His Secret Wife Was My Best Friend Chapter 19

His Secret Wife Was My Best Friend Chapter 19 Roses Without A Question

Little by little, Cecily and Benedict’s days began to fall into the same rhythm.

He waited outside her house each morning, and they had breakfast before driving to work together. In the evenings, he took her home before attending to his own errands.

When Colette brought him documents to sign, she tactfully mentioned the office rumors about him and Cecily.

He only smiled and gave a noncommittal answer.

“We met at university, and we’ve been friends for a long time. It’s hardly surprising we’re close.”

He had known Cecily long before Gareth had. If her mother hadn’t insisted that she return home after graduation, she might have been engaged to someone else entirely.

Colette understood at once and gave him a playful wink.

“She likes peach sparkling water and deep pink roses, boss. Good luck.”

Benedict nodded approvingly.

“Excellent. You’re getting a 20% raise next month.”

Thursday brought a rare break in the rain.

Cecily lost track of time over her designs. When Benedict messaged her, she realized the workday was over. They had made plans to attend the concert that evening.

She went to the window and saw his Bentley waiting below.

Spotting her peeking through the curtains, Benedict waved warmly.

She quickly held up her hands to ask for 10 minutes. He nodded, showing no

impatience.

…

Soon afterward, she hurried down with her bag.

“I’m sorry. Have you been waiting long?”

He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Not at all. I got here early.”

They had something to eat, then went to the concert hall.

Between pieces, Benedict glanced at her peaceful profile and realized her thoughts seemed to be somewhere else.

Disappointment flickered in him. Then he understood that the failed relationship might have left her with far more than a broken heart.

After the concert, they walked beside the river.

“I thought I was doing so well,” Cecily said with a rueful smile. “After everything that happened, I’d managed to get back on my feet in another country. But tonight I realized how much of it is still with me.

“Ever since I came here, I’ve kept myself busy so I wouldn’t have to think. The moment I stop, I start wondering whether Gareth will come after me again. What am I supposed to do if he won’t give up?”

She sighed, frustrated.

“I don’t know when I’ll feel like myself again.”

Benedict stopped and looked at her, his expression troubled and tender.

“You’ve been incredibly strong. You didn’t do anything wrong, Cecily. You shouldn’t have to carry all of this.”

He gently patted her soft hair. When he spoke, his voice was quiet but certain.

“Trust me. Things will get better.”

…

His next words seemed meant as much for himself as for her.

“Soon enough, Gareth will have plenty to keep him busy. He won’t have time to come looking for you.”

Cecily glanced up, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Benedict chuckled.

“You don’t need to worry about it. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

“Okay.” She nodded.

The breeze off the Larkwater eased some of the heaviness in her heart.

After driving her home, Benedict took a bouquet of deep pink roses from the trunk and put it in her arms.

“I remember how much you like roses. At university, someone brought you a bouquet and asked you out. You turned him down without a second’s hesitation, but you couldn’t stop looking at the flowers.”

Her cheeks warmed at the memory.

“How do you still remember that?”

He smiled. “Put them around the house. All this gray weather can get depressing.”

He said nothing about the feelings he’d never confessed, or the love he’d kept quiet for years. That made it easier for Cecily to accept the flowers without unease.

“Thank you, Benedict. Good night.”

He watched her go inside with a lighter step before getting back into his car.

On his phone was a recent message from the Fenton family’s longtime household manager. Benedict’s expression sharpened as he read it.

“Sir, the material is ready. When should we release it?”

He typed a brief reply.

“The weekend. Everyone will have time to read it.”