Chapter 4 Lying Through Her Teeth

Heather set down her glass and sent a quick message to Cedric.

She then turned to face Alexia, her tone soft but firm. "I've reconsidered. I don't want to break up with Cedric. I care about him, and it's not unusual for couples to have disagreements."

Her expression was affectionate, a stark contrast to her demeanor during the revelation of Cedric's betrayal.

"What act are you putting on?" Alexia stepped closer, the white flower on her dress quivering with each step. She grabbed Heather's chin, scrutinizing her. "I've known Cedric since childhood. Whenever I tempted him, he couldn't resist. He's with you because you resemble me."

Heather gently removed Alexia's hand. "Miss Harris, he was just using you for free sex. He didn't respect you at all. And seriously, jumping into sex with him in the bathroom? That's just not cool. And I find it quite cheap."

Alexia clenched her teeth in anger. "You're as naive as I once was. How can you even think of becoming part of his family? Sharon will find countless ways to hinder you."

Heather offered a confident smile. "Cedric will protect me."

"Let's wait and see," Alexia retorted before storming off.

Once alone, Heather smoothed her hair back and tidied the debris scattered on the table.

Just then, the lounge door swung open.

"Cedric, do these teacups need washing?" she called out, expecting to find him.

Instead, she met Jeremy's cold, dark gaze, causing a chill to run through her.

Heather quickly grabbed a freshly poured glass of water and offered it to him with forced calmness. "Mr. Buckley, would you like some water?"

Jeremy closed the door with a sharp kick of his heel and accepted the glass, his other hand still in his pocket. "Don't call me like that."

Trying to maintain her composure, Heather responded, "Okay, you still refuse to recognize my relationship with Cedric. But that's fine. We'll be married soon enough."

"Be married? You wish!" Jeremy scoffed dismissively. After he took a large gulp of water, he carelessly set the glass on the table and cornered Heather against the cabinet. Towering over her, he challenged, "Weren't you bothered when Cedric flaunted his affair right in front of you? How can you find yourself such a boyfriend after you dumped me?"

Dumped him? Heather was puzzled by his accusation but chose not to delve deeper, feigning ignorance of their past.

"That's something between Cedric and me. Besides-" She lifted her gaze, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of defiance and vulnerability. "Love can be blinding. I genuinely care for Cedric, purely and simply."

At her words, Jeremy's expression grew darker. He grasped her waist and leaned in, his voice rough with emotion. "It's been two years, and you're still lying through your teeth. Do you need me to correct your behavior?"

He attempted to kiss her, a maneuver she was all too accustomed to. Evading his lips, she turned away. "Mr. Buckley, you've mistaken me for someone else. I meant every word I said."

Maintaining a composed exterior despite her inner turmoil, Heather looked on blankly.

Jeremy's eyes narrowed, and just as he reached to turn her face toward him, the door swung open once more. Tears sprang to Heather's eyes as she caught sight of Cedric entering. "Cedric," she whispered helplessly.

Cedric moved quickly, shoving Jeremy aside and pulling Heather to his side. His voice was tinged with fury. "Uncle Jeremy, have you lost your mind? Are you trying to hurt her just to stop our marriage?"

Taking a step back and straightening his suit jacket, Jeremy shot a menacing look over Cedric's shoulder at Heather and replied in a threatening tone, "I don't strike women, but I'd break your legs if you go through with this marriage. Go ahead, try marrying her."