Chapter 22 Gavin was holding a large white plush dog , and inside the dog's pocket was some chocolate she used to love . " Cecilia , this doll was made to resemble Joy . I know you've always missed Joy , and now it can be with you again ." Cecilia froze . Joy was a Samoyed her family had when she was a child . It was cute . Later , when the dog passed away , she cried for a long time and swore never to have another dog again . " Cecilia , Joy is Gavin's special gift to you . You should accept it , " Luke said . Wearing his school uniform and sitting in a wheelchair , he still had that innocent , youthful smile . It seemed like everyone was touched by the surprise , except Cecilia , whose face held no trace of a smile . " Luke , are you alright ? Why did you leave school early ? " Cecilia asked , ignoring Gavin as she turned to her brother . " I'm fine . Since Gavin said he was preparing a surprise for you , I left school early to help out , " Luke replied with a naive grin . " Cecilia , do you like the surprise I prepared for you today ? " Gavin asked , visibly pleased with his arrangement . In fact , it had been a long time since he'd tried to win her over . Ever since the Jordan family's fall from grace , Gavin hadn't broken up with Cecilia , people around him praised his devotion . Over time , he had come to take her emotional support for granted . During the three years he took control of the Foster family , Cecilia had been by his side as his secretary . He didn't have the time or the desire to make her feel special anymore - he even forgot birthdays and anniversaries . To him , Cecilia was easy to please . All he needed to do was spend some time with her and buy her a designer gift . Gavin slowly walked up to Cecilia , a confident smile on his face . " Cecilia , I admit I neglected your feelings during that time . The hydrangeas and the custom - made doll of Joy are both things you love . I haven't forgotten . " This was the first time Gavin had apologized to her . Luke didn't know what had really happened between them . He thought they had just argued and that was why Luke was trying to help them make up . " Cecilia , just forgive Gavin . " At this moment , the people around them were encouraging Cecilia to forgive Gavin . Cecilia sneered . She steadied her breath , which had been rushed from running , and her eyes became cold . " Cecilia , accept my gift and come back to me ," Gavin said , convinced he was being romantic and heartfelt . He felt moved by himself . He instinctively opened his arms to embrace her . Suddenly , Cecilia's eyes turned cold , and she forcefully pushed Gavin's arms away . " Are you out of your mind ? " Gavin was caught off guard , being pushed back by Cecilia . The stuffed dog fell to the floor , and the atmosphere in the room . instantly became silent . Cecilia's gaze was cold as she looked at Gavin , whose expression shifted from shock to growing anger . " I thought you had thought things through and wouldn't do such things that only you find moving anymore . " This isn't a surprise to me , it feels more like harassment . " 1/3 Chapter 22 94 % +15 " What do you mean ? " Gavin clearly hadn't expected Cecilia to reject him on the spot . He felt humiliated . The restaurant staff , who had been looking on with admiration and envy , were now silent after hearing Cecilia's words . The piano music stopped . What was meant to be a romantic , surprising moment had turned awkward . Luke was equally shocked by Cecilia's reaction . He didn't dare to speak . The surrounding silence only fueled Gavin's growing anger . " Cecilia , I came all the way from Kingsford for you , spent the whole afternoon preparing for this . " Isn't this enough sincerity ? What more do you want from me ? This is all stuff you like , why have you suddenly changed ? " " I've told you I don't need it , " Cecilia maintained her distance from Gavin . " Having you follow me here only makes me feel scared . Gavin , stop doing things just to make yourself feel good . We've already broken up ." Hearing " break up " from Cecilia again instantly triggered Gavin's unstable emotions . " Cecilia , stop pretending . " Gavin unmasked her , clearly displeased . " You sent me the booking information on purpose , wanting me to come after you . I know you're angry , but it's because you don't trust me . I came to appease you , so stop bringing up the breakup ," Gavin added . Gavin's apology came with a sense of questioning , as though he was doing her a favor . To him , compared to the past , he had already done a lot . She used to calm down with just a few kind words , but now she had become difficult to handle . However , Cecilia didn't even want to give him an answer . If the distance between them was 100 steps , over the past seven years , she had already taken 99 steps . The last step , she had waited for too long . She had waited until she gave up everything she once had . But now , Gavin had only taken one step , and he stopped , still accustomed to taking from her . " Cecilia , what else do you want ? Just tell me , I'll give it to you . I dropped everything at the company to come here . Don't test my patience anymore , " Gavin reached out to her , " Come back to me , let's go back to Kingsford together . " " No one asked you to do any of this . Whatever you do , it has nothing to do with me , " Cecilia said , her gaze never lingering on him . She walked over to Luke , her voice tightening slightly . " Luke , I didn't find you at school . When you didn't answer your phone , I was really worried . " " Sorry , Cecilia , I won't do it again , " Luke realized his mistake . As Cecilia pushed Luke's wheelchair past Gavin , she glanced down at the white dog doll lying on the floor . " You might not remember , but I already have one , But none of this matters anymore . " Precious things had their expiration date . At the wrong time , they lost their meaning . Her words were calm , but they struck a painful chord in Gavin's heart . He couldn't even remember the last time he had used this gift to appease her . 2/3 X 415 Chapter 22 After Cecilia and Luke left , the restaurant manager cautiously asked , " Mr. Foster , what about the things here … The white dog doll that had fallen on the floor was dirty , and the hydrangeas that had been cut and arranged earlier had started to wilt . " Didn't I pay for this ? Is something she doesn't want just trash to you ? " Gavin , struggling to breathe , lashed out at everyone around him . His heart sank further . " Cecilia always uses the breakup to threaten me . Looks like I haven't won her heart yet . But she keeps bringing it up , spoiled by my indulgence . " So what if she says we've broken up . She's just playing hard to get . Even if we break up , we'll get back together . She can't leave me ." For a brief moment , Gavin was unsure whether Cecilia still loved him , but he quickly steadied himself . Their years of growing up together were his confidence . He believed in exposing her facade . He was certain she loved him . 3/3