Chapter 151

Returning from his business trip, Cedric was met with the infuriating news-Caiden and his wife had once again made things difficult for Daniela.

He lingered in the doorway, his expression somber and contemplative.

It was only when Daniela emerged from her office that his demeanor softened into a smile.

Stepping towards her, Cedric asked, "Might I join you for dinner tonight?"

Daniela asked, "Has your grandmother driven you out once more?"

Cedric nodded, a rueful smile tugging at his lips."Indeed. She has forbidden me from returning home this evening. Since Lillian and Ryan are already under your roof,could you possibly spare a corner for me as well,just for tonight?"

As dinner approached, Cedric persisted with his request. Beside them, Ryan chimed in, "We'll play games in my room. We won't bother you." Daniela gave a nod of approval.

Her home was a frequent gathering spot anyway.Aside from the private floor for Daniela alone, the rest floors were filled with guest rooms.

Although each member of Elite Lux had their own residence, they all had their respective rooms in Daniela's place.

Initially,Daniela was hesitant.Cedric seemed the least likely to need her hospitality, yet there he was,seeking solace in her home.

She was well aware of the true motive behind his questions, though she had never openly admitted or accepted it.

After the evening meal, Cedric made his way to her door and knocked lightly.

Without waiting for an invitation, he entered and quietly took a seat in a chair, his eyes fixed on her.

Fresh from the shower, Daniela was clad in a plain white loungewear set, her hair still damp. "What's on your mind?"

Cedric remained seated, his demeanor grave and thoughtful. He had not bothered to change from the shirt and slacks he had worn earlier that afternoon.

His intense gaze locked onto Daniela, unwavering and deep.

For a brief moment, Daniela averted her eyes, letting out a soft sigh before steeling herself to return his gaze,her expression unreadable.

The room was thick with silence for a tense few seconds.

Cedric's face grew even more somber as he finally spoke, his voice low and steady. "Daniela, it's been a year and a half since your divorce."

Her fingers tightened imperceptibly around the pen she was holding, betraying a flicker of emotion. "Yes."

"Things have changed a lot since then. I've restrained myself," Cedric admitted, his voice slow but firm."Fear has gripped me-the fear of pressing too hard,the trepidation of causing offense, and the anxiety that you might feel uneasy. I was petrified of upsetting you in any way. Thus, I chose to bide my time,considering perhaps you required space to heal and to discover your true desires. I tried to make my way into your life gently, like a soft breeze you wouldn't think twice about. My only wish was to become someone important to you, without you ever catching on to how much it meant to me. Over the last eighteen months,I've carefully avoided overstepping. I refrained from actions or words that might seem too assertive. I've kept myself in check, abiding by my own boundaries,waiting endlessly for the right moment."

Daniela gave him a thoughtful look.

"I don't mind the wait. Yet, it breaks my heart to watch you suffer, knowing I'm stuck on the sdelines as just a friend. Daniela, I yearn to shield you. It pains me to witness anyone push you around. I want the world to recognize that you have an ally, that you are never alone. I've made up my mind-I won't wait for fate to decide. It's clear that you and Alexander are done, so I'm stepping forward now. I want to be the one who's there for you. Whether I succeed or not is irrelevant to me. From this moment on, I'm claiming my place in your world. And when you're ready to open your heart,I want to be the one you choose first."

Cedric laid his heart bare, speaking with a fiery determination he rarely allowed himself to show.

For a few moments, Daniela remained silent, her eyes narrowing as she evaluated him.

Realizing his forwardness might have been too much,Cedric's demeanor softened, his voice now/ carrying a hint of desperation. "Look, from here on out,consider me a suitor, okay? Don't shut me out. Just give me a shot."

Cedric abruptly stood up, hoping to leave on a strong note, but in his haste, he knocked over the chair behind him.

Flustered, he righted the chair, his cheeks coloring with embarrassment, and he hurried out of the room without another word.

Shortly after, Lillian stepped in from the balcony,having just ended a phone call. With a quick,incredulous look at Daniela, she shook her head in exasperation. "Did Cedric actually just take off like that? After pouring his heart out like that, he doesn't even stick around for your response? Is he for real?Can you believe this is the same guy who pulled off that huge international deal recently?"