Chapter 236
The car stopped in front of Cedric's villa. Josephine gripped her bag and said quietly, "You can drop me here. I'll drive myself home."
Cedric pressed down on her hand as she reached for the seatbelt. "Wait."
His fingertips were warm. When they brushed her hand, Josephine instinctively flinched.
"We're married now," Cedric's voice was calm and even. "Though it's just a partnership, if we're going to act, we need to do it right. Grandfather could be watching us at any time. If we're apart on our wedding night, he won't believe it."
Josephine looked up at him, hesitation in her eyes.
Cedric released her hand and pulled out the car key. "Don't worry. I won't do anything you don't want."
He got out and walked around to the passenger side, opening the door. The night breeze lifted the hair at his forehead. Lamplight fell across his profile, highlighting his deep, distinct features.
Josephine looked at his outstretched hand. After a moment's hesitation, she placed hers in it.
His palm was broad and warm, gripping hers with just the right amount of pressure.
Their hands fit together surprisingly well.
Josephine still felt the need to explain. "Actually, I'm not doubting you. Of course I trust your character."
Cedric smiled. "I know."
A trace of tenderness glimmered in his eyes.
Inexplicably, Josephine felt her heartbeat quicken. She lowered her gaze, avoiding eye contact with him.
Cedric's lips curved slightly. "Let's go."
The villa had a simple, modern style—minimalist decor that was understated yet refined throughout. Cedric led her to the master bedroom on the second floor and pushed open the door. "This is your room."
Josephine froze slightly.
"The bathroom and walk-in closet are both private. The wardrobe already has clothes prepared for you, all in your size." Cedric was unusually thoughtful today, his voice gentle as he instructed. "If you don't like them, I can have my assistant prepare new ones tomorrow."
Josephine entered the room. The layout was warm yet tasteful, even featuring a small balcony.
Opening the wardrobe revealed it filled with new clothes—from sleepwear to everyday wear, everything complete.
"You've thought of everything." She was somewhat amazed.
She wondered when he'd started preparing all this...
Cedric leaned against the doorframe, watching her back, traces of amusement in his eyes. "I'm glad you're satisfied."
His tone was flat, yet somehow those words made Josephine's heart skip.
She turned to face him, working to keep her expression calm. "Since this is a partnership, we should clarify some ground rules."
"Go ahead."
"First, we sleep in separate rooms and don't interfere in each other's private lives." Josephine's voice was steady. "Second, in public we'll play the loving couple, but in private, we're just partners. Third..."
She paused. "If either of us ever wants to end this arrangement, we notify the other in advance so we both have an exit."
Cedric listened quietly and nodded. "Agreed."
He accepted so readily it actually surprised Josephine. "You don't have any other conditions?"
"I do." Cedric walked toward her, his pace unhurried yet carrying an invisible pressure.
He stopped in front of her, close enough that they could hear each other's breathing. Josephine instinctively wanted to step back, but he caught her wrist.
"When we're acting in public, you need to cooperate with me." Cedric's voice was low. "Grandfather is perceptive. If we're stiff even with simple physical contact, he'll see through us immediately."
Josephine could feel the warmth of his palm seeping through her skin. Her heartbeat accelerated involuntarily, but she forced herself to stay composed. "I... I know what to do."
Cedric stared into her eyes for several seconds. Just as Josephine couldn't control her urge to retreat and evade, he suddenly released her hand and stepped back, creating distance.
"Good. Get some rest. I'll wake you tomorrow morning."
The door closed gently.
Josephine leaned against the wall, slowly exhaling. Her palms had somehow broken out in a thin layer of sweat.
Early the next morning, Josephine was woken by sounds outside her door. She rubbed her eyes and left her room to find Cedric busy in the kitchen.
Two breakfast settings were already on the dining table.
Fried eggs, toast, bacon, and two glasses of warm milk.
All things Josephine liked to eat.
Cedric still wore an apron, completely at odds with his usual image, yet he seemed completely unaware of any incongruity. He glanced back at her. "Time to eat."
Josephine felt somewhat dazed. This man in casual clothes making breakfast in the kitchen created a discordant yet warm feeling that left her momentarily unable to process.
By the time she'd processed it, she was already seated at the table.
"I'll drive you to the company in a bit."
Cedric handed Josephine the utensils.
She ate quietly, occasionally stealing glances at him. In fact, before falling asleep last night, she'd been worried.
Afraid their interactions would become awkward and unnatural. She'd felt an inexplicable nervousness and anxiety.
She didn't even know what she was afraid of.
But this morning, after finishing this breakfast, she suddenly wasn't nervous anymore.
Everything seemed to be in the best possible atmosphere.
After breakfast, Cedric skillfully cleared the dishes. Josephine tried to help but was stopped. He gently pushed her aside with his elbow. "Go change. We'll go to the company together shortly."
Josephine could only watch him work, unable to help asking, "Do you usually make your own breakfast at home?"
"Occasionally." Cedric placed the cups in the dishwasher. "I've eaten out enough. What I make suits my taste better."
Josephine nodded. Cedric suddenly looked at her. "Don't forget to take your things."
"What things?"
Cedric didn't answer, only urging Josephine to get them, saying they were in the living room. Josephine had no choice but to go.
Seeing the box, her face inexplicably flushed with heat.
It was... her favorite pastries.
The car stopped at the company entrance. Cedric handed her the car keys. "I might have to meet a client after work. Drive yourself home. Remember to eat on time and don't stay up late."
Josephine took the keys, looking at him with words unsaid.
"What is it?"
"Nothing." Josephine shook her head. "I just think... you're pretty good to your partner."
Cedric smiled faintly. "Being good to your partner makes the partnership last."
Josephine got out of the car, watching Cedric's vehicle drive away, that indescribable feeling surfacing in her heart again.
His care for her was perfectly calibrated—never making her feel pressured, yet thoughtful in every way. She kept reminding herself to be cautious, that this was just a partnership, but her heart wasn't as resistant as she'd expected.
At the company, Josephine had no time to think about other things.
Work kept her busy until dark before she had time to check her phone. She discovered a message.
Cedric: [Remember to eat dinner.]
Sent half an hour ago.
This was the first time he'd reminded her so intimately.
Josephine replied: [Okay.]
After hesitating, she added another line. [You too.]
In Getty Group's conference room, the other employees watched as their Mr. Getty, who'd just ruthlessly torn apart their work without mercy, looked at his phone with a faint smile appearing on his fierce face.
He seemed...
Very happy.
Cedric looked up. "That's all for today. We'll continue tomorrow morning."
He took his phone and stood to leave.
His steps carried a hint of haste.
Someone wondered aloud, "Is this still our Mr. Getty?"
Noah was gathering documents and shot the person a look. "Mr. Getty didn't criticize you and you're still not satisfied? Hurry back and rewrite your proposal, or you'll get criticized again tomorrow."
As for their Mr. Getty...
Having married the woman he'd longed for all these years, of course he was happy!
When Josephine returned home that evening, the living room lights were already on.
Josephine changed her shoes and entered the study to find Cedric sitting on the sofa reviewing documents. Seeing her return, he looked up. "You're back? There's soup warming in the kitchen. Go have some."
"No need, I already ate at the company."
Cedric didn't insist, only pushing a document toward her. "About the demolition—I looked into it."