
"This is a music box I designed myself. I’ve infused it with lavender essential oil, which aids in sleep," Emily explained quietly.
Cecilia hadn’t anticipated such thoughtfulness. "I love it; thank you so much," she said sincerely.
Emily blushed deeper. "I’m glad you like it. I was worried it might not be to your taste; it’s not particularly valuable."
Cecilia’s gaze softened. "To me, it’s a priceless gift that money can’t buy."
Emily’s face lit up with a sweet smile, her innocence and charm unmistakable.
Silent thoughts crept into Cecilia's mind, comparing Emily’s sweetness to Penelope’s detestable nature. Yet, she quickly reminded herself not to judge based on appearances. Experience had taught her that innocence might be deceptive.
Rebecca, observing their interaction, chimed in with feigned cheerfulness, “Cecilia, it seems Emily has taken quite a liking to you."
Cecilia’s brow furrowed slightly, staying on guard.
Rebecca immediately switched topics with a sly smile. "Mrs. Arabella Whitaker introduced me as Jasper's girlfriend, but actually, I have a history with Alaric too. We were college classmates and very close friends. Cecilia, you’re not jealous, are you?"
Such blatant provocation.
Cecilia met Rebecca's gaze with a calm smile. "Not at all. Everyone keeps a few friends from the past. And Alaric’s had his fair share of girlfriends. If I were the jealous type, living with him would be quite the ordeal."
Her words, though gentle, carried a sharp edge. Cecilia was sending a clear message: Rebecca didn’t matter.
Rebecca caught the sarcasm and pressed on, her lips curving slightly. "True enough. After all, you and Dominic were quite the item! Maybe it’s Alaric who should be feeling jealous. Right, Alaric?"
Cecilia didn't flinch. "Rebecca, the end of my relationship with Dominic is common knowledge across the Yakurosean Empire. That chapter of my life is closed. But the way you keep bringing it up makes me wonder if you're trying to stir trouble. Are you unhappy with me?"
Rebecca's smile faltered. "I was just making a casual comment!"
She had expected Cecilia to be demure and unassertive, yet here she was, countering with unexpected boldness.
"Cecilia, can't you take a joke?" Rebecca attempted to redirect the discomfort back onto Cecilia.
Cecilia didn't back down. "Alaric and I just got married. No matter what my past with Dominic entails, it’s natural for Alaric to harbor some feelings about it. Your so-called joke seems a bit tasteless."
Rebecca's face heated with embarrassment, and she opened her mouth to retort, but Cecilia cut her off. "I’m not bothered—I know I’ve done nothing wrong. My concern is that Alaric might get jealous."
"Yes," Alaric interjected smoothly. "I’d get jealous."
Their synchronized response left Rebecca visibly flustered.
"Let's move on from the past. Alaric and Cecilia deserve our blessings," Arabella quickly intervened, her tone soothing but firm.
"Absolutely, we should bless them," Grace added, her attempt to diffuse the tension heartily appreciated.
Inside, Grace couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction; Rebecca had always been a bit too self-assured, and now Cecilia had neatly put her in her place.
Rebecca, scorned, declared, "I need some air. I’m going for a walk," and left the room, her pride in tatters.
Jasper, looking somewhat apologetic, said, "Cecilia, Rebecca can be temperamental, but she means no harm. Please don’t take it personally."
Cecilia smiled gently. "I won't. Thank you."
"I'd better go check on her," Jasper added, hurrying after Rebecca.
Alaric appeared unfazed, even stifling a yawn. "I didn’t sleep well last night. I think I’ll go upstairs for a nap."
Arabella, seizing the moment, noted, "Take Cecilia with you. If you hadn’t slept well, she probably didn’t either."
Her simple remark carried a weight that made Cecilia blush deeply.
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