Chapter 165

Cecilia's pov The text message hovered in my notification bar, deceptively casual: *Don't want to come upstairs? I can bring it down to you.* My heart suspended in mid-beat as I stared at those words. After what felt like an eternity, I finally typed back: *Already ate. On my way to the office.* I sent it and immediately tossed my phone aside, as if it might burn my fingers. The summer sun blazed mercilessly even in the early morning, scorching my face until I could barely keep my eyes open. My head felt foggy, my breathing shallow... Moon Goddess, I hated this feeling. Hated it. *Hated* it. Squinting against the light that threatened to bring tears to my eyes, I reached a breaking point in that strange, floaty moment of emptiness. With one swift movement, I yanked down the sun visor, my expression carefully controlled as I started the car. I refused to be held hostage by my emotions. By anyone. --- When I arrived at the office, it took less than thirty minutes before Sebastian and Bet