Ch. Called Off the Wedding 15 Called Off the Wedding 15

Chapter 15 

Giselle bit her lip and gave Benedict’s sleeve a subtle tug, shaking her head ever so slightly. 

Benedict’s face remained stony. 

Cynthia caught Giselle’s tiny, restrained gesture and let a mocking smile curl at the edge of her mouth. She didn’t bother with another word–just swept out, her entourage carrying all the auction items behind her. 

Once outside, Cynthia handed the auctioned pieces to Jocelyn to take care of them. 

Jocelyn raised an eyebrow as she looked over the pile now filling her car. “Running low on cash these days?” 

First Cynthia had tried to sell her shares in the VistaSphere Group, and now she was unloading these auction items too! 

Cynthia shook her head and replied quietly. “My sister only gave me a month to settle everything here. I’ve only got fifteen days left.” 

In fifteen days, she wanted her bank account to show nothing but a string of cold, empty numbers–then she’d leave for the Capital, head held high and heart unburdened. 

Of all the items, Cynthia kept only the jade bracelet Benedict had specifically requested. 

That night, sure enough, Benedict turned up at her grandmother’s house, carrying a box of the buttery cookies her grandmother had loved. Cynthia watched him offer the cookies, her expression unreadable. 

Benedict stepped past her, lowering his voice as he entered. “Is your grandmother asleep already? Has her health been okay lately?” 

Cynthia stared at the hint of concern on his face, her own eyes growing even colder. 

Sensing her mood, Benedict dropped his voice further, as if worried about waking the old woman. “Cynthia, I’ve explained–there’s nothing between me and her. The wedding’s in just two weeks. I don’t want some outsider coming between us. Once the project’s wrapped up, I’ll have her transferred, all right?“0 

Cynthia’s lips curled. “Miss Channing must be something special.“8 

Benedict’s jaw tightened. Do you have to be so sarcastic every time you speak to me?” 

Cynthia shrugged. “Can’t I pay her a compliment? She’s fresh out of college and already indispensable to the project. I’m honestly impressed.“2 

Benedict’s patience was fraying. He pinched the bridge of his nose and said, tight–voiced, “She’s one of our partner’s top trainees.“? 

“Is that so?” Cynthia’s eyes were flat. “So what brings you here?” 

Benedict stepped closer, slipping an arm around her waist, his tone softening. “You left for your grandmother’s without a word. I figured you were still upset, so I came to see you “8 

Cynthia noticed the way his gaze drifted to the velvet box on the table, but she didn’t bother to call him out 

She pried his arm off her waist, her voice chilly. “You’ve been back to the house?” 

Benedict nodded, immediately pulling her close again. When Cynthia tried to break free, he tightened his grip, holding her firmly in his arms. “Cynthia, stop fighting me. Just let me hold you for a minute.“} 

She wasn’t nearly strong enough to wrestle free, so she gave in, letting him hold her. Satisfied. Benedict smiled, and after a moment, loosened his embrace and took her hand_ 

“Come on. Let’s go home together.” 

Cynthia stayed rooted to the spot, smiling faintly as she looked at him. 

He’d already been back to the house and hadn’t even noticed that she’d cleared out every single thing she owned. His attention was so thoroughly consumed by Giselle, he hadn’t seen what was right in front of him.8. 

Home? That place wasn’t her home anymore. 

She would never build a life with a man whose heart belonged elsewhere. 

Chapter 16 

“This is 

my home. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”