Nathaniel unconsciously stubbed out his cigarette. He expected Cecilia to cry, throw a tantrum, or slap him, as she had in the past upon emerging from the bathroom. However, she was remarkably calm.
“I’m going for a stroll,” she said, her voice hoarse. She left the office immediately, without waiting for his approval. For some reason, she felt several odd gazes upon her, though few people were present.
By the time she reached the building's entrance, the sky was overcast, and a drizzle had begun. She stood in the rain, a hint of desolation in her eyes. As she walked, she was unaware of an unassuming black car following her. Inside, the driver's worry was evident.
“Pull over,” a voice instructed. “Understood.”
The car stopped. Calvin grabbed an umbrella and jacket before exiting, standing tall. He quickly approached Cecilia, the umbrella shielding her from the rain. As she turned, she saw his strikingly handsome face.
He offered her the jacket. “Put this on.” Her clothes were soaked. She accepted it, draping it over her shoulders. “Thank you.”
“Why are you here?” she asked.
Calvin, having sought her out, lied, fearing he might pressure her. “I just finished some business nearby and happened to see you.”
“How did it go?” Cecilia inquired. “Very smoothly,” he replied, offering a tender smile. “To celebrate, how about dinner?”
Cecilia shook her head. “Nathaniel sent a bodyguard. If he knew we were together, he'd be furious.”
A bitterness stung Calvin. “Don’t you trust me, Ceci?”
Cecilia looked at him, puzzled. He continued, “I’m not afraid of Nathaniel. Your plan is complete; we can go back. You don’t need to restrain yourself because of him.”
Cecilia hesitated. It wasn't a lack of trust or a belief in his inferiority to Nathaniel. She simply felt she’d caused him too much trouble, despite their friendship.
Calvin understood. Except for one instance five years prior when she'd needed help abroad, she’d never voluntarily asked for his assistance. Even when harassed by foreign men, she’d only reported it to the police, confiding in no one. Had Martha not found her, he wouldn't have known she’d nearly been assaulted on her way to work. Martha had confided, “Ceci’s always been stubborn. Besides her father, she only turns to Nathaniel. She says it’s because he’s her husband, one of her few remaining family members. I believe once you’re her boyfriend and marry her, she’ll rely on you peacefully.”
Remembering this, Calvin was about to produce something from his pocket when Cecilia relented. “Alright, let’s have dinner. I have something to discuss.”
After years of friendship, she considered him a brother. He remained hesitant, fearing confessing his feelings would cost him even their friendship. He knew Cecilia well; she was open about her affections and wouldn't hide them.