His Plump Mate (Book 1: The 'His' Series) novel Chapter 178

**TITLE: After His Bite, I Learned to Heal 178**
**CONTENT: Chapter 177 Unexpected Rivals**

**Cecilia’s POV**

The second chime of the doorbell echoed in my ears, a sound that seemed to resonate deep within me as I watched my mother glide across the room. “That must be Peggy,” she muttered, her tone casual, but I could sense an undercurrent of excitement.

Peggy?

A knot of unease twisted in my stomach, performing a small, suspicious somersault.

Peggy Foster—my mother’s longtime coworker and our neighbor. A genuinely sweet woman, always ready with a warm smile and an extra plate of cookies.

As the door swung open, Peggy stepped inside, her familiar warmth filling the space. But it wasn’t her presence that made my heart race; it was the tall figure who followed closely behind her.

Simon Foster.

He stood there, tall and lean, impeccably dressed in a crisp white button-down shirt, the sleeves casually rolled up to reveal tanned forearms. His wire-rimmed glasses framed intelligent eyes that sparkled with a mix of kindness and intensity.

He appeared as if he had stepped straight out of an indie film, embodying the brooding academic archetype—more mature than I remembered, radiating a quiet confidence that effortlessly commanded attention.

The moment he entered the room, those piercing eyes found mine, and a familiar smile broke across his face.

“Cecilia,” he greeted, his voice washing over me like a nostalgic melody, evoking memories I had long buried. “It’s been a while.”

Automatically, I stood, my face rearranging itself into a polite smile, though my heart raced. “Indeed, it has.”

Beside me, Harper leaned in, her breath a teasing whisper against my ear. “Wait… isn’t this your genius neighbor from middle school? The one who always topped the honor roll?”

I gritted my teeth, feeling a flush creep up my cheeks. “Your memory is inconveniently perfect.”

“I told you back then,” Harper whispered gleefully, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Those quiet, intellectual neighbor types are the most dangerous when they grow up.”

Before I could muster a retort, a smooth voice sliced through the air like a silver blade, drawing all attention.

“Quite the lively gathering tonight.”

**Chapter 177 Unexpected Rivals**

Sebastian’s voice was soft, almost gentle—but it carried a chill that could freeze blood.

My boss remained seated at the dining table, lazily swirling the contents of his wine glass, yet his eyes were fixed on the unfolding scene with a predatory intensity that made my skin crawl.

I turned to face him, my heart racing. “Sebastian…”

His smile was all teeth and devoid of warmth, a predator among the prey. “You’re full of surprises tonight, aren’t you? Should I be expecting anyone else to show up? Perhaps an ex from college? A secret fiancé?”

The sarcasm dripped from his words, thick enough to drown in.

I opened my mouth to respond, but whatever I intended to say vanished into the ether, lost between my racing thoughts and my startled breath.

Then, as if flipping a switch, he straightened.

The icy smile melted away, replaced by the polished composure of a man who could charm CEOs and senators alike.

In one fluid motion, Sebastian stood.

The transition was so seamless, it was as if that bitter comment had never been uttered.

“Mr. Moore,” he said politely, “thank you for your hospitality. Please do let me know when that orchid blooms.”

“Y-yes, of course,” Dad stammered, an awkward laugh escaping him, but it did nothing to alleviate the tension hanging in the air.

Sebastian crossed the living room, nodding politely to Mom and Peggy as he passed, his gaze slicing right past Simon as if he were invisible.

Harper watched him approach with wide eyes, her mouth slightly agape, as if she had just stumbled upon a live episode of a drama series.

I couldn’t handle this right now. Not with everything swirling around me.

Turning to my father, I said, “Dad, Harper and I need to step out for a bit.”

“Go, sweetheart,” Dad urged quickly, half-rising from his chair, as if eager to get me out of the potential crossfire.

I turned back to Sebastian, forcing my voice to remain steady, though my heart raced. “Mr. Black, please enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Sebastian didn’t respond verbally; instead, he took another deliberate sip of his wine, the slow motion almost mocking, before following us toward the door.

Simon stood awkwardly in the entryway, clutching a box of desserts.

She wasn’t certain this was the right match for Cecilia.

“She’ll make her own decision,” she finally replied softly, her tone resolute.

**Cecilia’s POV**

The door clicked shut behind me, and I kept moving forward, gripping Harper’s wrist tightly, my pace quickening with each step.

“Walk faster,” I whispered urgently. “Don’t look back.”

Harper stumbled alongside me, muttering, “This isn’t walking—it’s fleeing for your life.”

We descended the side stairs, cutting through the garden path, and finally reached the garage.

Harper pressed her key fob, and the car lights flashed twice, a beacon of safety.

“Seriously, what did you do to attract all this?” she asked, pulling open the passenger door. “Your childhood crush shows up, and your boss goes full territorial Alpha on us. What’s the secret? Do you emit some kind of drama pheromone?”

“Harper.” My voice was a warning growl, laced with irritation.

“Fine, fine, I’ll shut up,” she said, raising both hands in surrender, though I could hear the playful tone beneath her words.

Just as I was about to get into the car, I heard footsteps approaching from behind.

Not fast, not heavy, but each step seemed to land directly in my heart, sending a jolt of panic through me.

Harper slid into the passenger seat with impressive speed, gently pulling the door closed behind her as if avoiding crossfire.

I was about to call after her when a hand reached from behind, once again securing itself around my waist, pulling me back against a solid frame.

My heart skipped a beat.

Here it came.

**Chapter 177 Unexpected Rivals**

Sebastian was about to speak.