Chapter 21 Stay Away from Lancelot–1
Just before dawn at the Russell Villa
Cecilia groggily woke up, staring at the all–too–familiar ceiling, feeling a bit out of place. How did she end up back here?
Retore she could figure it out, Julian’s husky voice broke the silence. ‘You’re awake.
She turned to see Julian, looking exhausted with bloodshot eyes, like he hadn’t slept a wink.
Cecilia sat up, rubbing her temples, trying to piece together what had happened.
“You brought me back?‘ she asked, lips pursed.
Julian nodded. “Yeah, had the doctor check you out. No cold or fever, but he said you’re really run down. You need meds and rest. Fll take care of your classes for now.”
“It’s just been a lot lately, nothing serious,” Cecilia frowned, her tone firm. “No need to take leave. I’ll go to class as soon as it’s light.”
Julian’s eyes narrowed, clearly annoyed. “You think you can go to class like this? So eager to see Lancelot?”
Julian, what’s your problem?” Cecilia snapped, a hint of anger in her voice. ‘I barely know him.
“I don’t care how well you know him. Just stay away from him,” Julian said coldly. “Owen will bring your stuff back in a few days. You stay home.”
“Julian! Are you having me followed again?” Cecilia glared at him, her temper flaring. “Where I live is my choice, I can play along in public, but don’t mess with my private life.”
I’m your legal husband. I have a right to manage you.” Julian sneered.
Cecilia threw off the covers, got out of bed, and said coldly, “This is a business arrangement, nothing more.”
Julian paused, finding it somewhat amusing that he was so concerned about her. ‘You really don’t want to live here?‘
‘Yes, it’s more convenient over there.”
“Fine, you don’t have to move back, Julian said, standing up and casually draping a coat over her shoulders. ‘But you have to come back at least three times a month, or I won’t help you with Grandma. Also, you need to stay home this week. Cleo will make you some medicine, and the doctor needs to check on you.‘
Cecilia tugged at the coat and lightly curled her lips. “Deal.”
Morning came quickly.
At nine–thirty, Cecilia changed into a blue dress, but couldn’t find her phone. After searching for a while, she remembered she had dropped it at school yesterday. She’d have to use her backup, which meant the hassle of transferring files. She sighed, grabbed her backup phone, drank the bitter medicine, and headed to school.
The classroom wasn’t full yet, but Kian was already there. Seeing Cecilia, he jogged over. “Morning, my assistant. Come to my office with me.”
Cecilia pursed her lips and nodded, a bit annoyed by the new nickname, but followed him to the office.
“Cecilia, I’m glad you’re okay,” Kian sighed in relief. ‘Yesterday, Alaric couldn’t reach you and almost gave me a hard time.”
Alaric had even dragged him to the Russell Villa last night. Seeing Julian’s car parked there, they had left in frustration. But Kian didn’t mention this to her.
“Sorry, I accidentally dropped my phone yesterday,” Cecilia said.
Kian pouted. “Forget it. How did you get involved with that scoundrel Lancelot?”
Cecilia blinked, puzzled. “Why does everyone think there’s something going on between us?”
She had indeed been subtly piquing Lancelot’s curiosity, thinking she hadn’t been obvious. It was clearly Lancelot who had clung to her.
He, like Julian, seemed more interested when she played hard to get.
Come on, Lancelot doesn’t just fixate on any woman for no reason. He’s not easy to deal with, and his brother Cedric is even harder. Just stay away from him!” Kian said, pulling out a bottle of vitamins and a stress–relief dolphin toy from the drawer. “I noticed you’ve been under a lot of stress lately, so I got these for you.”
Cecilia looked at him suspiciously but accepted the items, smiling. “Alaric is really thoughtful. Thank him for me.”
Kian pretended to be annoyed. ‘I got these for you! Whatever, just hand out these notes to the classmates later.”
