Abandoned Luna Now Untouchable (Cecilia) novel Chapter 226

Chapter 226: Chapter 226 Misunderstandings and Revelations

Cecilia’s pov

The tension in the car was suffocating, thick enough to cut through.

I kept my gaze fixed on the window, watching the jagged skyline blur past, pretending I couldn’t feel Sebastian sitting inches away, silent and unreadable.

By the time we pulled up to the house, I practically jumped out, desperate for air.

Four of us filed into the sprawling house, each wrapped in our own silence.

"I need to go over a few things before the meeting," Sebastian said once we stepped inside. His voice was cool, careful. "I won’t be long."

I nodded, keeping my eyes on the floor. "I should get changed. Sawyer’s going with me to the reception."

That was it--no questions, no hesitation. Just two people passing each other like strangers in the hallway of a house that wasn’t home.

We moved in opposite directions, our usual choreography of avoidance.

When his door finally clicked shut behind him, I felt a sharp wave of relief... followed immediately by something that felt annoyingly close to disappointment.

Back in my room, I tore through my suitcase with more frustration than urgency, as if fabric and zippers could absorb everything I didn’t have the words for.

Eventually, I settled on a black dress--sleek, subtle, and just structured enough to feel like armor.

The neckline was modest, the back dipped low--elegant, with a subtle edge.

I didn’t rush. I lined my eyes with practiced precision, chose a fragrance that lingered without announcing itself, and added just enough color to my lips.My hair fell in soft waves around my shoulders, effortless by design.

The woman in the mirror looked calm. Controlled.

The kind of woman who could watch someone walk away and not flinch--at least, not on the outside.

After one last glance, I stepped into the hallway and made my way to Sawyer’s room.

I knocked lightly.

"Sawyer, you ready?" I called.

"Just a minute," came his voice, muffled through the door.

I smirked, leaning against the wall. "Seriously? I thought I was the high-maintenance one. We’ve got time before the reception--what do you think about hitting a few shops? Harper wants me to pick up a bag she saw last week, and I still need something for my mom."

Silence.

I took his lack of objection as agreement and turned--only to find Sebastian standing at his door, watching me.

My smile faltered.

He hadn’t changed clothes. Not even a loosened tie. He looked exactly as he had in the car.

Was he really going to meet his mystery ’friend’ like that? No shower, no effort?

"Heading out to meet your friend, Alpha?" I asked, slipping my polished smile back into place like armor.

Sebastian’s eyes flicked over me--my dress, my lips.

Something shifted in his expression.

"Yes," he said quietly. "You and Sawyer should enjoy yourselves. Shopping, the reception... have fun."

"You too," I replied automatically. "Have a great time."

His jaw clenched.

"A great time?" he said, voice low. "You think I’m with someone else--and you’re fine with that?"

My smile slipped.

The words between us pressed hard against the silence we’d spent so long perfecting.

Anger surged through me, hot and fast.

"You tell me to have fun, I say the same...so what’s the problem?" My voice spiked, sharper than I meant. "Who you see, what you do...do I get a say? Can I stop you?"

My hands trembled.

"I’ve tried to make this work. I’ve been patient. Accommodating. And now I’m the one with the attitude?" I swallowed. "And now I’m the one with the attitude?"

What the hell right does he have to be upset?

Sebastian stared at me, his eyes catching my fury like dark water catching light--too still, too deep.

Then something shifted.

I blinked, startled, and turned slightly as he stepped into the hallway. He looked uneasy--shoulders tense, mouth pressed into a thin line.

He’d heard us.

I didn’t bother pretending otherwise. I just kept walking.

He kept pace beside me, glancing over like he wasn’t sure if he should speak. We reached the landing before he gave in.

"Actually... about the Alpha..."

"Hm?" I said, not really listening.

He faltered at my tone. "Nothing," he said quickly. "If you don’t really care about him, you shouldn’t force yourself."

Don’t care?

That thought stuck like a splinter under my skin. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

The question echoed a little too loudly in my head--and I missed a step.

"Whoa--careful." Sawyer caught my arm, steadying me.

I muttered a quick thanks, but didn’t meet his eyes

By the time we reached the bottom of the stairs, I forced myself to breathe.

Outside, Tang was lounging in the courtyard, one leg casually propped over the other, a slice of pizza in hand.

He waved when he saw us. "You guys heading out?"

Sawyer raised an eyebrow. "You’re coming too?"

Tang grinned, taking another bite. "Wherever Cecilia goes, I go."

Sawyer gave him a look. "Right. Sure. Fine. Let’s go."

The three of us got into the car. Sawyer rattled off the party address and passed it to Tang, who slid into the driver’s seat like he owned it.

The engine rumbled to life, and the house disappeared behind us.