Chapter 129
Lucille’s brow furrowed. That excuse…
She punched his shoulder hard. “What’s it to you?
You’re just the monitor, not the head teacher!
My love letters are private!
None of your business!
How dare you throw them away!”
Her drunken punches, though clumsy, landed solidly against his shoulder and chest with real force.
“Are you that angry?”
He grabbed her hand. “Just over a thrown love letter?”
“Of course I am!
If someone wrote me…” Her muddled thoughts drifted back to high school.
The school banned dating, but what teenager hadn’t felt their heart race for someone?
Like her, secretly crushing on Cedrick. Yet throughout high school, no one liked her. Emma and her friends got gifts, little notes… only she never did.
Back then, insecurity gnawed at her. Born into a family where her parents favored her brother, constantly belittling her–wrong gender, constant disappointment. In her heart, only Grandma cared. No one else. Certainly no boy.
She hadn’t grieved the lack of love letters. But if one existed… it would mean someone saw value in her. Proof she wasn’t universally disliked…
“And if you got one?
Would you date the guy?”
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Chapter 129
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Cedrick pressed relentlessly.
Lucille’s frown deepened. When had she said anything about dating?
“Listen, most of those boys have rotten intentions!
Emma’s boyfriend? Childhood sweethearts, right?
I’ve lost count of how many times I saw him with other girls!
You were all too young back then. Too naive.
Any bit of attention and you’d melt!
Just setting yourselves up to get hurt!”
Lucille froze. Was Emma’s boyfriend really like that?
“What about Emma…” She reached for the car door again.
“Sit still!”
Cedrick shoved her back down. “Emma knows!
None of your business!”
“But…” Lucille worried for Emma.
“No ‘buts‘! Emma can handle herself.
She’s not weak like you.”
Weak? Since when?
“So,” he continued, eyes sharp, “what do you think Billy’s after with that love letter?”
Lucille’s frown deepened as the liquor haze thickened. Cedrick’s face was blurring into four before her eyes. She shook her head, trying to dislodge the extra three Cedricks. “Billy isn’t like that.”
“Then what is he like?” Cedrick’s voice sharpened abruptly. “What kind of man is he?”
“He’s… really kind. If he cares about someone… he stays caring…” Truthfully, Lucille knew little about Billy. They’d barely interacted in high school. Yet she remembered him secretly keeping that ugly mutt in their dorm–a stray he’d found. Years later, she’d seen the aged dog
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Chapter 129
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on his Instagram, still lovingly cared for.
“Mrs. Maynard!” Cedrick’s roar trembled with restrained fury.
“Lucille-” Someone called from outside the car window. As she turned toward the voice, a warm heat sealed her lips.
Can’t I Kiss You?
The noise outside suddenly ceased.
The car window was still open. The early summer breeze, carrying the scent of unknown blossoms, rushed into the vehicle.
For a brief moment, Lucille felt dazed, but she quickly realized what was happening and started struggling.
Pinned against the seatback, escape was nearly impossible in the cramped space. She twisted and turned, but couldn’t evade Cedrick’s scorching lips. Finally, he gripped her head, leaving her nowhere to retreat. His breath invaded her senses–dominant, overwhelming.
Five years married, yet this was their first intimacy… her first kiss.
But this reality was worlds away from what she’d ever imagined or dreamed of.
No!
When escape seemed futile, she grabbed his hair and yanked back hard.
Cedrick grunted in pain, releasing her instantly.
Both gasping for air, they stared at each other in the claustrophobic passenger seat. Lucille’s head spun violently; Cedrick’s face seemed to sway before her eyes. Outside, their classmates had vanished.
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Chapter 130