Chapter 7 Cedric or Mason
825 Words
Selena stared at Cedric in confusion.
The events since the previous day replayed in her mind like a film. Why were none of the details in the profile the agency gave her correct? Why did she feel like something was off?
It turned out, from the very beginning, she... had mistaken the person!
Seeing Selena suddenly realize the truth, Cedric finally smiled, satisfied, like a hunter who had finally got his prey after a long period of waiting. It hadn't been his intention to hide behind someone else's identity and name, but Selena's confused expression had been so adorable that he was curious to see how long it would take her to figure it out.
Luckily, it didn't take too long. Otherwise, he would have been tempted to tell her the truth.
In Selena's incredulous gaze, Cedric adjusted his posture, extended his long and strong right hand, and smiled as he introduced himself, "Hi, my name is Cedric."
Selena froze for a moment before slowly extending her hand to shake his.
As their hands met, Cedric's warm palm seemed to send an electric current through Selena's cool hand, traveling all the way to her heart.
Selena forced herself to ignore the tingling sensation and asked the question that had been on her mind, "Cedric? Where's Mason?..."
"Who knows. Besides..." Cedric shrugged innocently. The next second, he leaned forward, pressing his solid arm on the table, getting closer to Selena, and teasing her with a confident and charming smile, "Can you be sure he's better than me?"
Upon hearing this, Selena fell silent.
Looking at the perfect face before her, Selena couldn't help but feel nervous. The warmth in her ears and the rapid beating of her heart told her that maybe, just maybe, she'd be more satisfied with Cedric than she ever would be with that stranger, Mason!
But due to her natural shyness, Selena instinctively lowered her eyes, avoiding Cedric's intense gaze.
Selena awkwardly glanced around before, unable to resist his persistent eyes, she sighed in resignation and looked at him, "Maybe you're right."
Selena agRosenthal!
Cedric smiled in satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Selena observed the man across from her. She had to admit, she was satisfied with him. But there were some things that should have been said earlier, because she didn't want any misunderstandings to affect what should be a harmonious, mutually-beneficial relationship.
"But I have some conditions." Selena took a deep breath and sat up straight, trying to look as serious as possible.
Cedric matched her demeanor, adjusting his suit, nodding seriously, "Okay."
"First, no romance. Between us. Selena pointed between the two of them and said earnestly.
Right now, she just wanted a child and a responsible father who could help raise the child—she wasn't looking to develop a relationship beyond that.
However, after a few interactions, Cedric found that he did feel a genuine liking for Selena, and of course, he hoped they could eventually form a real family.
So, Cedric quietly fixed his gaze on Selena, then asked playfully, "What if I fall in love with you?"
Selena raised an eyebrow in surprise, trying to read if he was joking from his expression.
But Cedric said nothing, merely raising an eyebrow and staring at her.
They locked eyes for a few seconds, and Selena, feeling defeated, realized she couldn't tell what he was thinking from his amused face.
Finally, Selena tilted her head, nervously asking, "You're joking, right?"
'Please, tell me he's just joking!'
Cedric noticed her resistance, pursed his lips, and didn't directly confirm or deny it. Instead, he focused on her question and asked, "What's the second one?"
"Second..."
Selena paused for a moment, caught off guard by his question, which made her momentarily forget the original topic. She quickly resumed, thinking about the most important matter at hand and, somewhat awkwardly, said, "Second, all expenses will be split."
Cedric didn't expect her to say this.
So many women had tried every means to marry him for his money. Yet she was suggesting they split the expenses?
Cedric chuckled softly and shook his head, "If you insist."
Just then, his phone rang.
"Sorry, I need to take a call." Cedric picked up his phone and walked away from the table to answer it.
It was Eric.
Eric calmly said, "Her background check is clear. Selena actually works at one of our branches. But there's something else..."
"Go on."
Cedric looked back toward Selena's direction with a calm but curious expression.
Eric glanced at the report in his hand, suppressing a laugh, and replied, "She has a $100 loan that's overdue..."
Overdue... a hundred dollars?
Cedric raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and asked, "Does it say what it's for?"
"IVF treatment."
Eric 's voice was tinged with amusement, almost making it through the phone line to reach Cedric.
Sure enough, Cedric couldn't help but laugh. "Jesus. So I'm only worth $100? Fine, I'll pay it off for her!"
- Writer
