Seven Years of Obsession: Now I Don’t Even Remember Your Name
Chapter 15
But when Cersei returned home that day, she didn’t see Louis again. News emerged the next day that Louis had apparently angered someone, resulting in a severe beating that left him bruised and hospitalized. Cersei let out a quiet breath of relief. Not having to see him made her feel lighter.
When life is comfortable, time passes much faster. Before she knew it, June had arrived. June 27th was her birthday. Hurley had begun preparations a month in advance, organizing a grand celebration. Almost every notable figure in New York received an invitation, except for Louis Harris.
Beyond the guests, what delighted Cersei most was that Hurley had invited her mother, Esme Lopez, who had been living abroad for years. In the elegantly luxurious banquet hall, Cersei, dressed in a perfectly tailored custom gown, froze in surprise the moment she saw her mother. Her eyes immediately filled with joy.
“Mom, you’re back?”
Though Esme was over fifty, apart from some faint lines at the corners of her eyes, she appeared remarkably youthful. When she smiled, her loving gaze was impossible to hide.
“Today is your birthday. Of course, I’m back to spend it with you. Previously, my health issues made long-distance travel difficult, so I couldn’t be there for you properly. I didn’t even know if you were doing well or if anyone was treating you badly.”
Her expression showed both regret and reflection as she gently stroked Cersei’s hair. “But now that I’m feeling better, I want to spend more time with you.”
Understanding the implication, Cersei’s excitement grew. “You’re not leaving anymore?”
Cersei recalled trying to persuade her mother to return with her when she moved back to New York. But Esme didn’t want to burden her and firmly refused. Given her mother’s poor health, Cersei had reluctantly abandoned the idea. Little did she know Hurley had successfully convinced her.
Lost in her happiness, Cersei missed the meaningful glance exchanged between Esme and Hurley. For her current self, this was the greatest joy. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, audible even without strain.
“Isn’t this Cersei Winters, the former wife of The Harris Group’s CEO? I heard he treated her very well. How is she with Mr. Moore now?”
“Your news is way out of date! Louis treated Cersei like a queen; their public displays of affection were everywhere. But then, I don’t know what happened; three years ago, they suddenly started a divorce. The divorce proceedings lasted almost half a year!”
“Speaking of, she’s really lucky. Her first husband loved her so much, and now Hurley is treating her so well…”
In the corner, having spent a fortune to acquire an invitation, Louis listened to the gossip while watching the intimate group at the center of the hall, feelings churning inside him. Once, he had been the one standing beside Cersei. Now, even seeing her had become so difficult. Yet he had no right to resent anyone, for he himself was the architect of this situation.
A seven-tier cake was wheeled in, with a square velvet box placed in front. In front of everyone, Hurley took the small box and knelt on one knee. “Cersei, will you marry me?”
The proposal came so unexpectedly that Cersei froze, appearing somewhat bewildered. She stared at him, still trying to process how the birthday party had suddenly turned into a proposal. The entire hall fell silent, but moments later erupted into cheers of encouragement.
“Marry him! Marry him!”
Her heart raced loudly in her ears, the heat rising on her face and ears visible to all. The affirmative answer seemed already assumed by the crowd, yet she hesitated to respond. Undeniably, Cersei liked Hurley. Whether his appearance or his character and refinement, everything matched her aesthetic perfectly. They were two very different people. But for some reason, at this moment she suddenly thought of Louis.