The Soft-Hearted Wife of Mr. Big Shot-Chapter 247: Long Time No See
"Audrey, let’s go."
During the conversation, Theo Shaw’s gentle voice resonated, as he walked towards Audrey Bennett, with a coat draped over his arm.
As he approached Audrey, he placed the coat on her shoulders, his movements meticulous and tender.
Cecilia Bennett paused at the sound, her face slightly stiffened, and she abruptly turned her head to the side.
She couldn’t be more familiar with that voice.
Upon hearing it, and noticing Cecilia’s reaction, Holly Sawyer understood, raising her eyes to look at Theo Shaw.
She knew him, she knew he was the only person Cecilia Bennett had liked during her student days, and probably still liked now.
She didn’t like meddling in others’ relationship issues, mainly because of Cecilia. She felt useless for not being able to help even her best friend with her love problems.
There’s a saying that’s true, not all mutual affections last forever.
"Sunny, you’re eating here too?"
"Noah, Young Master Grant."
Theo Shaw quickly noticed Nathaniel Shaw, greeting him familiarly, and then extended greetings to Noah Raines and Leo Grant.
He was acquainted with the people around his cousin Nathaniel.
Nathaniel Shaw: "Brother."
Noah Raines: "Theo."
Leo Grant just nodded in response.
"Is this Young Master Grant’s girlfriend? I’ve heard about her."
Theo Shaw’s gaze fell upon Holly Sawyer, and he spoke slowly.
Leo Grant responded with a "Mm."
Theo Shaw greeted Holly Sawyer: "Hello, Mrs. Grant."
Holly Sawyer nodded in response.
Though Nathaniel Shaw and Leo Grant were very close, as if they had grown up together, Nathaniel and Theo were merely acquaintances.
Due to the angle, Noah Raines happened to block Cecilia Bennett, so Theo Shaw didn’t notice her presence.
"It’s quite a coincidence, spending New Year’s Eve away from home. Your parents have been missing you, so has Grandma."
Theo Shaw focused on Nathaniel Shaw as he spoke slowly.
The inheritance of the Shaw family shouldn’t have fallen on him, but since Nathaniel was unwilling, he took on the role.
"Dinner at home tomorrow evening."
Nathaniel Shaw said indifferently.
He had a good relationship with Theo, but when it came to his parents, Nathaniel would become distant.
He disliked them bringing up topics he didn’t enjoy, and his decision wouldn’t change no matter what.
"Theo, would you like to have a drink together?"
Noah Raines leaned back and spoke slowly.
That simple gesture inadvertently revealed Cecilia Bennett to Theo Shaw.
The moment Theo saw Cecilia, he froze, his gaze softening, filled with deep melancholy.
Long time no see, Cecilia had grown more stunningly beautiful, with a hint of Western allure, maturing significantly, shedding the innocence of a young girl.
Now unblocked, Cecilia felt completely exposed, utterly vulnerable in front of Theo.
"Long time no see."
Theo thought he stopped breathing as he softly mouthed a greeting to Cecilia.
He didn’t expect their reunion would be like this.
"Long time no see."
Cecilia tried to maintain steady breathing, unaware her voice trembled.
It had indeed been a long time.
He had matured, losing the shy boyishness, exuding a mature stability.
They both had changed, changed a lot.
Audrey’s gaze remained steady, yet she noticed Theo’s emotional turmoil.
"I’ll wait for you outside."
She glanced at Cecilia and said to Theo.
Even a fool could tell something was off.
"No need."
Theo grasped Audrey’s wrist, stopping her from leaving, his voice still gentle.
There was no need.
Since choosing to marry Audrey, he committed to spending his life with her.
Cecilia was his dearest love, perhaps the only girl who ever stirred his heart, then and now, but unfortunately, they had no reason to be together.
Audrey paused her steps, standing quietly by Theo’s side.
"When did you come back?"
Nathaniel asked, directing the question to Cecilia.
Cecilia replied, "It’s been a while."
Due to the subtle atmosphere between the two, the people around them stayed silent, leaving Cecilia and Theo to have a fragmented conversation.
"I hope you find your own happiness soon."
Theo said, his voice sincere.
"Mm."
"This is my wife, Audrey. We’ve been married for over a year, and are planning to have children soon."
Theo held Audrey’s hand as he spoke slowly.
Implying his commitment to a lifelong journey with Audrey, his entire life dedicated to her.
Having made the choice, regardless of right or wrong, he intended to stick to it.
Audrey nodded at Cecilia, to which Cecilia responded with a smile.
"This is Cecilia Bennett, the girl I liked when I was young."
Also the one I still like now.
The latter part Theo left unspoken, but he spoke candidly before Audrey.
Their marriage lacked a foundation of love, the two maintained mutual respect.
He fulfilled his duties as a husband, treating Audrey with care and attention, without fault, but devoid of love in his eyes.
Audrey played her part as a wife.
After a brief exchange, Theo and Audrey left.
"If you still like her, I’m okay with it."
Audrey pulled her coat tighter around her, speaking softly.
"No need."
Theo refused.
Sometimes, a missed chance is just that—a missed chance. Not every situation allows for a retake.
Theo knew that since the moment Cecilia left the country, any possibility between them had vanished.
Audrey looked at Theo, parted her lips, but ultimately said nothing.
Forget it, she didn’t understand, nor did she wish to.
"Whoa, this relationship is intense. How did you end up connected with Theo Shaw?"
"I can’t believe there’s such explosive news."
"A tale of love and hatred? Tell me, what’s going on?"
"I’m really curious about you two..."
As soon as Theo left, Noah Raines began chattering incessantly, filled with questions.
Exceptionally, incredibly curious.
He thought it was merely a simple acquaintance, unaware there was a whole story behind.
Cecilia remained silent, picking up a bottle and drinking deeply.
"Shut up."
Holly Sawyer shot a cold glance at Noah Raines, her eyes icy.
Chattering away, couldn’t he see others’ distress?
Noah, sensing he should keep quiet, looked toward Cecilia, noticing her unease.
