Free Web NovelChapter 54: Chapter 54: Sowing Discord
Miles Kendrick was Felix Preston’s good friend. Although he had never met Sonia Quincy before, he was aware of the sensitive relationship between her and the two people before them.
He understood Sonia’s hint and immediately played along. "That’s right. My sister-in-law was definitely being passive-aggressive toward that woman from earlier. The lady was completely unreasonable, just spouting nonsense left and right. We were both at our wits’ end."
Sonia hummed pitifully, deciding to beat Cecilia at her own game.
"Cecilia, you’ve misunderstood me. I wasn’t alluding to you."
"..." Cecilia’s smile froze on her face. She was at a loss for words.
"Really?" Ethan Lockwood’s scrutinizing gaze landed on Sonia, his disbelief obvious.
"Of course, it’s true." Sonia mimicked Cecilia’s way of speaking, saying with a coy affectation, "Just like Cecilia said, it’s not like you two did anything to provoke me. Why would I make veiled jabs at you? I’m not a lunatic..."
"I know you two have always despised me, but you don’t have to treat me with such malice..."
"...Huh?" Cecilia was a bit dumbfounded.
’Aren’t those my lines? How did they end up coming out of Sonia’s mouth?’
Sonia shot her a reproachful glance and sighed softly. "Never mind. I know you have a problem with me, so I won’t get in your way. Counselor Kendrick, let’s go."
Miles Kendrick’s expression was a little wooden. "O-Okay..."
With that, he took Sonia’s arm and turned to leave.
"..." Cecilia watched them in silence, her expression complex.
’Sonia had stolen all her lines; for a moment, she was utterly speechless.’
She turned to look at Ethan’s expression, only to see him staring intently at Sonia, his expression grave. The anger in his eyes had vanished.
Ever since Sonia had a change of heart and started to build a life with Felix, Ethan’s attitude toward her had grown strange.
Cecilia, who was already insecure, instantly panicked when she saw the look in Ethan’s eyes.
She quickly composed herself and said in a gentle voice, "Sonia, that’s not what we meant. Please don’t misunderstand."
"Hmm?" Sonia stopped and slowly turned her head. "What did you say?"
Cecilia’s lips curled into a somewhat stiff smile. "I’m sorry, I misunderstood you just now. I didn’t realize you’d been arguing with that woman. How are you? Was the baby... affected?"
Sonia gave a fragile smile. "My baby is fine. Thank you for asking."
Cecilia shook her head. "It’s only right. By the way, why were you arguing with that woman?"
Sonia had no intention of telling her, so she brushed it off. "It was nothing. Just a small disagreement."
"Oh..." Cecilia tightened her grip on Ethan’s arm, giving him another discreet glance before skillfully changing the subject. "Sonia, we’ve all heard about Mr. Preston’s current situation. It must be very difficult for you, being pregnant and all. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask me."
"Even though we’ve had our share of disagreements in the past, that’s all over now. As long as you’re okay with it, I’ll do whatever I can to help."
’Whenever Ethan was around, Cecilia always liked to put on an act of being forgiving and magnanimous. As the male and female leads of the original novel, the two of them should be getting engaged right about now.’
’But from what Sonia knew, neither Ethan nor Cecilia was completely honest with the other.’
’Ethan hid many of his shady dealings from Cecilia, and she did the same.’
’Sonia sized up the two phonies before her, and a wicked idea suddenly popped into her head.’
She lowered her gaze, feigning reluctance. "Well, since you’re offering, Cecilia... I suppose I’ll be shameless and take you up on it?"
Upon hearing this, a flicker of arrogance crossed Cecilia’s eyes. "Go on, Sonia. As long as it’s within my power, I will certainly do my best."
But Sonia turned her gaze to Ethan. Caught off guard, he met her eyes, and a bad feeling suddenly washed over him.
Sonia said, "Ethan, you mentioned a while back that you’d found the best obstetrician in Aethelburg for me. You said that if I was willing, you could arrange for that doctor to look after me until I give birth. Does that offer still stand?"
"..." Ethan’s expression faltered. His throat felt as if it were glued shut, and he couldn’t get a single word out.
"What?" Cecilia snapped her head toward him, her eyes wide with disbelief.
This was exactly the reaction Sonia had hoped for. Paying no mind to their predicament, she continued, "I was being proud back then, so I turned you down. Now that I think about it, I really regret that."
"I looked it up online, and the doctor you found for me really is one of the best in Aethelburg. I’ve been thinking it over for a few days, and I’ve decided to take your advice. Felix is a bit limited in what he can do, and the doctor he found for me really can’t compare to this Dr. Abbott."
"..."
Ethan’s face darkened, a mixture of embarrassment and vexation.
Cecilia’s hands clenched into fists, her smile looking more painful than tears.
Sonia, unafraid of the consequences, continued to add fuel to the fire. "So, Ethan, when can I go for a check-up with Dr. Abbott? You said you’d help cover the costs, so I guess I don’t need to set aside any money, right?"
"..."
The pair across from her were struck dumb.
Sonia patted her belly and smiled in satisfaction. "Since you’re not saying anything, I’ll take that as a yes. Thank you for being so willing to help me. I never would have thought... after how ugly things got between us, that you’d still care about me, and my child. You’re truly the best man in the world!"
"..." Ethan’s face was black as thunder.
Cecilia could no longer force a smile; tears were already welling in her eyes.
Sonia, having successfully stirred the pot, made a quick exit. She tossed out a hasty "Goodbye!" and pulled Miles Kendrick away with her.
"Come on, let’s go! They’re going to start fighting any second..."
She clutched her belly and ran with surprising speed, disappearing from the building’s entrance in the blink of an eye.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
The moment the elevator doors closed, she burst into wild laughter. She laughed so hard that Miles Kendrick started to look a little frightened.
"S-Sister-in-law, what are you laughing at?"
Sonia felt utterly refreshed. She closed her eyes and smiled. "I’m laughing at those two lunatics! They’re like a couple of psychos, always popping up in front of me for no reason just to remind me they exist. If I didn’t mess with them a little, would they think I earned my reputation as the ’vicious villainess’ for nothing?"
"Vicious... Vicious villainess?" Miles Kendrick had no idea what she was talking about.
She didn’t elaborate, simply waving a hand dismissively as she stepped out of the elevator.
"It smells so good! Mom, what delicious thing are you making now!"
Mrs. Preston heard her voice and opened the door, beckoning to Sonia with spatula in hand. "I made some braised beef in soy sauce! Sonia, come and have a taste, tell me if the seasoning is right."
Sonia: "Coming!"
"Cecilia, let me explain."
Downstairs, Ethan had finally come up with an excuse to give Cecilia.
Cecilia lowered her head, dabbing pitifully at her tears. "Ethan... didn’t you say you weren’t in touch with Sonia anymore? Then why would you be helping her find an obstetrician?"
