Chapter 135: Chapter 135: For the Croft Group, She Will Endure

Cecilia Croft bit her lip, wrapping her arms tightly around Ruby Croft’s waist and burying her head in her sister’s embrace.

"It’s just so humiliating."

’Even if I like him, it’s still painful.’ She knew it with perfect clarity: she hadn’t been worthy of him ten years ago, and she was even less worthy now.

Besides, she was the one who had raised hell to break off the engagement back then.

"Life is unpredictable. The choices you make at seventeen are bound to be different from the ones you make at twenty-seven. If you still like him, then..." Ruby Croft’s voice was soft, her tone gentle.

Cecilia quickly cut her off, murmuring.

"Sister, he’s just hung up on what happened between us. Once that feeling fades, everything will vanish into thin air."

She took a deep, shaky breath, her voice utterly dejected.

"Maybe it’s because of that failed relationship, but I feel like I’ve lost the ability to love. I can’t be as brave as I used to be, rushing headfirst into things based on the slightest crush."

All the while, Ruby’s hand gently stroked her back, soothing her agitated emotions.

"Cecilia, I know leaving Karthus with Mom meant you were bound to be influenced by her. But Mom’s words aren’t gospel. She went through a failed marriage, and that made her believe all women who marry up are doomed to a bad end."

"How much of your relationship with Jude Sheridan was influenced by Mom and Grandma? And what was the result?"

Cecilia fell silent, merely burying her head in Ruby’s embrace and weeping quietly.

"What matters in a marriage isn’t whether you marry up or down, but the character of the person you choose."

"I want you to always remember that when he betrayed or abandoned you, it wasn’t because you weren’t good enough. It was a problem with his character. He lacked a sense of responsibility and a conscience. That isn’t your fault."

Ruby’s voice was gentle, her gaze fixed on the younger sister sobbing quietly in her arms, her eyes filled with a warmth as boundless as a flowing spring creek.

But her tone quickly shifted, and her voice grew serious as she said gravely.

"I used to hope you could stay innocent and romantic forever. After all, even if you got lost, I was always there to help you find your way home."

"But now, I want you to assume the worst of everyone around you. Think of it as being prepared for a crisis. At the very least, you’ll be able to handle things when the unexpected happens."

’She didn’t know if her own body would hold out long enough for her to continue being Cecilia’s rock.’

’After all, even when cancer is in remission, there’s always a risk of relapse a few years down the line.’

’She and Sebastian Hawthorne were old classmates, and both had been raised as heirs. They could probably guess at each other’s intentions, but a person’s heart is fickle.’

’Who knew what things would be like in a few years?’

That was why she hoped Cecilia could always keep a clear head—to survive in love without being completely consumed by it.

She needed to be able to stay on her guard, even with the person she had adored in her youth.

"Cecilia, you’re an amazing person."

"But nothing in this world stays the same forever. I want you to keep that ability to pick things up and to let them go. Since you can’t bring yourself to love bravely, then just quietly enjoy being loved for a while."

’Losing the ability to love also meant revoking others’ power to hurt her, which wasn’t a bad thing.’

’Men raised by the Great Families are masters of the game of fame and fortune. Who knew how long Sebastian Hawthorne’s special attention would last? So it was better to make the most of this novelty while she had it.’

’Love was ephemeral. The only things that truly belonged to you were the tangible power and wealth you held in your own hands.’

Cecilia wiped the tears from her eyes and gave a muffled nod from within Ruby’s embrace.

She said, "Sister, how can any life be without regrets and flaws? I accept it."

「The next morning.」

When Cecilia came downstairs, Ruby was already at the table having breakfast.

Seeing that Ruby was already dressed for work in a suit, she paused in surprise and said softly.

"Sis, are you heading to the office?"

Ruby nodded.

"Yes, I need to stop by the office."

Cecilia: "But today is..."

Today was the day of Ash Quillan’s engagement party.

Ruby raised her arm to glance at her watch. Her eyes showed no trace of sadness or sorrow, only her usual calm composure.

"Yes. I’ll head straight to the Quillan residence after I finish up at the office."

Ruby lowered her arm and looked up. "Are you arriving with Sebastian Hawthorne? Or..."

Cecilia pursed her lips and said softly, "Sebastian Hawthorne said he’s coming to pick me up."

Ruby smiled faintly, took a business card from her purse, and placed it on the table. "You should get styled before going to the Quillan residence. You’ll probably be getting a lot of attention today."

Cecilia walked over and picked up the card. It belonged to Walter Abrams, a famous stylist in their circle who had created some iconic, gala-worthy looks for many celebrities.

He was also a good friend of Ruby’s.

More importantly, after becoming famous, he had boldly come out on social media.

He had a man’s eye for aesthetics but also a deep understanding of what women wanted, which made him far more brilliant than the average makeup artist.

"I’ve already made an appointment with Walter Abrams for you. You just need to go."

Cecilia nodded and put the card away. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Ruby gave her a faint smile, picked up her briefcase, and stood to leave.

Cecilia’s eyes followed her sister’s retreating figure, and she found herself unconsciously walking after her, out into the yard.

When Ruby turned, she saw Cecilia trailing unhurriedly behind her.

"Shouldn’t you be inside finishing your breakfast? Why are you following me?"

Cecilia stopped, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out.

’She was worried her sister was heartbroken.’

’But she didn’t know how to comfort her.’

Ruby seemed to glean something from her sister’s expression and gave a resigned smile. "I’m fine, really. I’m not sad at all, so don’t worry."

Cecilia felt her nose begin to sting.

Ruby added softly, "Once you get to the Quillan residence, stick close to Sebastian Hawthorne. He’s an expert at navigating these social events. You won’t have to do a thing, and the Croft family’s problems will be resolved."

"You can learn a lot from him."

Her mood still heavy, Cecilia nodded meekly.

Only then did Ruby pull her gaze away and leave.

Her pace was quick, and she walked with her usual brisk, confident stride, but for some reason, all Cecilia could see was a profound loneliness.

After finishing breakfast, Cecilia left for her styling appointment. As she got into the car, she decided to call Sebastian Hawthorne.

"Mr. Hawthorne, I’m heading out now. How about we meet at the entrance of the Quillan residence at eleven?"

He responded immediately. "Come on out. I’m already at the Croft Residence entrance."