CHAPTER 2 - PERFECT LIFE, OR NOT

CECILIA'S POV

How Vivi convinced me to get into the car instead of confronting Freddie and his bimbo was beyond me. By some miracle, she even helped me handle my emotions without resorting to a physical confrontation.

"Why, V. Why!" I was furious and wanted to lash out and make someone pay for what I was feeling right now. But my best friend kept urging me to stay calm and think rationally.

Sometimes I wonder why I chose a self-righteous best friend rather than someone who would urge me to act out in vengeance and support me in my rage and aggression.

How can I stay calm in this situation and remain true to my own values and beliefs at the same time?

"How could he? He is my boyfriend, my fiance even! How could he kiss another girl? I have zero tolerance to cheating, V! You know that." I fumed.

"Cece, it's not a kiss. He just kissed her cheeks. It's a friendly gesture in some cultures." Again, Viv tried to defend him.

"Not in my culture." I spat.

I was breathing heavily, and my heart was pounding out of anger. But Viv just looked at me with determination in her eyes. "C, you know Freddie. We know Freddie, and he's not like that, okay? Especially for you. He would never betray you, or hurt you. He loves you too much to do that. There must be a reason why he did what he did, and we have to find out what it is before we jump to conclusions."

Viv was rubbing my back, trying to calm me down and make me realize I was just overreacting. I knew she could be right, but I still couldn't help the anger coursing through my veins. I needed to take a deep breath and figure out what was really going on before judging Freddie.

"Besides, what would they think if you lash out at them due to some misunderstanding?"

I gasped at how Viv even thought I cared about what other people would think. All I wanted was for Freddie to explain himself and prove he didn't do anything wrong. The hell with others.

"Do you honestly believe that I care what others think? Above all else, I should think of my feelings, my own feelings first. God, V!"

"Yes, loving oneself is the priority, your virtue in life. But that is not always the case. Have you considered how Freddie would feel? You love him, right? And part of your virtue is protecting your loved ones, too."

I pouted and rolled my eyes.

I hate it when Viv is right, which is always.

"Promise me, you won't lash out when you see him. Just ask him first what he was doing today. If he tells you about the girl, then he's not what you badly think about him."

I turned to look at Viv who smiled knowingly at me. "That way, you can find out the truth without making a huge scene."

"The truth?" I rolled my eyes as I ask this. "That was the perfect moment to ask him the truth, you know." I groaned in frustration. But eventually nodded in agreement. "But we'll do it your way. Maybe I was just so stressed and not thinking rationally. But I swear--"

"Oh, don't worry. If Freddie hurts you, he will definitely regret it," she said reassuringly and gave me a comforting hug.

He better be.

* * * * * *

We arrived at the Plaza and my mom's brunch was exquisite as always. Viv and I greeted her and she both kissed us on the cheeks and told us to enjoy the party.

Viv was excited and looked like she was having fun, but not me. I wouldn't say I didn't try to have a good time; I chatted with some of my mom's circle and had a few laughs with Viv. But my mind was elsewhere--determined to get to the bottom of the Freddie issue.

I wasn't even sure if he would come here or not, and I was beginning to lose my patience.

"Stop pouting, he's here." Viv gestured for me to turn around and I quickly did.

There he was.

Freddie was wearing a navy blue blazer, a white dress shirt, and a pair of black slacks. His brown hair was neatly combed back, and his eyes sparkled with anticipation when he saw me.

In normal days, I would have felt so lucky at how handsome he looked. But, my heart was too full of tension to do anything more than give him a forced smile.

"Remember, don't grill him. Great things come to calm people." Vivienne whispered, acting like an angel on my shoulder, keeping me from making a mistake.

"That is so lame and downright awful."

"Shut up and just give him a chance."

Before I could even protest, she gently pushed me forward to meet Freddie halfway.

"Hello beautiful." He said as he planted a kiss on my cheek. "Sorry I'm late."

I wasn't sure if I should be angry about the kiss, address the issue, or accept his apology first. I decided to, for now, just let it go and smile.

"It's ok, I understand." I replied with a grin, but no matter how much I tried, it came off as twisted. Like I wanted him to know that it was not ok and that I was not happy about it.

"Is everything okay?" Freddie caressed my arms, concern written all over his face.

I tried not to flinch, and stayed calm like Viv suggested.

And then, a realization hit me. I'm not Vivienne Wildenstein.

I'm Cecilia Astor-VanLeer. I always speak my truth and never settle for anything less than what I know is right and true.

I closed the distance between us and finally spoke about what was really on my mind. "Freddie, love. Why are you late?" I watched his every move, my eyes studying him for any signs of unease as he tried to come up with an answer.

"A distant relative came over to get something. We catch-up and I didn't want to leave her in the middle of--."

"Her? As in a girl?" I asked for confirmation.

"Yeah, she was chatty so I couldn't get the proper timing to leave. I thought she would keep talking forever."

I smiled at his reasoning. It seems satisfying and true.

Viv said that if he mentions about a girl, it means he's not hiding anything, right?

So stupid of me to doubt him.

"It's okay." I reached out and touched his cheek adoringly. "Girls can be talkative."

Freddie chuckled. "Have you eaten? Shall we eat?"

"You go ahead, I need to find Viv first." I kissed him and left.

I finally felt relieved!

I rushed through the crowd, searching for Viv. I spotted her near the entrance and ran towards her. "Viv! You're right! It was just a misunderstanding. She is a distant relative."

Viv was so happy for me, but couldn't resist giving me one of her I told you so speech.

"I can't believe I doubted him. Freddie is loyal to me and loves me very much. Like how my dad was to my mom." I sighed dreamily.

I turned to Viv who watched me with a wide smile on her face. "You and Freddie are forever, Cece. Remember that, okay?"

"I know. I don't know why I instantly thought of the worst. Anyway, I'm so happy and thankful you're here, V. You always know what to say to make me calm and feel better."

"Anything for you. So, now you know the power of understanding and patience." She told me smugly. I just rolled my eyes to this.

"That's your forte, not mine. Besides, who needs that when my life is already perfect, right?"

Vivienne just laughed and lectured me about the reality of life and stuff. I just shrugged and walked away, not wanting to get into a deeper conversation that wasn't really my cup of tea.

* * * * * *

I went back inside to enjoy my mom's party and the company of my boyfriend.

I spotted them talking and I couldn't stop smiling. The two people I love and adore.

The reason my life is perfect.

I started walking towards them, but something in their conversation stopped in my tracks. I discreetly turned around, not wanting to disturb their talk, and at the same time, not far enough to hear what they were talking about.

"I didn't see you and Cece arrive together. She said you'd come over and pick her up. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I was late. I told her not to wait for me. I was talking to my mom nonstop. Actually, she is sorry for not attending your party. There's a problem at my grandfather's house. But nothing major. It's just that she can't stop talking about it and I lost track of time."

"Oh, it's okay. Cece is very understanding especially when it comes to family."

"Yes, she is. I'm a lucky man."

I felt my blood start to boil and my anger rise as I listened to Freddie's excuse for why he was late. This version was far from what he had told me.

I clenched my fists and took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I knew I had to stay composed and not act out of anger.

Then again, that would go against my nature.

There's no way I'm letting this slide. I will not sit back and do nothing.

No one, ever, cheats or make a fool of Cecilia VanLeer.

Ever!

And I wouldn't let Viv get in my way.

This time, I'll do it my way.

-END OF CHAPTER 2-

A/N: Cecilia, she can be difficult, I know. Some of you might even hate her, but she is my lead! This is like a mean girl/villain story (but with love story of course!) Hope you'll like it!