Chapter 9
Cressida stepped out of the bathroom into a scene of opulence—jewelry boxes spilled across the floor, dresses draped across the bed, while Alaric sat motionless in his wheelchair beside the bed, his expression inscrutable.
Her gaze danced between the glittering boxes and the dresses, her eyes lingering before snapping to Alaric. “What’s all this?”
“A dozen jewelry sets and dresses, all from the same brand, Felix once ordered something that made you think he’s the best.” Alaric responded, his gaze drifting over the jewelry and clothes.
Cressida’s face scrunched up in disdain. “It’s laughable that someone as driven as you would stoop to this level just to be petty.”
Alaric’s jaw clenched, annoyance bubbling up, but he took a deep breath, keeping his tone measured. “I’m not being petty.” He protested, but Cressida doubled over, laughing again, making his rage simmer just below boiling point.
He ground his teeth, slamming his fist on his thighs. “I said I’m not petty!” His voice rose despite his efforts to keep it steady.
Her laughter abruptly stopped, her lips compressing into a tight line. Without a word, her eyes left his face as she strode to the wardrobe. She opened it and plucked his shirt from the hanger. “I’ll take a shirt again.” She said, her voice detached.
He exhaled softly, his face cast downward in regret of his action. He rolled the wheel to her side and lengthened his hand, reaching out for her from behind, but she dodged his touch.
“Don’t worry, you’ve done nothing wrong,” she said, her voice calm as she removed the shirt from the hanger and slid it back onto the rod. She turned toward the bathroom, her movements fluid.
“Where are you going?” He asked.
“To change my dress.” She replied curtly, without breaking stride or glancing back.
“You can change here. I’ll excuse you.” He suggested, his tone polite. And without waiting for her response, he wheeled around toward the entrance, halting with his hand on the lever as he revealed, “these gifts are just an investment. Nothing else.”
“I know,” she whispered, watching as he wheeled out of the room. Her gaze lingered on the door for a moment, her expression a mix of emotions.
A part of her, still reeling from the events of the previous night, felt a pang of pity for Alaric and urged her to be gentle with him. But another part, driven by determination and a desire to match his intensity, had been gaining ground.
She let out a soft sigh and turned her attention away from the door, her eyes scanning the dresses scattered on the bed as she considered which one to wear around the house.
+
Cressida had been waiting for what felt like an eternity, sitting in her room, dressed and ready, but Alaric hadn’t returned. To pass the time, she busied herself by packing the dresses into the wardrobe. When he still hadn’t shown up, she left the room.
As soon as she stepped out, Felix’s eyes landed on her, his gaze expectant, as if he had been waiting for her appearance. He sprang to his feet, a wide smile spreading across his face.
“Good morning, queen,” he greeted, his lips curving upward. He waited for her to approach the parlor before falling into step beside her. “How was your night?”
Cressida nodded, a faint, insincere smile on her face. “Great,” she replied. “And you?”
“Same as yours,” Felix’s response was smooth as silk. He shrugged, a smile still playing on his lips as he added, “I mean, why wouldn’t I have a peaceful night sleeping under the same roof with you?”
His gaze flicked toward Alaric as he entered the room, anticipation sparking in his eyes. Expecting Alaric to react with anger, he feigned nonchalance. “I’ve been waiting for you to come out, but didn’t want to pass my boundary.” He continued, deliberately trying to provoke a response from Alaric.
Alaric’s lips curled into a wintry smile. “You’re annoying,” he muttered, his gaze dropping for a moment before snapping back up to Felix’s face. His eyes flashed with anger as he ground out the words, “you son of a bitch.”
Felix deliberately ignored Alaric’s outburst, focusing on Cressida instead. “You woke up a little late,” he said, his smile unwavering. “Must be the stress from yesterday. You—”
Alaric cut him off, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yes, it is. Will you take her to the hospital? Hmm? She’s a queen, and you promised to treat her as one. Shouldn’t you pick up the car keys already?”
“If she wants to, I will.” Felix replied.
Cedrissa stepped closer to Felix, a smile on her face. “I’m fine, thanks, Felix.” She said, her voice light.
Alaric’s eyes narrowed as he watched her touch Felix, his fist clenching in frustration. He ground his teeth, a surge of anger and helplessness coursing through him.
