Abandoned Luna Now Untouchable (Cecilia) novel Chapter 97

Cecilia

I managed a smile that felt more like a grimace.

Who would ever want to participate in something like that competition?

“Can’t I join something… better?” Tasked, my voice smatt and vulnerable.

“Of course,” Alpha Sebastian replied without hesitation, nodding with absolute certainty.

His smile transformed his usually stern features, eyes sparkling with warmth as he spoke in that rich, deep voice that reminded me of aged whiskey. “You can join anything you want.”

I had been holding myself together by sheer willpower, determined not to break down and give anyone the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

But in this moment, I realized I could allow myself this weakness. I could be fragile. I coutd be comforted.

Something warm and bittersweet rose from deep within me, washing away the walls id built to protect myself.

My vision blurred with tears. I let my guard down completely, no longer concerned about appearing strong.

J leaned against him, silently releasing all the emotions I’d been suppressing.

Understanding my need to preserve my dignity, Alpha Sebastian removed his suit jacket and draped it over my head, shielding me from view as he guided me out of the restaurant.

In the car, my shoulders continued to shake silently.

Emotions are like the tide-once released, they don’t recede quickly. They crash in waves, demanding to complete their natural course before returning to calm shores.

I’m not sure how much time passed before I finally regained my composure.

As the emotional storm subsided, I felt lighter, unburdened. The silence around me was peaceful. I realized I was still sitting in the car, embracing…

Wait-embracing?

Embracing!

My consciousness snapped to full alertness.

Then I saw it-my arms were wrapped around his waist! My face pressed against his chest!

I’d been holding him exactly like the body pillow I cuddled every night-with natural ease and shocking boldness. The result was… problematic.

My eyes darted around nervously as I considered my options.

Should I casually let go and sit up?

Or should I pretend to be asleep, wait for him to wake me, and then act like I had no idea what happened?

The second option seemed viable. After all, hadn’t I fallen asleep during our business trip and ended up in his arms? He hadn’t mentioned it then.

While I was contemplating how to navigate this embarrassing situation, a voice came from above me.

“Stop overthinking. it’ll be dark before you decide,” he said, gently patting my head.

“Let’s eat first. You can hug me again after dinner.” I froze completely, mortification spreading from my head to my toes.

Sebastian

Five minutes later, Cecilia sat across from me in a private dining room.

The courtyard-style restaurant was designed for intimate gatherings-quiet enough to hear the artificial stream gurgling outside.

The atmosphere was serene and elegant.

I ordered while she sat there, looking outwardly composed but radiating anxiety so potent I could practically taste it.

Her heart was racing, betraying the calm facade she was attempting to maintain.

[She’s adorable when she’s flustered,] Soren commented, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

“Do you want shrimp?” I asked casually.

…Yes,” she answered, her heartbeat skipping as she rushed to respond.

“Would you prefer crème brûlée or a raspberry panna cotta for dessert?”

…Both-”

“You want both?” | raised an eyebrow.

She had clearly meant to say “either is fine” but nodded instead. “Mm-hmm.”

I ordered six dishes and then looked up at her.

Cecilia pretended to be interested in the scenery outside, taking small sips of water. Her nervousness was so acute that her teeth kept clinking against the glass.

“That cup-” I started.

She looked at the glass in confusion. “What? What’s wrong with the cup?” It’s not edible,” | stated with deliberate seriousness, as if explaining something to a child trying to eat rocks off the ground.

She stared at the glass in her hand, mortification evident in every line of her body.

Thankfully, our food arrived quickly.

She immediately employed her strategy of focusing intensely on eating-a technique I’d noticed she used when avoiding conversation.

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