Philip did not believe in coincidences.

  So when he saw the venue options for the dinner reception tonight, he didn’t hesitate. He tapped his knuckles lightly against the conference table, signaling his decision before Kevin even finished reading the list.

  “This one.” Philip said, eyes settling on a name. A sleek, five-star restaurant perched atop The Argent Hotel, boasting panoramic windows and an unrivaled view of the West District skyline.

  Kevin barely blinked. He simply nodded and made the arrangements.

  The reason?

  Only Philip knew.

  Just minutes ago CeCe had been the one inviting him to drop by, breezy and confident, as if the possibility were natural. Expected.

  Philip ended the call without a word.

  And yet—

  Now standing by the window, red wine untouched in his hand, he looked down at élan in the distance. From here, he couldn’t see inside. Couldn’t hear a thing.

  But it wasn’t hard to imagine— CeCe, effortlessly commanding the spotlight. Her smile, her face and her voice, drawing eyes and holding attention as if it were her birthright.

  Philip exhaled through his nose, gaze lingering for a second longer before he turned away.

  Choosing this venue. Changing plans.

  Doing something he did not have to do.

  And still, he did it anyway...

  The reception dinner ended earlier than expected. Philip checked his watch—10:43.

  Outside, the city buzzed with life. Th car engines droning, lights casting a golden glow and distant laughter mingling with the hum of the night, carrying a hint of romance.

  Without hesitation, Philip picked up his phone and called her.

  It didn’t even ring twice.

  “Philip?” CeCe’s voice came through, bright and airy, laced with the faintest hint of surprise. A delighted kind of surprise. “Missed me already?”

  Philip leaned against the car door, one hand in his pocket, eyes settling absently on the street ahead. “Are you still there?”

  There was a beat too long of a pause before the soft rustle of movement followed.

  “...Are you nearby?”

  He didn’t answer. He didn’t need to.

  “You are.” She sounded way too pleased with herself.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Philip caught the muffled chatter in the background— the scrape of a chair then the soft rustle of movement.

  “Wait right there.” She said in a near-whisper.

  Philip barely had time to exhale before the restaurant doors swung open.

  CeCe stepped onto the sidewalk, eyes sweeping left to right before locking onto him.

  For a moment, she was completely still.

  Then, like something out of a romantic cliché she’d probably dreamed up herself, she ran.

  Not the kind of dainty jog one might expect— no, CeCe bolted. Heels clicking against the pavement, dress flowing a full, unrestrained sprint toward him.

  Philip barely had time to straighten before she threw herself forward, hands gripping his shoulders for balance. Breathless and beaming.

  “You came.”

  Philip steadied her with a hand at her waist. “Yes.”

  Philip just looked at her. Looked at the way her face was still flushed from the night, the way she was standing too close, too comfortable in his space.

  She was warm.

  And Philip, against all logic and better judgment, let himself lean in.

  CeCe’s lips curled into a slow, wicked smile. “Are you here to take me home? I’ll totally say yes, but you gotta make it fancy.”

  Philip exhaled, amusement flickering in his gaze. “May I have the honor?”

  CeCe beamed. “Hehe.”

  “Please…” He chuckled as he opened the car door.

  And then, she climbed in.

  The moment CeCe settled into the car, she melted against the seat like she had no bones. She sighed dreamily, tilting her head to look at Philip with big, glossy and tipsy eyes.

  Philip noticed her curled up, shivering from the cold. Without a word he slipped off his coat and gently draped it over her, tucking it around her shoulders like a blanket. The scent of him lingered in the soft fabric— clean, refined and just a bit distracting.

  CeCe’s lashes fluttered, her fingers clutching the coat as she burrowed deeper into its warmth.

  “Philip.” Her voice was soft. “You’re so nice to me.”

  Philip glanced at her. “Am I?”

  She nodded exaggeratedly. “Mhm.” Then, with absolutely no warning, she reached out and poked his cheek. Twice.

  The driver’s eyes flickered to the rearview mirror before immediately looking away. Not his business.

  Philip remained unfazed.

  CeCe pouted. “Why are you letting me poke you? Don’t you get annoyed?”

  Philip arched a brow. “Do you want me to stop you?”

  She gasped. “You wouldn’t dare.”

  A ghost of a smile touched his lips.

  CeCe, satisfied, leaned her head against his shoulder. “Philip.” She whined, drawing out his name like she was testing it in her mouth. “I don’t wanna go home yet. What if I sleep in your penthouse? Just sleep. I swear. Like an innocent little cherub.”

  Philip exhaled through his nose. “No.”

  She groaned dramatically. “You’re so cruel.”

  The driver kept his eyes on the road. Not his business. Not his business.

  The car pulled up to a mid-sketchy apartment complex. The street was dimly lit— with only the flickering neon glow of a convenience store in the distance.

  Philip remained calm as always but CeCe, brimming with energy, suddenly turned in her seat to face him.

  “Okay, listen.” She said, her tone suspiciously serious.

  Philip leaned back, watching her. “Go on.”

  “This is your last chance.” She poked his chest for emphasis. “Be my sugar daddy. Right here. Right now.”

  Philip looked down at her small finger pressed against him, then back at her face. “I decline.”

  CeCe gasped as if she had been personally offended. “Don’t regret it! This is the last time I’m asking you!” She tried to sound threatening but her cheeks were puffed, her lips pouting and her almond eyes were too glossy to be lethal.

  Philip’s voice was gentle. “No regrets.”

  CeCe stamped her foot, threw the door open and ran— not forgetting to take the coat with her.

  Philip watched her go with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

  He didn’t signal the driver to leave— not yet. His gaze stayed on the apartment complex following the faint outline of her figure until she disappeared inside.

  A few seconds passed. Then, from the third floor, a light flickered on.

  Only then did Philip glance at his watch. He exhaled softly and reached for his phone to signal the driver—

  But before he could, his phone buzzed.

  CeCe [1 New Message]:You can regret it. I’m letting you think about it. I’m giving you permission to think this through once again.

  Philip stared at the screen. Then, with a quiet chuckle, he put his phone away.

  “Let’s go.”