Chapter 5

Through her studio's tall windows, Cecelia saw something absurd.

A dozen bodyguards in matching black suits and white gloves lined up neatly outside her studio door, each of them carefully holding a dust-cloth-covered item in their hands, obviously valuable.

The lead bodyguard knocked politely. Under Cecelia's cold gaze, he directed his team to place each item in the reception area. They lifted the cloths, revealing a collection of antiques from elite auction houses.

"Madam, Mr. Rivera asked us to bring these for you. He said he knows you didn't sleep well and have been in a bad mood, so he hopes these little trinkets will cheer you up," the bodyguard said, his tone stiff and formal.

The commotion drew everyone working on the same floor to come and watch.

"Oh my god! Isn't that the record-breaking porcelain bowl from Sotheby's last month? Mr. Rivera is going all out!"

"He's really spoiling her! All of this just because his wife's upset? What a perfect man!"

"Cecelia is so lucky! Mr. Rivera is handsome, rich, devoted, and romantic!"

"I'm so jealous! If my husband cared even a tenth as much…"

Standing among all these antiques, Cecelia felt nothing but bitter irony as she listened to the admiration and envy outside. Her face showed no emotion, and her eyes were as empty as the void.

Finally, she walked straight back to the door. With a bang, she shut it in front of all the stunned bodyguards and onlookers, locked it, and pulled the blinds.

The world fell instantly quiet.

Outside, the bodyguards hesitated before calling Francis.

As soon as Francis got the call, he cleared his schedule for the next few days and came home early.

Cecelia was sitting by the window, her figure so thin that she looked like she might be scattered by the wind.

"Celia." Francis softened his voice and walked over, trying to hug her from behind.

However, Cecelia quietly moved away.

His hand froze in the air before he sat on the single sofa next to her. "Are you still angry about last night? I just…"

"I miss my dad." Cecelia suddenly said, her voice was light as air.

Francis gulped, his voice unconsciously tight. "Your father… If he's watching from above, he would only want you to be happy. Don't overthink things."

Eager to change the subject, he quickly said, "Right, I booked a three-day trip on the Starocean Cruise, top-deck suite. Let's go together, get some fresh air, watch the sunrise, and leave all the bad memories behind."

He looked at her with expectation, almost a plea, though he didn't realize it himself. Cecelia turned to stare into the sky again, silent.

Francis took that as agreement.

-

The cruise ship sounded its horn and cut through the blue sea.

On the top deck, Francis's friends were already waiting.

When they saw Cecelia, they all put on exaggeratedly warm smiles.

"Celia! You finally made it! Fran's been so worried about you, his hair's about to go gray!"

One friend directed the staff to bring over several beautifully wrapped gift boxes.

"We heard you cleared out some things from home, and Fran was really upset. He had us search the city for the latest and best. Why don't you give it a look and see if there's anything else you need?"

The boxes glittered in the sunlight, so bright they strained Cecelia's eyes.