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Chapter 26/Ashes of Jealousy

Chapter 26: 26/Ashes of Jealousy

Chapter 26

Cedric’s Point of View

I opened the door, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I froze in my tracks, feeling the air stripped from my lungs all at once. Stephanie was standing there, wearing the red dress that looked as if it were crafted specifically to embrace her body.

She had skillfully pinned her hair up, highlighting the seductive beauty of her long neck, and wore a deep crimson lipstick that added an irresistible allure to her lips. I could only stare in awe, mesmerized by a beauty that completely captivated my mind.

Stephanie turned toward the maid and said in a calm tone, "Thank you, Nira, for helping with my hair. It looks beautiful. You may go now." The maid nodded and left, while I remained standing before her like a statue.

Noticing my intense gaze, she asked, "What? Does the dress not suit me?"

"You look stunning," I replied, my voice husky from pure fascination.

"Thank you," she said with a slight coldness. "But why did you open the door like that, as if you were raiding the place?"

I felt a sting of embarrassment and tried to justify my fluster. "I heard voices. I didn’t know the maid was with you and talking to you."

She raised her eyebrows defiantly. "Who did you expect to find? I wonder!"

"I didn’t expect anyone," I said, trying to regain my composure. "I was just curious to know."

She looked at my hand and asked, "Anyway... who are those roses for?"

I stepped toward her with confident strides and presented the bouquet. "They are for you."

She gave a soft smile. "Thank you, they are very beautiful."

Feeling satisfied, I said, "It seems you’re ready. Give me ten minutes to shower, and then we’ll go."

"Alright."

I headed toward my room, but the moment I opened the door, rage ignited in my veins once more.

I found Alex lying coolly on my bed, and worse, he was wearing one of my suits! I slammed the door shut and snapped, "What are you doing here?"

"I’m resting," he replied without moving.

"I told you to leave!"

"I told Grandpa that you asked me to leave, but he forbade me," he said indifferently. "He told me: ’Stay there, or I will come myself.’"

My eyes widened in shock. "Grandpa is coming here? Is he crazy?"

"Yes, that’s why I came back to the house."

"And why are you wearing my suit?" I asked, pointing at his clothes in anger.

He replied mockingly, "Do you want me to stay in dirty clothes? What’s wrong with you!"

I exhaled in frustration and warned him, "Fine, Alex. But don’t act stupid... keep your mouth shut!"

"Yes, I will."

I went into the bathroom, letting the hot water relax my strained muscles. When I came out, Alex was gone. I pulled out an elegant brown suit, dried my hair well, dressed, and carefully applied my favorite cologne using plenty of it to ensure I was at my absolute best.

I left the room and headed for Stephanie’s, but she wasn’t there; I guessed she had gone downstairs. Indeed, when I reached the bottom of the stairs, I found her standing with Alex in the foyer. As soon as she saw me, she said briefly, "Shall we go?"

"Let’s go."

Alex shot me a provocative look and asked, "Am I invited?"

"No," I replied with a cutting coldness.

"That’s very rude!" he muttered.

I ignored him completely, and Stephanie and I walked out toward our long-awaited night.

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Alexander’s Point of View

I sat on the sofa alone in the foyer after they left, feeling a tightness suffocating my chest. I started thinking about what to do, because I simply cannot stand Stephanie and Cedric being in the same place... I am burning with jealousy, a fire devouring my insides with every passing second they are together.

Damn it! That red dress... she looked like a bomb that blew my entire heart to pieces, leaving not a single part of me intact.

I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, only to be attacked by the memory of what happened in her room moments ago.

I remembered how I was looming over her on the bed, and how I had whispered defiantly: "I’m not moving."

In that moment, I couldn’t resist any longer. I leaned down and kissed her a deep kiss on her lips. I felt her react to me; her body was trembling beneath mine in a way that betrayed her desire.

Even though she was telling me to "move away," she still wants me, and her body was screaming that truth. I trailed my lips hungrily over her neck, inhaling the scent that drives me mad, while she panted, her agitated breath hitting my ear.

I placed my hand on her robe, beginning to slowly push it aside to reveal her body, but she suddenly gathered her strength and grabbed my hand. She said in a breathless but firm tone, "Enough, Alex! Get off me now!"

I fixed my gaze on her lost eyes and said, "I know you want me, Steph... why are you doing this?"

"If you don’t get off me right now, I will never speak to you again!" she snapped, trying to push my chest.

Faced with a threat I knew she might actually carry out, I surrendered bitterly and rose from the bed. She stood up quickly, pulling her robe tightly around her body as if trying to protect herself from my influence. She said in a commanding tone, "Now... get out of the room!"

I walked out burning; every inch of my body was demanding her. I wanted her so badly, I missed her to the point of madness.

And now... I see her going out with my brother on an official date. This is more than I can bear, something that makes me ready to burn the world just to bring her back to me.