Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel 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."

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