Novel Palace
Chapter 100
Chapter 100
Ciara slumped on the couch, her head spinning with dizziness. The tension between her and Serra felt like a tightrope she was walking on, and she wasn’t used to having this kind of strained relationship with her older sister.
She closed her eyes, trying to remember what had happened. The memory was hazy, but she knew she couldn’t afford to let her guard down again. She was terrified that Cara might have seen her in that state too.
She had just woken up from a terrible nightmare earlier, and it Had taken her a while to calm down. Her body was still shaking, and her eyes were red from crying.
“Ciara, I just don’t understand. You were not like this before but you have gotten even more stubborn lately,” Serra whispered, her voice tinged with frustration. Serra was pale but not as pale as Ciara, who had just emerged from the restroom after changing her clothes.
Ciara had forced Serra to let her go home after waking up in the hospital. The doctor had said it was only fatigue and that she needed rest. But Ciara didn’t remember how she ended up lying on the floor of her room. She had been unconscious for roughly three hours, and going home had been easy once she regained consciousness.
“Just don’t tell Callum about it, or even the others. The doctor already told us that it was simply fatigue, and I am sure I only fell asleep. Stop overthinking,” Ciara told Serra, trying to sound reassuring. Serra had been on her back ever since she got out of the hospital, but Ciara knew it was out of concern.
Serra gritted her teeth. Callum was not yet home, which made it easier for Ciara to hide what had happened. Serra hated that she had stopped Gwen from informing the others while she focused on Ciara’s condition. Now, she had to endure this suffering.
“Ciara, this would be the last time. The moment your body fails you one more time, that gives us the right to make decisions for you. I understand that you have always been independent, but right now, I don’t think that you are in the right state to be making sane decisions.”
Ciara bit her lower lip, her mind racing. She knew she was being unreasonable, but this was what she wanted. “Serra, I’m fine. I don’t need everyone treating me like I’m fragile.”
Serra took a deep breath, her frustration evident. “No matter how you have built your own family, as your older sister, I won’t let things pass if something bad happens to you. I hope you remember that.”
Ciara sighed, feeling the weight of Serra’s words. “I know you care, but I need space. I need to feel like I can handle my own life.”
Serra looked at her with an incredulous look on her face, as if wanting to laugh at the words that she just said.
“Really? Is that what this is all about now? Ciara, space is fine, but not at the cost of your health!” Serra retorted. “You’re being stubborn and reckless.”
She bit her lower lip. She knew that he was being incredibly stubborn but she couldn’t stop herself.
“Maybe I am,” Ciara snapped back. “But it’s my life.”
A long sigh escaped Serra’s lips.
“And what about Callum? What about Cara?” Serra shot back. “Do you think they want to see you like this?”
Ciara’s eyes filled with tears, the mention of her husband and daughter cutting deep. “I’m trying, Serra. I really am.” “Then try harder,” Serra said softly but firmly. “For them. For yourself.”
Ciara watched as Serra walked out of the room, leaving her alone to dwell on her decisions. She felt a mix of anger and
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Chapter 100
sadness.
Aug
J
Am I doing the right thing? Why does it feel like I am slowly ruining my life?
+63%
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“Miss Ciara?” the driver grabbed her attention as the car halted. Her eyes scanned the place and they were already at the company where Callum was.
Her hands started to shake as she couldn’t help but remember the nightmare she had.
What if it was a premonition? What if she arrives at Callum’s office and she sees the same scenario from her dream? Will she be able to take it?
Taking a deep breath, she got out of the car and walked into the building. Everyone knows her, of course since she and Cara visit Callum whenever they want or whenever Cara wants to see her father.
The receptionist gave her a warm smile, but Ciara felt like it was nothing but pity in her eyes.
Was she overthinking and simply just being paranoid?
She made her way to the elevator, her heart pounding in her chest. As she reached Callum’s office, she was stopped by Henry.
“Mrs. Ciara, Mr. Callum is still in a meeting,” Henry informed her, his voice gentle.
Ciara felt her stomach churn. It was almost the same as her nightmare. “How long will he be?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
“Not much longer, I believe,” Henry said. Before Ciara could say anything else, the door to Callum’s office suddenly opened, and Vanessa walked out.
Ciara and Vanessa both looked surprised to see each other. Ciara noticed how unkempt Vanessa’s clothes were, her blouse slightly wrinkled and her hair a bit disheveled.
Her heart started beating rapidly. She could see the redness on her cheeks.
“Vanessa…” Ciara whispered. She was unable to move and her breath hitches.
Vaness quickly smiled. “Miss Ciara, what are you doing here?” Vanessa asked, trying to smooth out her clothes.
Henry wanted to raise his eyebrow. It’s a bit surprising for someone like Vanessa who was in a meeting with Mr. Haynes to not know Miss Ciara, knowing that she is a Sullivan. She came from a family that was even more powerful than the Haynes.
Before Ciara could respond, Callum came out of the office, looking equally surprised. “Ciara! I didn’t expect you to come by,” he said, immediately walking over to her. He looked exhausted and Ciara didn’t know what to think. “I’m so sorry I didn’t contact you. We had a long meeting.”
Ciara’s heart ached with suspicion, but before she could say anything, two more people walked out of the office, making her feel slightly at ease. It was clear they had been in a meeting. Knowing that Callum and Vanessa were not alone in the room calmed her down a bit.
Callum looked between the two women, surprised. “You two know each other?”
Ciara forced a smile, trying to hide her stress. “Yes, we met the other day. I gave Vanessa a dress after she accidentally soiled hers.”
Vanessa nodded, grateful. “Miss Ciara was so kind. I had a meeting and she saved me from a wardrobe disaster.”
Callum beamed with pride. He stared at Ciara and a proud smile was showing on his face.
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Chapter 100
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Ciara smiled, but inside she was a mess. The nightmare still haunted her, and seeing Vanessa with Callum only added to her unease. But she kept it together, not wanting to show her pain in front of everyone.
As they all exchanged pleasantries, Ciara couldn’t help but feel a knot in her stomach. She trusted Callum, but the nightmare had shaken her to the core. She needed to talk to him, to clear the air, but now wasn’t the time.
“Mrs. Sullivan!” one of the other executives with them exclaimed. “It’s an honor to finally meet you. Callum speaks so highly of you.”
“How are you?” the other one asked, looking genuinely curious. “It’s not every day we get to meet someone from the most powerful clan.”
Ciara felt the weight of their words. She was a Sullivan, someone from a powerful and influential family, but at this moment, she felt anything but strong. Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
“I’m doing well, thank you,” she replied, forcing a smile. “Just came to check on Callum.”
They nodded, offering polite smiles before heading down the hallway.
Vanessa also left which left the two of them alone after Henry went inside of the office.
Callum stared at her, a smile showing on his face. Seeing Ciara after a long night made him feel better. He was definitely tired but Ciara’s presence always makes things bearable for him. He reached for Ciara’s cheeks but Ciara moved and avoided his hand.
Callum was startled.
“I’m suddenly tired. We should go home. You need to rest too,”
Ciara’s stomach churns. She really didn’t know what she was doing.
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