He longed to stand up, intervene, and punch Felix, then drag Cedrissa away, warning her to stay clear of Felix. But bound by his limitations, he sighed and turned to Easton, who had been standing behind him. “Let’s go.”
“Okay, sir.” Easton uttered. He stepped forward, reversing the wheelchair. Just as he was about to push Alaric forward, chairman Dawson’s voice halted him.
“You’re married now. Will you be eating with us?”
“I’m married because you want me to—not that I wanted to…” Alaric gave an immediate response, his voice laced with resentment. “Marriage changes nothing, and it can never do.”
Without waiting for a command, Easton pushed him into his room while Cedrisssa, Dawson, and Felix’s gaze lingered on them until the door closed.
As soon as the door shut, Cressida moved closer to Dawson, curtsying with a smile. “Good morning, sir,” she greeted. However, Dawson didn’t respond, his expression turning cold, but she didn’t relent. “How’s your night?”
Dawson scoffed, his eyes flashing with annoyance. “Know when to stop.” He warned, his voice low and menacing. He held her gaze for a moment before turning and walking away.
→←
Dawson entered the dining room, and as Felix stood up to greet him, Cedrissa pursued his suit, standing up and bowing her head in respect. Dawson took his seat at the head of the table, and Cedrissa waited until Felix sat down on the opposite side before taking her seat next to Amabel’s.
Amabel emerged from the kitchen, a warm smile on her face as she sat down beside Cedrissa. “You woke up a little late.” She observed.
Cedrissa nodded, smiling discreetly. “Yes, ma’am,” she replied, her voice apologetic. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help.”
Amabel smiled warmly as she patted Cedrissa’s back. “It’s nothing,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “You slept late last night, so it’s fine. I hope you had a good time.”
Cedrissa nodded, her smile still strained. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Do you know Alaric’s still absence at this table is your failure as his wife?” Dawson said, and the room fell silent with everyone’s gaze snapping to him as he taunted Cedrissa. “You’re his wife. Shouldn’t you coax him to come out and eat with us?”
Cedrissa’s eyes dropped, her expression contrite. “I’m sorry, sir.”
“It’s not her fault,” Amabel defended Cedrissa. “Everyone knows how Alaric behaves. What do you expect her to do? He stopped eating with us years ago. What makes you think she could change that overnight?”
Dawson scoffed. “Didn’t I agree to their marriage so someone could change him? What’s the point if she can’t even get this simple thing done?” He challenged, his voice rising.
Cedrissa bowed her head, avoiding eye contact as she pleaded, “I’m sorry, sir.”
Dawson’s expression turned stern. “If you’re sorry, earn yourself the honor. Make him eat at the same table with us again.” He said, his tone commanding.
Cedrissa nodded. “Okay, sir.”
“Dad, Cedrissa is a nice person. I’m sure she can do it, but she needs time. You know—” Felix intervened, trying to defend her, but his father cut him off, his interest shifting.
“How’s your ongoing project?”
Felix’s lips pursed slightly, a hint of embarrassment crossing his face. “It’s successful,” he replied. “I convinced the project supervisor, and he agreed to award the contract to us. He’ll be visiting the city soon—I’m arranging for you to meet with him.”
Dawson nodded, his expression turned approving. “If this deal goes through before the next shareholders’ meeting, I’ll add to your assets.”
Amabel and Felix exchanged a surprise glance, their eyes widening in shock.
Felix jumped to his feet, bowing his head in gratitude. A sincere smile spread across his face. “Thank you, Father. Thank you.” He said swiftly.
“I’m not giving this to you—you earn it yourself. I set some tests, and you passed everything,” Dawson said, his voice firm. “It’s just compensation for your hard work, and to encourage you to never relent.”
“Thanks, darling. Thanks for giving our son a chance. I’m sure he won’t fail you,” Amabel said, smiling warmly. She turned to Dawson, her curiosity piqued. “But dear, which of the assets is he getting now?”
Dawson hesitated, glancing at Cedrissa before giving Amable a cautioning stare. “We’ll discuss that later, can’t we?”
Cedrissa caught on to Dawson’s hesitation and smiled sweetly at Felix. “Congratulations,” she said, her voice loud enough to carry, trying to annoy Dawson. “More wins.”