Mafia Lord's Mute Sweetheart

Chapter 78: Chapter 78 Who is she?

"I thought your wife looked different," a man spoke. He was a rich businessman, portly and self-important, with a gold watch on his wrist that gleamed under the chandelier lights and a thick cigar between his fingers, smoke curling lazily toward the ceiling.

He was standing near the bar at the private event, surrounded by other men in expensive suits, their laughter and chatter filling the air like background music.

He looked at Cedric, who had just walked in with Jessica on his arm.

"Who is she?" the businessman asked, his eyes fixed on Jessica with undisguised curiosity. He took a slow drag of his cigar, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Is she your wife? I could have sworn your wife had darker hair. Caramel, I think. Very beautiful and quiet. Stands in the corner a lot. I remember her from the charity gala last year. She wore a white dress. Stunning.... Absolutely stunning.."

Cedric’s smile froze on his face. His blue eyes flickered with a cold light.

His jaw tightened, the muscles in his neck straining. His hand, resting on Jessica’s lower back, tensed, his fingers pressing into the fabric of her dress.

He had been looking forward to this event. He had brought Jessica because she knew how to work a room, how to charm people, how to make him look good. She was confident and beautiful.

She was everything a man like him needed on his arm.

But this man had ruined it.

Cedric did not respond immediately. His mind was racing, searching for the right words, the right tone, the right way to deflect the conversation without making it obvious that he was uncomfortable.

But the businessman was still talking, still staring at Jessica with that knowing, amused expression.

The businessman blinked, oblivious to the tension radiating from Cedric. "Well? Who is she?"

Cedric opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it again.

"This is Jessica," he said finally. "She is my secretary."

Jessica’s eyes flashed with displeasure.

"Your secretary?" the businessman repeated, his eyebrows rising in surprise. He took another puff of his cigar, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "I thought you were married."

"I am," Cedric said, his voice clipped. "My wife is at home. Resting."

The businessman looked at Jessica. Then at Cedric. Then back at Jessica with a deep, knowing smile that made Cedric’s stomach twist.

"Ah," he said slowly, drawing out the word like he was savoring it. "I see. Your secretary."

Jessica’s smile remained fixed, but her eyes had turned cold like chips of ice. She pressed closer to Cedric, her hand resting on his chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of his suit.

"I work closely with Mr. Evermont," she said sweetly, her voice dripping with false innocence. "Very closely."

The businessman laughed. It was a loud laugh that drew attention from the men nearby. A few of them turned to look, curiosity flickering in their eyes. Some of them smirked, exchanging knowing glances.

"I am sure you do. I am sure you do." He looked at Cedric, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You are a lucky man, Cedric. Very lucky."

Cedric’s smile remained frozen, his teeth clenched behind his lips. "Thank you."

The businessman’s eyes drifted back to Jessica, scanning her from head to toe. "Pretty. Very pretty. But I must say, I remember your wife. She was unforgettable. Big dark eyes that seemed to see right through you. Caramel hair like silk. Like a porcelain doll. Very quiet and very beautiful. She had this presence, you know? Like she didn’t need to speak to be noticed. She just existed and everyone looked."

Cedric’s hand tightened on Jessica’s back, his knuckles whitening.

"Where is she tonight?" the businessman asked, his tone casual, as if he were asking about the weather. "Is she not here? I would have loved to see her again. Have a chat. She seemed like such a sweet girl..."

"She is busy," Cedric said. His voice was Cold and sharp. "She had other obligations."

The businessman nodded, as if he understood but his eyes were still gleaming with curiosity. "Shame. She is a lovely girl. A lovely, lovely girl. You should bring her more often. It’s good to have a beautiful wife on your arm you know..."

Jessica’s smile remained fixed, but her eyes had turned cold, her grip on Cedric’s arm tightening. Her nails dug into the fabric, leaving small indentations.

"Daisy is not feeling well," she said sweetly, her voice dripping with false concern. "She stayed home to rest."

"Daisy. That is her name." The businessman smiled, a soft look in his eyes, almost dreamy. "Yes, I remember now. Daisy. Beautiful name for beautiful girl. You really are a lucky man, Cedric. I hope you know that. I hope you appreciate what you have."

Cedric’s smile was starting to crack. His jaw was so tight it looked like it might break, the muscles twitching beneath his skin.

"Enjoy your evening," he said abruptly, his voice flat and hard.

He pulled Jessica away, guiding her toward the other side of the room. His grip on her waist was firm, almost rough, as he steered her through the crowd. His steps were quick, his shoulders rigid, his face a mask of controlled fury.

Jessica’s smile disappeared the moment they were out of earshot. Her face twisted with barely concealed anger, her green eyes flashing with fury.

"Who was that?" she hissed, her voice low and venomous. "Why does he keep talking about her? Why does everyone keep talking about her?"

Cedric did not answer. His face was dark, his jaw tight, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

His mind was running with thoughts he didn’t want to have.

He knew why that man was asking. He knew why everyone remembered Daisy. Because she was beautiful and unforgettable, even when she stood in the corner, silent and invisible, people couldn’t help but notice her. She had that effect on people.

He felt angry at the thought of other men thinking about Daisy in that way. The thought of them looking at her, wanting her, imagining her without her clothes, made his blood boil. His hands curled into fists at his sides.

For God’s sake, she was his wife! And he had to admit, she was stunning and beautiful. Even he couldn’t deny that. And lewd businessmen like those took advantage of girls like Daisy. Sweet, innocent, voiceless girls who couldn’t defend themselves.

The thought made his stomach churn, a sick, heavy feeling settling in his gut.