Cecilia's pov
I froze in the doorway, my brain malfunctioning for a full two seconds.
My tongue felt like it had been split in two, and I couldn't move, couldn't speak.
Simon Foster was standing there, clear as day, wearing my dad's "Kiss the Chef" apron like he was auditioning for the role of 'Charming Ex' in a Hallmark movie.
He looked up, startled at first, then tried for a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
I could feel Sebastian's aura shift beside me, like the air had crystallized.
"Come on in," Simon said, stepping back and gesturing for everyone to enter.
His voice was warm, maybe a little too warm, like he was trying too hard to sound casual.
I avoided Sebastian's gaze like it might burst into flames on contact, ushering everyone inside with a smile that felt stapled
