Chapter 24: His Façade

Chapter 24: His Façade

Inside the elevator, he kept gazing at her with that soft smile and Lucy’s clammy hands tightened on the purse in her hand. “Brother Cedric,” she said after a few seconds.

“Yes, Beauty.”

“Can I not go to Country V immediately after the engagement?” Lucy asked with a sigh. She had been contemplating the thought since last night and was still not comfortable with the fact that she would follow him back alone, soon. Would it not be better if they spent some time here together before meeting the other members of the family? Besides, she wasn’t completely comfortable yet in his presence.

Cedric narrowed his eyes then chuckled. He slowly shook his head and said, “No, Beauty. That’s not even an option?”

“W–Why?” Lucy frowned, her heart sinking from the way his expression changed all of a sudden.

“Because.” His arm tightened around her and she had to look up to meet his gaze. “Wouldn’t it be better to just hold the wedding there?”

‘The wedding!? Oh no.’ Lucy tried to pry away from his grip, apprehension building in her heart. “But you said we’ll discuss the wedding—”

“And we just did that now.” He tightened his hold around her.

“Y–You said I’ll get to decide the date.”

“That was in the past.”

“W–What do you m–mean…” Lucy’s lips trembled and her hands tightened more on her purse. Her heart beat heavily against her chest and she tried to wrap her head around what was unfolding.

“You see, Lucy,” he uttered her name, and every hope that she had of this to be a nightmare instantly vanished. “I’m an eager person. When I set my heart on something, I make sure I get it in a short possible period. Why waste our time when we can skip all those formalities and get to the important things.”

Lucy shook her head and took a step back as he released her. “But you promised…” Her voice wavered and a big lump formed in her throat.

“Now don’t use my words against me. Are you implying that I lied to you?” He stepped forward and she kept on moving back until her back was pressed against the wall.

“Let’s get this clear, Beauty.” He rested his hands on the wall, caging her in-between. “After tonight, you’ll be mine. And one thing I don’t like is being pestered with meaningless demands. If you want us to get along, you need to obey everything you’re told.”

Her eyes watered and her hands shook. Looking into his eyes now, Lucy saw a completely different person. Was this the façade he had so perfectly hidden? Was this really his true color?

The last thing she wanted was to fall into the hands of a control freak. But Cedric was more than that. He twisted their conversation and used it against her. He was heartless.

“Shhhh, no more words.” He placed a finger on her lips as she was about to retort. “We’re done with this conversation.”

The elevator came to a stop and he took out a hankie from his pants pocket and then dabbed her tears. “We can’t let this makeup go to waste.” He chuckled. “And we wouldn’t want to spoil the night, would we?… Everyone has worked so hard to make sure everything is perfect. Now, be a good girl. It will be bad if they are all let down.”

Lucy swallowed and sniffed as he circled his arm around her and led her out of the elevator. Her legs shook, she could barely keep balance and he held her in a firm grip, pulling her along with him.

What was she getting into? Cedric was leading her out and she couldn’t do anything. He was leading her to her doom. If only she had trusted her first instincts about him. If only she hadn’t allowed guilt to overwhelm her without listening to the maid’s advice.

She glanced sideways at him and he now wore that gentle smile again. What had she done to deserve this?

Loud claps and chatters rang through her ears and they came in front of the crowd. Everyone was present. Her family, friends, and other relatives. Her parents sat at the front table with Cedric’s parents. They were all smiles and laughter. Her gaze swept through the remaining guests and her anxiety increased. Even the reporters were invited.

Cedric led her to the stage and they both faced the spectators. He squeezed her hand and whispered in her ear. “This night can’t be more perfect. Look at all those smiles. Won’t you want them to see you looking happy?”

Each of his words was like a needle pricking her heart. And she tried again to pry away her hand but he gripped it harder.

“I said smile,” he whispered once more and Lucy had no choice but to curl up her lips.

“Good,” he said, before leading her again to seat on one of the two huge chairs already prepared for them on the stage.