Ch. Called Off the Wedding 53 Called Off the Wedding 53

Chapter 53 

Cynthia had just finished washing up and was settling into bed when she heard another knock at the door. 

“Cynthia, the living room is freezing. Could you please let me sleep in here with you tonight?” Benedict’s voice was tinged with desperation–a clumsy hope that she might soften and let him in.§ 

“I’m still sick, you know,” he added, hoping to appeal to her sympathy. 

He couldn’t believe she’d really be so cold–hearted as to leave him out there, sniffling and shivering.} 

But the response that came from inside was as icy as the winter air outside. Cynthia’s voice 

was calm and utterly devoid of emotion.} 

My grandmother always believed it was deeply inappropriate for an unmarried couple to sleep under the same roof in someone else’s home. We haven’t signed any papers, and there’s been no wedding. Are you sure you want to risk making her angry?“> 

Benedict hesitated, feeling the weight of that old–fashioned gaze boring into his back–her grandmother’s portrait on the wall seemed to glare at him with extra intensity. 

He let out a sigh, giving up. 

Still, irritation flickered in his eyes. He’d only just shaken off a fever, and the cold he’d caught was far from gone. Another night on the couch and he’d definitely be worse tomorrow–not that he was scared of a little cold. In fact, a part of him almost wished he’d get 

sick 

enough that Cynthia might finally show him some compassion. 

But the thought of enduring another freezing night was miserable. And her indifference stung more than the chills ever could. 

“Cynthia, if I can’t come in, could you at least give me an extra blanket?” 

She didn’t miss a beat, her voice laced with open mockery. “Didn’t you say you wanted to apologize to my grandmother? Funny, I don’t think a truly remorseful person would be able to sleep at all tonight.” 

Benedict winced, rubbing the bridge of his nose in embarrassment. “It’s just… there’s a cold snap tonight, and I’m still getting over this bug.” 

Cynthia’s reply was soft but unyielding. “When my grandmother passed, it was just as cold. I sat up through the night for days, keeping vigil for her. Hardly slept at all.”} 

His voice shrank to a whisper. “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.” 

Cynthia said nothing more and closed her eyes.} 

He stood by the door for a while longer, then trudged back to the living room and slumped onto the couch. 

11) 

He tried not to look at the old woman’s portrait, but his gaze kept drifting back, unable to escape the stern, judging eyes know every guilty secret he harbored. 

that seemed 

to 

Taking a deep breath, he pulled out his phone and opened up a few social apps, hoping for distraction. At the top of his contacts list was Cynthia. He hesitated, then tapped her name and typed out a message. 

Are you still awake, Cyndi?]? 

Cynthia’s phone screen lit up. She glanced at the message, frowned, and immediately set his messages to “Do Not Disturb” before shutting her eyes again. 

She had an early appointment tomorrow–taking Dominic to see the Valmont Holdings project, and she still needed to prod him about getting the contract finalized. Only eight days left. She had to get all of this sorted out as soon as possible. 

Benedict sent her a few more messages, but there was no reply. He slumped deeper into the couch, frustrated and weary, rubbing his temples. ! 

Just then, his phone vibrated. Heart leaping, he grabbed it, only to find Cynthia still hadn’t responded. Instead, a new message popped up on another app–from Giselle. 

[Benedict, I don’t know why but my stomach really hurts. Are you with Cynthia now? I didn’t want to bother you two, but I’m honestly scared 

In an instant, Benedict shot up from the couch and hurried out into the yard.