Chapter 9: Stay Off

Cecilia sensed the cold sweat on her hands while positioned between Andrew and Victor, trapped in a tense confrontation.She was breathing fast and lightly, and with every statement Victor made, the tension in her stomach intensified. She felt trapped in a situation beyond her control,Enclosed by men who cared only for their own objectives,None of whom cared about her needs

Victor’s smile remained steady, yet the atmosphere surrounding him was charged with a foreboding tension.He was enjoying this, enjoying the sight of Andrew feeling uncomfortable, enjoying the uncertainty enveloping them. To him, it was just a game and becoming fun, and Cecilia was simply a pawn. 

Andrew, in contrast, was boiling with angerHis hands were balled into tight fists, resting at his sides, His jaw was stiff, tense with frustration.He appeared to be teetering on the edge of his patience, He seemed moments away from losing it, but a calm force kept him in check. It might have been because Victor continued to speak calmly, even smugly, as if he held the reins. 

Cecilia felt the urge to scream, to flee, to break free from this stifling room. However, there was no place to go. She sensed the pressure of the gazes from both men upon her, anticipating her response. To express something. To shatter the quiet. 

Victor's eyes shifted back to Andrew, his tone laced with contempt. "You ought to have considered that before you complicated your life." I heard the board is thinking about a shift in leadership. You're slipping, Andrew. "Based on appearances, it seems you've lost more than just your business." 

Andrew's lips contorted into a sneer. “I’m not scared of you, Victor. You are merely a serpent. “And I won’t allow you to manipulate me to advance your goals.” 

Victor lifted an eyebrow, unfazed. "Is that the case?" Indeed, Andrew, I believe you’ll discover that in this world, everyone has their cost. "I'm simply presenting you a small opportunity, one that you can choose to seize or allow to pass by." He moved nearer to Andrew, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper. "However, take heed; if you continue to act like the martyr, you will end up losing it all." "And then, you will have no one else to hold responsible except yourself." 

Cecilia’s thoughts raced. What was Victor suggesting? What was he truly providing Andrew? And why was he pulling her into this? She looked at Andrew, her heart racing in her chest. He appeared to be fighting to restrain himself, like a wolf trapped in a corner, poised to attack. 

However, rather than replying, Andrew turned his attention to Cecilia, his gaze warming for just a fleeting instant. It seemed as though he was attempting to convey a message to her silently, to comfort her, to assure her that all would be fine. However, Cecilia remained unconvinced. The doubt in his gaze communicated a great deal. 

She began to speak, but before she could say anything, Andrew's lips twisted in revulsion. “If you believe for even a moment that I’ll agree to do anything with you.” 

“Andrew!” Cecilia broke in, her voice trembling yet pressing. She wasn't sure why she expressed it, but something within her couldn't tolerate witnessing the two men ready to fight. “Simply cease.” 

She sensed the intensity of their anger, their irritation and it was consuming her from within. She didn't wish to be the one caught in the middle, yet it appeared that she already was. 

Victor directed his eyes at her, his look changing from humor to a more ominous one. "Cecilia, I believe we both understand just how troubled your life has been over the last few years because of him." I’m here to assist you, if you’re open to collaborating with me to create this advantageous opportunity. When I finish with you, Andrew. You will forfeit your dignity within your group. 

Note my words. Regarding you, Cecilia, you can either continue to hide and pretend that everything is alright, or you can take charge and make your own choices. Victor also contributed. 

Cecilia's thoughts whirled. She wished to scream, to shove him aside, yet she felt immobilized as if her body couldn’t match the tempest of feelings raging within her. Could this be the time when everything shifts for her? Would she ultimately have to confront the repercussions of her decisions? 

The quiet in the space lingered, heavy with unease. Her heart raced as she attempted to comprehend everything Victor had just mentioned, but the statements didn’t align. What was he seeking from her? And what motivated him to assist her? 

Andrew's hand tightened into a fist, his knuckles pale as he struggled to maintain his composure. "Leave," he hissed, his tone frigid. "You've spoken plenty." 

Victor simply shrugged, showing no concern for Andrew's comments. "As you desire." But keep in mind, Andrew—when you reach the end of your tether, don’t come back begging to me.” 

With that, Victor pivoted on his heel, heading toward the door. And with that, he disappeared. The door snapped shut behind him, creating a stifling silence in his aftermath. 

Her hands trembled, a sign of her effort to regain her composure.Thoughts flooded her mind as her heart hammered against her ribs. She sensed that she had just barely escaped a storm—only to discover that the worst was still ahead. 

Andrew glanced at her, his eyes deep and inscrutable. The atmosphere around them was heavy with untold thoughts, yet neither appeared ready to disrupt the stillness. 

“Cecilia…” His tone was soft, yet the tension in it was unmistakable. 

The stillness in the room elongated, heavy and oppressive, as Andrew’s gaze fixated on Cecilia. She sensed the heaviness of his gaze, the unspoken queries lingering in the space around them. Yet, for the first time in what seemed like ages, Cecilia felt no fear in shattering it. 

Inhaling deeply, she composed herself, attempting to suppress the surge of feelings that was about to engulf her. She couldn’t allow herself to break now—not when so much had already transformed. 

"I want you to keep your distance from my life," she stated, her tone soft yet resolute. There was no doubt, no wavering. Before she had the chance to reconsider, the words left her mouth,And she felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her.

Andrew’s expression hardened as his brows furrowed, Astonishment and disbelief were written all over his face."Could you repeat that?"

Cecilia locked eyes with him, her expression toughening. She was no longer going to allow him to manipulate her, especially after all that had transpired between them. The past weeks had been a chaotic blend of uncertainty, The guilt and anger had been eating away at her, and she knew she could no longer pretend it wasn’t influencing her actions.

"I made it clear I didn’t want you in my life,” she reiterated, her tone firmer this time. "You are no longer part of it." "Not after all that you’ve accomplished." 

Andrew recoiled as though her words had literally shoved him back. His mouth moved as if about to speak, yet he couldn’t find the words, clearly shocked by the impact of her statement. For a short time, Cecilia believed he could argue, might attempt to persuade her that they could resolve issues, but she wouldn’t allow him the opportunity. Once more. 

“I’m not seeking your forgiveness for keeping this pregnancy away from you, Andrew,” she persisted, her tone becoming more pointed. "And I have no use for your sympathy." I must concentrate on what lies ahead for me and my child. I have obligations now, and I’m determined to manage them independently. 

The words struck Andrew more intensely than she anticipated, and she noticed a glimmer of remorse in his gaze. However, it was no longer significant. He had made his decisions, and now it was her opportunity to make hers. 

Andrew parted his lips, but no sound emerged. His jaw tightened in exasperation, his eyes filled with feeling, yet he stayed quiet. The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension as he struggled to grasp her determination. 

“I don’t need your help,” Cecilia said, her tone softer now but just as resolute. “I will be alright.” I will create a life for myself and my child. "Absent from you." 

The finality in her words appeared to rest on him like a heavy burden. Andrew gazed at her once more, his expression a facade of mixed feelings. He then silently turned and made his way to the door. Every step resonated as if marking the conclusion of a chapter, one that was previously filled with optimism but concluded in sorrow. 

As the door clicked closed behind him, Cecilia remained standing, her body trembling from the intensity of the encounter. Yet, as the quiet surrounded her once more, she experienced an unusual feeling of comfort. After weeks, she was finally able to breathe.