Chapter 23
Looking at Harvey acting like a puppy–younger than her but constantly acting cute and begging for validation, Cersei couldn’t help but smile.
She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him for the first time.
“You’re right, Harvey. You are great. I don’t just like you, I love you.”
Her honest gaze made Harvey blush.
He had been involved in the business world for years. But when it came to romance, Cersei was his only experience. Hearing her confession made his eyes well up with tears.
“Cersei…” His lips trembled before he took control, kissing her with overwhelming passion.
He kept whispering “Cersei” against her lips, making her feel like she was burning up. She finally understood why so many women fell for the puppy dog type.
They ended up arriving late to their engagement party.
Cersei was blushing, practically wanting to kick Harvey out of the car. But the satisfied Harvey came over with teasing smiles, calling her name in that ambiguous way.
Mr. and Mrs. Blanchel greeted them with mock disapproval.
“Why so late? Everyone’s been waiting for a while.”
Cersei didn’t know how to answer, so Harvey smoothly took over, handling her parents‘ questions before they finally took the stage.
Though it was just an engagement, the event was grand.
The venue was packed with guests–Harvey had wanted to announce their relationship to the world.
But he never expected Louis would actually show up at the party too.
Louis sat frozen in place, even after the party ended and the guests left.
Cersei sighed and walked over to him.
Louis’s eyes instantly brightened, his expression hopeful.
“Cersei…”
He looked at her expectantly, desperately wishing she would smile, tell him this was all just a test or punishment. But Cersei’s face showed no emotion,
her tone calm.
“Go home, Louis.”
His eyes immediately dimmed. His voice was hoarse and shaky.
“Cersei, do you really… not love me at all anymore?”
Cersei nodded without hesitation.
“I told you that day. I don’t love you anymore, Louis. I love Harvey now.”
Without another word, she walked away and left Louis alone. His heart hollowed out, filled with nothing but emptiness.
Tears streamed down his face, full of pain and regret.
12.27
Best Friend’s Percet Lie The Affair Led Me To My Stepbrother’s Embrace
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Chapter 23
He had truly lost her–lost the Cersei who had loved him.
When Louis returned to New York, he felt like he’d lost everything.
Life continued around him. But for him, time had stopped on that day.
He skipped Rachel’s wedding, not wanting to see her. But he secretly attended Cersei and Harvey’s wedding.
She looked beautiful–far more beautiful than at their wedding. Her face wasn’t filled with worry anymore but with radiant joy.
Harvey’s eyes never left Cersei. When they finished their vows, he actually cried.
Louis smiled, but the smile faded as he suddenly remembered that Cersei had also cried on their wedding day. But he had thought she was being
dramatic.
Now, he understood–when you’re with the person you love, you really do cry tears of joy.
He saw himself back at their wedding–Cersei with her red–rimmed eyes after his half–hearted vows.
He should have reached out and wiped away her tears.
Louis stared longingly at the scene before him. He started to reach out, but Harvey had already gently brushed away Cersei’s tears.
“Cersei, except for today, I promise I’ll never make you cry again.”
Harvey smiled, making Cersei laugh through her tears.
Her smile was so beautiful, so radiant.
But nothing belonged to him anymore.
Louis pushed through the pain and left.
On stage, Cersei seemed to sense something, turning her gaze.
“What is it, Cersei?” Harvey asked.
He’d become quite possessive. Though they’d just gotten married, Cersei was his now. He wouldn’t let her look at anyone else.
Cersei chuckled softly, then kissed Harvey.
“Nothing. I was just thinking… life is really happy right now.”
Harvey pulled her close, breathing in the scent of her perfume.
“And I promise you, it will only get better from here.”
In the years that followed, Harvey proved those words true.
Despite Harvey having relinquished her family’s assets to be with Cersei, their life together blossomed in unexpected ways.
Harvey had always possessed a brilliant business mind. But with Cersei by his side, offering her shrewd insights and unwavering support flourished beyond anyone’s expectations.
Five years into their marriage, Blanchel Industries had become one of the most formidable corporations in the country.
entures
Their personal happiness reached new heights with the birth of their daughter, Iris–a beautiful child with her mother’s golden hair and her father’s piercing eyes.
Iris grew into a bright, spirited girl who brought immeasurable joy to their lives.
Cersei devoted herself to ensuring her daughter would have the loving childhood.
Phraco
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Chapter 23
No arranged marriages or emotional manipulation. Iris would be free to choose her own path and find her own happiness.
As the years passed, Cersei sometimes reflected on her journey–from her ill fated marriage to Louis, through heartbreak and betrayal, to finding true love with Harvey.
The pain had faded, replaced by a contentment she’d once thought impossible.”
Their life had settled into a comfortable rhythm.
Everything seemed perfect.
Harvey’s business continued to thrive, their marriage grew stronger with each passing year. And Iris blossomed into a intelligent girl who made them proud.
Until one afternoon when the perfect life Cersei had built came crashing down around her.
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