Chapter 7. The Main Fire

Cecilia could hardly hear all of Lena’s panicked words as the middle-aged woman stayed by her side, holding her hand tightly. It was as if she was terrified of losing her.

“Mommy, I’m okay now,” Cecilia reassured her. Indeed, her condition had improved after the quick care from the servants Lena had ordered. Lena even insisted she be checked by the family doctor.

Now, Cecilia was sitting on the bed in one of the guest rooms she usually stayed in whenever she visited the Langston family mansion. She had changed into warm, fresh clothes. Evan, Bertha, Lena, and several servants were still around her.

“But Mommy’s worried, dear. Are you sure you want to go home? Why not stay here?” Lena looked at her with hopeful, teary eyes, gently touching Cecilia’s cheek.

Cecilia squeezed Lena’s hand that was caressing her face. She looked at the woman with genuine affection who cared for her so deeply. “Mommy, don’t worry. I’m fine. And, I think... I’d rather go home,” she answered, her eyes drifting aimlessly. A faint, warm smile spread across her lips.

Cecilia was still sane enough. The beautiful woman would never stay overnight at Evan’s family mansion. Just sharing an office with Evan was enough to make her sick to death.

“All right.” Lena sighed, holding Cecilia’s warm hand, then turned to look softly at her son standing nearby. “Evan, take Cecilia home and make sure she gets to her apartment safely,” she instructed her son.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll take good care of Cecilia,” Evan replied without hesitation.

“Auntie, what about me?” Bertha suddenly spoke in a pleading tone, her face immediately wearing a convincingly sad expression.

“Don’t worry, one of the drivers will take you home, Bertha,” Lena answered lightly.

Bertha cursed silently. Her gaze turned venomous toward Cecilia. But Cecilia returned it with a mocking look. It was clear she clenched her fists, holding back the turmoil inside herself. She had to give in and let Evan take her home.

Cecilia shifted slowly, and with Lena’s support, she got off the bed. Evan and Lena were quick to assist, but she preferred to lean on Lena.

Everyone then moved toward the front hall, heading to the main door. Along the way, Lena kept talking, expressing her worries. Cecilia was clearly touched by the motherly attention from Evan’s mother. However, the feeling of warmth immediately reminded her of Evan’s bad traits.

“Be careful,” Evan said, placing the back of his hand on Cecilia’s head. He opened the door for her, right beside the driver’s seat.

Cecilia’s heart should have melted at such a sweet gesture, as it usually did. But now, her heart was completely frozen. So, she only gave Evan a sharp glance before stepping inside silently. She quickly sat down and locked the door.

Evan followed, sitting behind the wheel. His hand reached out toward Cecilia, but she quickly buckled her seatbelt, aware of his move. Evan swallowed hard, choosing to back down this time. Then he started the engine and pressed the gas pedal.

Evan’s car sped out of the parking lot. At the same time, the car carrying Bertha also left the mansion. Lena waved at the two cars driving side by side, then turned to go back inside.

Her steps stopped when she saw Charles standing there. “Charles? Are you staying over?” she asked warmly.

Charles shook his head slightly, smiling. “No. I’m going home,” he answered flatly, his eyes following Evan’s car as it disappeared from view.

Lena touched Charles’s hand. “I’m grateful you saved Cecilia. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you. I already consider Cecilia like my own daughter.”

Charles paused, listening to his sister-in-law’s words. A smirk appeared on his face, seeing how grateful she was.

“Evan is my nephew. And Cecilia is his fiancée, right? So helping Cecilia is normal. Like an uncle helping his niece. Am I right?” Charles asked with a meaningful smile.

Lena nodded enthusiastically in response.

***

Silence grew thick and suffocating inside the speeding car. Evan finally glanced at Cecilia. The woman stared straight ahead, unblinking. She visibly recoiled at Evan’s presence.

“Mommy is very happy you’re here,” Evan started, trying to lighten the mood. “She loves you very much.”

Cecilia exhaled sharply. “If she weren’t your biological mother, I would want to be her daughter forever,” she shot back sharply.

Evan’s hand immediately reached out, grabbing Cecilia’s free hand. She was too slow to react, so Evan successfully held her hand.

“Are you still angry?” Evan asked softly.

Cecilia turned with laser-sharp eyes. “Evan, thank you,” she said suddenly. A brief, bitter smile spread on her lips, making him frown in confusion. “Thank you for showing me your despicable side before our wedding, before I wasted more time being a fool loving you—hell, I now feel disgusted even saying that word to you.”

Evan took all her outbursts calmly. “Honey, it was just sex, okay? Just a moment of lust. Don’t be mad for too long. Because the only one I love is you,” he said sincerely, which only made Cecilia more disgusted.

“Stop talking with your foul mouth, Evan,” Cecilia hissed sharply. “Better if we cancel the engagement because all that’s left in my heart is disgust.”

“Cancel the engagement? Oh...” Evan stopped mid-sentence as his phone rang.

Cecilia accidentally glanced at Evan’s phone and saw ‘Bertha Sayang is calling you...’ before the screen went dark for a moment. She quietly scoffed and looked away. Crossing her arms, she tried to hold back the anger rising in her chest.

