Chapter 300

Cecilia's pov I froze in the doorway, my brain short-circuiting for a full two seconds. My tongue felt like it had been split in two, and I couldn't move, couldn't speak. Simon Foster was standing there, clear as day, wearing my dad's "Kiss the Chef" apron like he was auditioning for the role of ‘Charming Ex' in a Hallmark movie. He looked up, startled at first, then tried for a smile that didn't quite make it all the way. I could feel Sebastian' s aura shift beside me, like the air had crystallized. "Come on in," Simon said, stepping back and gesturing for everyone to enter. His voice was warm, maybe a little too warm, like he was trying too hard to sound casual. I avoided Sebastian' s gaze like it might combust on contact, ushering everyone inside with a smile that felt stapled to my face. All five of us filed in, the tension so thick it might as well have been visible. My heart pounded against my ribs. This was bad. Tang placed the gifts on the side table, then sidled up to Sebastia