Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Cyrus suddenly felt sorry for her.
For Lauren, who seemed to have boundless wealth and privilege, the idea of going on a roller coaster had been a luxury she couldn’t afford for the past 20 years.
She was born to be a bird soaring in the sky, but her wings were clipped by others, and she was confined in a cage.
Was it because of her illness? Was it just to prevent her from bringing shame upon the family?
Cyrus’ breath became heavier, and he couldn’t help but reach out and gently stroke her soft hair.
Lauren’s heart skipped a beat, and she moved back instinctively.
Such intimate gestures used to happen every day between her and Landon.
But when someone else, even Cyrus, whom she trusted deeply, touched her, she couldn’t help but feel flustered and uncomfortable, which inadvertently showed in her eyes.
Cyrus suddenly froze, then forced a bitter smile.
She still wasn’t ready to accept another person’s affection.
Maybe it would take a very long time. Or perhaps it would never happen.
Seeing that it was almost time, the two headed toward the dolphin exhibit, preparing to watch the dolphin show.
As they arrived at the entrance, someone in the crowd pointed at Lauren and whispered, “Look, isn’t that the mental daughter from the Walsh family?”
“Hey… I think so. She looks a hundred times better in person than in the photos.”
“What’s the use of being pretty if she’s mental?”
“Is that true? She seems pretty normal to me. Who’s that hot guy next to her? Her boyfriend? He’s so hot!”
As the murmurs reached Lauren’s ears, her heart raced. She hugged her teddy bear tightly, her eyes widening in helplessness.
The next moment, her trembling body was instantly enveloped in a warm and strong embrace, with sturdy arms securely protecting her.
“It’s okay, Lauren. I’m here.” Cyrus’ voice was low, giving her a sense of security.
Lauren’s mind went blank. “Cyrus, I don’t want to watch the show anymore. Let’s go.”
“Okay.” Following her wishes, Cyrus quickly led her away from the dolphin exhibit.
Only when they were away from the gossiping crowd did Lauren’s pale complexion ease slightly. However, her mood was far from as cheerful and happy as when they had arrived.
“Cyrus, let’s go back,” she said with her lowered lashes trembling slightly. “It’s enough. I’ve had a lot of fun, and I’m very happy.”
“Lauren, don’t pay attention to what they say.”
Cyrus got down on one knee in front of her, raising his handsome face to meet her gaze. “Always remember, people live for themselves, not to cater to others’ opinions.
“No matter how good or outstanding you are, there will always be people who dislike you and those who will mock you. What you need to do is walk proudly under the sun. The more they try to suppress you, the more fearless you should become. Living confidently is the most powerful way to fight back.”
At his words, Lauren lifted her gaze, showing her sparkling eyes.
“Look at Lyse. She’s perfect, isn’t she? But throughout her journey, she has faced countless controversies, accusations, and slanders. Yet she didn’t care at all.
“She said that she wants those who look down on her to be unable to provoke or defeat her. Seeing them grimacing and gnashing their teeth with no way to retaliate is the greatest kind of revenge.”
Lauren bowed her head in self-doubt. “But I’m not as brave as Alyssa.”
“Lauren, you’re very brave,” Cyrus replied with emphasis, his gaze unwavering. “Not everyone has the courage to make the choices you’ve made. You’re much braver than you imagined.”
His sincere and empowering words warmed Lauren’s heart, dispelling the tension that had clouded her expression.
At that moment, the amusement park’s mascot team began their performance.
Two adorable giant costumed characters holding balloons approached Cyrus and Lauren and stood side by side in front of them. Their silly and adorable look caused Lauren to smile again.
Cyrus looked at the chubby dog character and the pink rabbit character in front of him, feeling like these two were on their first day of work. Their actions seemed stiff and awkward. He almost felt embarrassed for them.
“Can I have a balloon?” Smiling, Lauren reached out her hand toward them.
The dog character was completely stunned, but the pink rabbit immediately reacted, spinning in place and handing the balloon to her.
“Thank you.” Lauren smiled, her face looking rosy.
The pink rabbit hopped around, gesturing enthusiastically for them to take a picture together.
Smiling faintly, Cyrus took out his phone. The pink rabbit led the shy Lauren over and gently placed her in the arms of the dog character.
Wrapped in the warm fur, Lauren couldn’t help but squint her eyes, leaning comfortably against it.
The dog character lifted its heavy arms and embraced her waist, gently pulling her closer.
In that instant, Lauren’s heart skipped a beat. A familiar sensation suddenly overwhelmed her, momentarily leaving her in a daze.
At this moment, on the stage not far away, a singer was singing a ballad song.
The dog character suddenly turned toward Lauren. It extended its hand toward her like a prince, inviting her to dance.
Lauren stared at it blankly and eventually placed her slender hand in its palm.
Following the soft melody, they danced gracefully under the sunlight, ignoring the gaze of others.
Step back, step forward, spin, and spin again.
These familiar dance steps stirred up waves of longing for Landon in Lauren’s heart.
It was as if she had returned to the happy white-green villa, where he taught her to dance under the moonlight. His dance steps were skillful and elegant; meanwhile, she was always awkward. Each time she stepped on his foot, he would gently lift her chin and kiss her deeply before letting go.
“If you master it, we’ll be dance partners for life. Don’t dance for anyone else but me.”
Lauren held her breath, her eyes turning red. Tears welled up, blurring her vision, yet she resisted letting them fall.
Meanwhile, Cyrus, who was recording everything on his phone, felt his heart pounding heavily. He pressed his lips into a straight line, restraining a complex emotion.
At this moment, the lively pink rabbit jumped to his side and draped its hand on his shoulder. It rapidly whispered in his ear, “Mr. Cyrus, I’m Angelina. Remember to send the photos to Mr. Landon later. Thank you.”
“I knew it.” Cyrus smiled helplessly. “You two are quite creative.”
“You knew? When? Was it that obvious?” The pink rabbit covered its mouth with its chubby hands.
Smiling faintly, Cyrus looked at them with eyes revealing an indescribable envy and longing.
At the end of the song, the dog character bent down, gently touching Lauren’s forehead with its head.
Instantly, she could no longer restrain herself. All her hidden emotions burst forth, tears streaming down.
The dog character seemed flustered. It embraced her once again and gently patted her, silently comforting her.
He really wanted to speak but was afraid of scaring her away.
Yet he wanted to hold her tightly like before and express his passionate love, telling her, “It’s okay. Your Landon is here.”
Watching Landon embrace Lauren, Cyrus felt a sting in his eyes and couldn’t help but capture this scene on camera.
“I’m really curious, Mr. Cyrus. When did you find out?” Angelina, playing the pink rabbit, couldn’t contain her curiosity for the first time.
“Perhaps it was my detective’s intuition.”
Cyrus didn’t tell her that feelings like love were something that couldn’t be hidden, no matter how hard the person tried.
The moment the dog character held Lauren in its arms as if she were a treasure, Cyrus knew that it was Landon.
“Please let Mr. Landon and Ms. Lauren stay like this a little longer. We promise not to disturb you anymore,” Angelina pleaded.
“Don’t worry about me. Lauren’s happiness is all that matters.” Cyrus was unaware that his voice was slightly choked when he spoke these words.