Meanwhile, Evan busied himself with the phone. Cecilia no longer cared about anything he did. The rest of the trip passed in silence. When the car stopped in front of the lobby, Cecilia immediately opened the door and got out. She walked quickly, making Evan rush after her.

“Don’t touch me with your dirty hands!” Cecilia snapped as she felt Evan grab her hand.

Evan immediately let go when he saw her sharp glare. “Fine. Don’t be mad. I don’t want to fight with you. Honestly, I miss you so much,” he coaxed gently.

Cecilia almost spat in his face. “Stop spewing trash with your foul mouth. You’re polluting the environment!” she snapped.

“Baby—”

“Wait, what did you say? Miss me?” Cecilia interrupted quickly. “You said miss me? Isn’t it Bertha who misses you now? Your secret lover must be sad because you took me home instead of her!”

“No, you misunderstood. The only one I love is you, and only you in my heart. I...”

Evan’s phone rang again, making him fumble as he grabbed it from his pocket.

Seeing Evan busy with the screen, Cecilia turned and stepped into the elevator. Her index finger pressed the button and the doors slid closed.

“Damn!” Evan cursed as he missed grabbing Cecilia. His phone vibrated again. After several missed calls, Bertha’s number was now calling repeatedly, making it buzz nonstop.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” Evan finally answered, his voice impatient.

“I’m mad at you!” Bertha’s shrill voice pierced Evan’s right ear, making him flinch.

“Wait, why are you mad?” Evan asked, confused.

“Figure it out yourself!” Bertha snapped sharply from the other end, then hung up abruptly.

Evan was stunned as Bertha ended the call unilaterally. His mind tried to process it carefully. Without thinking twice, he turned and ran to his car, speeding toward Bertha’s apartment.

It didn’t take long for Evan to arrive at Bertha’s place. He drove above the speed limit, getting there quickly.

“Baby? It’s me.” Evan knocked on Bertha’s door repeatedly. No answer. But he patiently kept calling and knocking. Finally, the door handle moved slightly, and the door creaked open.

“What?” Bertha appeared with a sour face.

Evan immediately embraced her, gently pushing her inside so they could get in quickly. The door locked firmly behind them.

“You’re mad, huh?” Evan’s voice softened. His hands cupped Bertha’s cheeks, his eyes looking tender.

“Figure it out! Don’t I have the right to be mad? You took Cecilia home while I was driven by a chauffeur!” Bertha snapped, crossing her arms and pouting adorably.

Evan smiled at Bertha’s adorable face. He stole a kiss on her lips, teasing. “Name one thing you want, baby, to ease your anger.”

“Anything?” Bertha’s eyes widened, sparkling with interest at Evan’s offer.

Evan nodded and stole another kiss. This time, the light kiss was accompanied by his lips moving teasingly. Bertha eagerly responded, heating the atmosphere quickly. Their tongues clashed loudly, filling the quiet room.

Bertha took as many breaths as she could when Evan broke the kiss. She suddenly realized they were near the bed. Her arms wrapped tightly around Evan’s neck. Her eyes met his hazy, passionate gaze with full courage. They were both panting.

“I want you to get rid of Cecilia, can you do that?” Bertha asked.

Evan’s expression changed instantly. Then he rubbed his face roughly. “Anything else, but not that,” he replied, sparking Bertha’s anger again.

“You still love her?” Bertha accused, chest burning with jealousy and rage. Evan’s nod only fueled her fury. “So, why do you keep me then, huh?” she continued angrily.

Evan suddenly felt dizzy from her words. His passion mixed with anger. But he still controlled himself so that when his hands touched Bertha’s shoulders, the motion was still gentle.

“Baby, listen carefully.” Evan began seriously. “I still can’t let her go, and I don’t want to lose you either.” He spoke quickly, emphasizing. “But I need you. You always satisfy me,” he added, stroking Bertha’s cheek softly.

“So, what am I to you?” Bertha asked, eyes reddened with anger. Her tight grip finally loosened. She stepped back.

“You’re also in my heart.” Evan answered quickly. His left hand swiftly wrapped around her waist, pulling her close again. His slightly heavy breath brushed Bertha’s face. “So, tell me your wish. A luxury bag? Jewelry? Diamonds? The most expensive skincare? Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you. I have plenty of money.” He quickly changed the subject to soften her.

Bertha’s eyes darted around, seemingly searching Evan’s handsome face for something. Evan waited, his hands starting to wander. His right hand slid under Bertha’s thin skirt, just above her thigh.

His teasing touch made Bertha’s mind go blank. She unconsciously let out a soft moan as Evan’s hand caressed her inner thigh, instantly awakening her desire.

“A bag...” Bertha moaned again. She bit her lip, trying to hold back because she still had something to say to Evan. “I want the latest limited edition bag, directly from overseas,” she added with effort. Her breath quickened. Her breasts tightened.

Evan’s naughty hand moved up, squeezing Bertha’s breasts roughly. Another moan escaped her lips. A smile appeared on Evan’s face. “Alright, anything for you, baby.”

The next moment, Evan attacked Bertha’s lips with a passionate kiss, his moves hurried. But Bertha matched him well. Eventually, their bodies crashed onto the soft bed with Evan pinning Bertha down.