He's With Her When I Need Him

"Yeah, I guess you could say that. There's a new opening in the company, and I'd like to try it out. Is anything the matter?"

Cedric then reacted and said, "I was asking if there was anything you'd like to eat."

"Don't worry about me. You guys go ahead and eat. I've ordered delivery."

"You!" Anger seemed to have gotten the better of him for a brief moment before he calmed down and asked in a softer tone, "Madison, is there something you're hiding from me? I can't help but feel that you've changed!"

"Have I? I don't think so. Isn't this how you've always wanted things to be like between us?"

In the past, whenever we had any arguments over Chelsea, he would always say, "I'm a free man! I don't need you to tell me what to do!" But now that I gave him the freedom he so craved, he couldn't get used to it and accused me of having changed instead.

Just as Cedric was about to continue, Caleb's voice came from the kitchen. "Cedric! How do I deal with the fish? Come here and help me!"

Cedric had no choice but to go back out to Caleb. I couldn't help but think about how ridiculous everything was.

Then, I went out to get myself a glass of water. That was when I heard Cedric say, "I just feel that there's something off about her—like she's going to leave me at any moment."

"Good riddance! Didn't you say that she was nothing compared to Chelsea? Well, now's the chance for you to ditch her! Chelsea's pretty, and she's gentle too. I really don't get why you'd choose to be with Madison!

"Her parents aren't around anymore, so you won't have anyone to help out with things after the both of you get married. But Chelsea's different! Her family's wealthy!"

I frowned. What Caleb said was true. My parents passed away from a traffic accident the year I started college, and since then, I've been living on my own. As most of my relatives only had their eyes on my parents' money, I cut them all off.

After getting to know Cedric, I treated him like my only family. As a result, I tried my best to get along with his friends too. But none of them accepted me.

In the past, I'd do anything to blend in with them. But now that I'd decided to break things off with Cedric, who were they to me?

Then, I heard Cedric sigh before he said, "I wish I could, but Chelsea's parents don't approve of us being together. While my parents acknowledge that her family is rich, they think that the gap between us is too big.

"The Calloways are bound to look down on us, so I could only go for second best and date Madison. There won't be any family feud since her parents are no longer around."

"So that's what you've been thinking about!"

With that, Caleb turned around and winked at me as though to say, "Hear that? He said he doesn't love you. If you know what's good for you, you better leave!"

I smiled and walked into the kitchen with my glass and filled it up. Cedric was so startled by my presence that he let out a shriek and dropped the plate he was holding.

"Y-You… When did you come in?"

"Just a while ago. I was thirsty."

Flustered, he was just about to explain when I said, "You're actually right, you know? One has to consider all aspects before getting involved in a relationship. My strength is that there won't be any family complications on my side because of how simple my family is."

My honesty seemed to put him on edge.

"No, I didn't mean that, Maddie. I didn't mean what I said. Chelsea and I, there'll never be anything between us. You—"

Before he could finish his words, Caleb pulled him aside.

"Why are you even explaining yourself to her? It is what it is! The fact is that Chelsea is just way better than her in all aspects! You were one step away from dating Chelsea! Had it not been for your parents' objection, Madison would never have been involved!"

"Shut up!" Cedric was livid and roared at Caleb, "Who are you to go running your mouth about us?"

Equally riled up, Caleb pushed me aside and huffed, "Have things your way then!"

He then slammed the door behind him as he left, leaving only Cedric and me in the house.

Seeing the awkward expression on Cedric's face, I let out a bitter chuckle. "Let's break up, Cedric."