Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 106: A Friend’s Dilemma

He entered with an air of effortless ease, his tousled brown hair and unbuttoned shirt adding to the look. His grin was wide as he approached the table.

"You’re early," Cedric said as he sat down across from Evander.

"And you’re late," Evander shot back, though his tone was more teasing than accusatory.

Cedric chuckled. "Some things never change."

Evander smirked. "Some things do."

They both picked up the menus, their conversation flowing naturally as they decided on their orders. Once the waiter had taken their selections, Cedric leaned back in his chair, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"So," Cedric began, "how’s the company doing? Still conquering the business world, I assume?"

Evander gave a small shrug. "We’re holding steady. Expanding into new markets, finalizing a few partnerships. The usual."

Cedric nodded. "Impressive as always. You make it look easy."

"What about you?" Evander asked, leaning slightly forward. "How’s everything on your end?"

"Busy, but good," Cedric said. "We’re working on a new project that’s keeping everyone on their toes. Long hours, lots of pressure. You know how it is."

A subtle nod from Evander showed he was mulling something over. "I do."

There was a brief pause before Cedric’s tone shifted, becoming more curious. "And Ashton? How’s he doing?"

"He’s great," Evander replied. "Growing up too fast, though. Sometimes I look at him and wonder where the time went."

Cedric smiled. "He’s lucky to have you, you know."

Their food arrived shortly after, the waiter setting down plates of beautifully arranged dishes. They dug in, the conversation temporarily shifting to lighter topics as they enjoyed their meal.

When the plates were nearly empty and their conversation hit a lull, Evander noticed something off about Cedric. His friend had been unusually fidgety, glancing down at his napkin more often than necessary and avoiding prolonged eye contact.

Evander set down his fork, leaning back slightly in his chair. "All right, Cedric. Out with it. What is it you want to say?"

Cedric looked up, startled, then chuckled nervously. "What do you mean?"

"We’ve been friends for how long now?" Evander asked, raising an eyebrow. "I know when something’s on your mind. So spill it."

Cedric sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You always were too perceptive for your own good." He hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "I heard Lydia came to your house."

Evander froze, his hand tightening slightly around the napkin he’d been playing with. Slowly, he looked up at Cedric. "And?"

Cedric shrugged lightly, his words carefully neutral. "She seemed... happy to be back in town. She even bought a house. Apparently, she thinks she can spend some time with Ashton. Maybe take him for a few days."

Evander let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "So?"

"So?" Cedric repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief."Evander, you didn’t let her see her own son."

His eyes narrowed slightly, and his voice grew colder. "Let me remind you, Cedric—her own son that she left when he was three days old. The son she claimed ruined her life."

He put his hands up, silently asking for a truce. "I know, I know. But people change. Maybe she wants to make amends."

"Amends?" Evander repeated. "She doesn’t get to waltz back into his life and play the doting mother just because it’s convenient for her. Ashton doesn’t need her, and he certainly doesn’t need the confusion she’d bring."

What had started as an easygoing exchange was now a standoff brimming with frustration.

"Evander," Cedric said carefully, "I’m not taking sides here. I’m just trying to—" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"Oh, don’t give me that," Evander interrupted. "I know exactly whose side you’re on. You think I don’t see through this little lunch? This was just an excuse to convince me to let Lydia see Ashton."

Cedric shook his head. "I’m not on anyone’s side! I just want what’s best for both of you. You both are my friends, Evander. It’s hard seeing you like this."

Evander stood abruptly, the legs of his chair scraping against the floor. He reached into his pocket, pulling out his wallet and tossing a few bills onto the table.

"Tell Lydia this for me," he said. "Just go on with her life, but she needs to leave me and Ashton out of it. Permanently."

Evander said nothing more as he stood and walked out, leaving Cedric alone with all the frustration and sadness written all over him.