His Plump Mate (Book 1: The 'His' Series) novel Chapter 183

**Chapter 182: Amara’s Return**

**Cecilia’s POV**

As I stood in the elevator, the familiar hum of machinery surrounded me, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind. With determination, I pressed both the 13th floor and penthouse buttons, my heart pounding with each beep.

Sebastian, standing beside me, raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “You’re not inviting me to your place?” he teased, his voice smooth and teasing.

+25 Points

I turned to him, mustering the sweetest smile I could conjure, though it felt somewhat strained. “Not tonight. You have a video conference. Focus on your work,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

His expression shifted slightly, a frown creasing his forehead. “If I’m working, shouldn’t my secretary be working overtime too? Come to my study tonight,” he insisted, his voice laced with a hint of mischief.

I simply stared at him, caught off guard by his persistence.

When the elevator doors slid open on the 13th floor, I stepped out, positioning myself in the doorway to block his path. “I’ll come up later. You go ahead first,” I said, my voice firm yet soft.

Sebastian remained in the elevator, an amused smirk still on his face. “I don’t think my secretary will dare show up,” he quipped, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

My smile faltered, feeling more like a mask than a genuine expression.

As soon as the elevator doors closed behind him, I rushed into my apartment, my heart racing. Go to the penthouse? He might thrive on little sleep, but I was in desperate need of rest.

Collapsing onto my couch, I groaned, cradling my aching lower back. This discomfort was becoming all too familiar…

I hastily prepared a simple meal, barely tasting it as I ate, and then retreated to the bath for a much-needed soak. The warm water enveloped me, a temporary escape from the chaos of my thoughts.

Halfway through my relaxing soak, my phone pinged, jolting me from my moment of tranquility.

Curious, I opened the notification and saw a friend request: “This is Amara.”

I shot upright in the tub, water splashing around me. Amara…!

The name sent a shiver down my spine. She was the infamous ex who had a tumultuous relationship with Sebastian, one filled with drama and unresolved feelings. Whispers suggested that our trip to Singapore had something to do with her, but I had never confirmed those rumors.

+25 Points

While Sebastian had been cold and distant towards her, it was evident that her obsession with him was very real—I had witnessed it myself.

I had almost managed to forget about her since our last encounter. Why was she suddenly reaching out to me now?

A sense of foreboding washed over me. Nevertheless, I accepted the friend request, my heart pounding in my chest.

Moments later, a message from Amara appeared: “Hello, Ms. Moore.”

I typed back, my fingers trembling slightly: “Hello, Ms. Amara.”

Amara responded: “I’m returning to the States next Wednesday.”

My heart sank, the air feeling thick in my lungs.

I paused, my mind racing, as if I had just been knocked breathless. After what felt like an eternity, I replied with two simple words that held so much weight: “Welcome back.”

Her intentions were crystal clear—she had specifically added me, only to announce her return date.

Vaguely, I recalled Sebastian’s sister’s warning from that morning about overhearing their mother speaking to “you know who” on the phone. Could that “you know who” be… Amara?

Lost in my thoughts, my phone slipped from my grasp, plunging into the water, instantly submerged beneath the colorful flower petals and bubbles.

Panicking, I quickly fished it out, but the screen had already gone dark. Dead on arrival.

I blinked, feeling a numbness settle over me.

**The Next Morning**

After a hasty breakfast, I resolved to deal with the aftermath of last night’s phone disaster.

New phone: check.

Next on my agenda was a visit to my parents’ house. I had left my car there the night before and figured a little visit would provide some emotional comfort. A reset wouldn’t hurt.

As I settled into the taxi, I powered on my new phone, and Sebastian’s name lit up the screen.

“Hello,” I answered, striving to keep my tone neutral.

“You weren’t home. And your phone was off?” His voice was cool and probing, the kind of calm that felt anything but.

+25 Points

I leaned back against the seat, watching the cityscape blur past the window. “Took a bath. Dropped my phone in the water. It died instantly,” I explained, trying to sound nonchalant.

There was a pause on the other end. “How careless of you.”

I rolled my eyes, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “It wasn’t planned. Accidents happen.”

“Are you coming back home after that?” he inquired, his tone shifting slightly.

“I’m stopping by my parents’ to get my car, then heading straight to the office,” I replied, hoping to end the conversation.

When he fell silent, I added, softer than I intended, “See you at work. Bye.”

The words lingered in the air longer than they should have, like an echo of something that was still warm and familiar.

Mmm.

I took the bowl of washed tomatoes and settled at the table, biting into one. The sourness burst in my mouth.

Mom walked to the balcony, glancing at my father, who was admiring the flower as if it were a rare treasure. Unable to resist, she snapped, “That’s right, look all you want! Better enjoy it while it’s still here.”

I left my parents’ house still tasting the tang of tomatoes on my tongue.

After devouring a whole bowl of them at breakfast, I felt so full I could have rolled down the driveway.

My car was parked on the curb out front—I hadn’t bothered moving it into the garage the night before.

As I stepped out into the bright morning sun, keys in hand, I heard someone call my name.

“Cecilia!”

I turned toward the voice, spotting Simon Foster backing out of his driveway next door, his car window rolled halfway down.

Of course. Because awkward timing seemed to be the theme of the week.

“Mr. Foster,” I greeted with a polite nod, pausing on the sidewalk.

His brow quirked, a playful glint in his eyes. “Mr. Foster? Come on, you used to call me Simon.”

I offered a thin smile, the past weighing heavily on my heart. “That was a long time ago.”

He chuckled softly, then glanced toward the road, as if searching for something to say.

“Off to work?” he asked, his tone casual yet probing.

“Yep. You too?” I replied, trying to keep the conversation light.

“The usual Monday madness,” he said, leaning an elbow on the windowsill, studying me with an intensity that made my heart race.

“You know…” he began, his voice a touch too casual, “if you’re ever free, we could grab coffee sometime. Catch up.”

I opened my car door, pretending not to hear the underlying invitation.

“Have a good day, Simon,” I said, trying to deflect.

“You too, Cecilia,” he replied, and for a fleeting moment, disappointment flickered in his eyes.

I slid into the driver’s seat, shutting the door with a soft thud. Exhaling deeply, I felt the weight of the world settle back onto my shoulders.

Neighbors. Always full of timing.