Chapter 54. I Loved Him

Cercei's POV

“Well, please proceed, dove,” she said, gracefully brushing my hand away.

Taking a step forward, I was poised to confront her audacity when Lucian discreetly pulled me back, casting me a meaningful glance.

Inhaling deeply, I grasped the unspoken message conveyed by his gaze. I couldn’t afford to cause a scene in my aunt’s precious café, surrounded by innocent bystanders.

Refusing to grant her the satisfaction she sought, I knew she was merely attempting to provoke a reaction. She hadn’t come here aiming violence; she was well aware of her outnumbered status. Even if she had companions in this city, they were nowhere to be seen inside the café. Lucian’s men discreetly occupied every corner, some even discreetly stationed at nearby tables.

Taking another fortifying breath, I approached the counter to attend to her order.

“Do you know her? She seems fabulous,” Claire inquired, her gaze fixed on Vienna.

Vienna was making coq