Chapter 196
But sleep was restless. She drifted in and out, checking the time again and again–excited yet nervous. By three–thir- ty, sleep was impossible. She simply got up.
After getting ready, it was nearly four.
When Cedrick left, he’d told her to wait patiently at home.
Wonder if he’d realize she’d left for good when he saw the empty closet?
Didn’t matter if he didn’t. The letter and divorce papers would tell him.
One last look at the home she’d lived in for five years.
One last note in her journal: Day 0 of leaving Cedrick. Goodbye. Time to soar.
Then she turned off the lights and shut the door.
She stuck a Wishing Token on the door. Let this paper bird wait for his return. Maybe it would give him the answer.
Past four in the morning, the sky still dark, yet her mind was crystal clear–as if a fire burned within, making her whole being vibrant and light.
She hailed a cab to Grandma’s hotel.
En route, she texted Grandma: “Ready? Almost there.”
Grandma replied: “Already checking out.”
She met Grandma in the hotel lobby. Vivian was still with her.
Lucille hugged Vivian tightly. These days felt both fleeting and endless. Vivian had truly helped her so much.
“Thank you, Vivian.”
She whispered in Vivian’s ear.
“Enough of that, sis. Hurry and grab a cab. Who knows? We might meet again someday.”
Vivian sighed in relief, finally fulfilling Lucille’s request.
“Yes, definitely! We’ll meet again!”
Lucille released Vivian, giving her hand a firm squeeze.
Lucille hailed another cab, speeding toward the airport with Grandma.
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Chapter 196
Check–in, security–everything went smoothly.
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Lucille took Grandma into the departure lounge for breakfast. The meal was rather simple. “Grandma, let’s make do with this for now. We’ll have a proper meal after landing.”
“It’s fine… it’s fine. This is good enough.”
Having lived into her eighties, this was Grandma’s first act of rebellion. Her entire body tensed with nervous energy.
As Lucille placed the toasted bread onto the small table for Grandma, her phone chimed.
The sound she least wanted to hear right now–and of course, it was Cedrick calling.
What could he possibly want this time?
Luckily the departure lounge was quiet. She answered softly, “Hello?”
“Voice so small? What are you up to?” Cedrick asked from the other end.
“Having breakfast out. Place is peaceful, can’t talk loud.” Lucille covered her phone, whispering. “Why so many calls lately?”
Seriously annoying. He sounded displeased. “What? Sick of me already?”
More than sick! She rolled her eyes. “Not really, just… irritating.”
“Mrs. Maynard!” He snorted. “Did the money bother you too?”
Well… that part was fine. “What do you want?” She aimed to wrap this up fast before slipping up.
“Can’t I call without a reason?”
Lucille: …
This man grew more baffling by the day. “Sure, sure…” She nodded at the phone. “Any orders, Mr. Maynard?”
“You’re such a tease!” His tone softened slightly. “Layover here. Boarding’s not for a while. Just checking if you’re up.”
How bored must he be! “Nothing to tell me?”
Lucille popped a grape into her mouth, answering with a muffled “Mm–hmm?”
“Lucille!”
Lucille: ???
Why did he sound ready to snap? “Is stuffing your face more important than your husband’s safety?”
She swallowed the grape. “Did… you get robbed?”
A long sigh traveled through the phone. “Forget it. Eat. Hearing your voice is enough. Boarding soon anyway.”
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The call ended abruptly. Lucille stared at her silent phone, utterly bewildered.
Grandma whispered beside her, “Was that Cedrick?”
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“Yes, Grandma.” Lucille met her eyes directly. “Grandma, from now on it’s just you and me sticking together, okay?”
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Chapter 197