Chapter 67
Strangely, nobody noticed her limp. Or if they did, their gazes held no judgment.
Holding her cake box outside, an unexpected warmth surged through her.
Leaving the cramped space Cedrick had confined her in wasn’t so hard after all.
Beyond his circle mocking her leg, strangers bore no malice.
Cake in hand, she rode home.
Only Mylee was there; Cedrick wouldn’t be back yet.
“Madam, how shall I cook the vegetables today?”
Mylee was prepping dinner.
“No need to ask me about cooking anymore.”
Lucille cradled the cake box.
Her time here was short. She wondered if Cedrick would keep Mylee after she left.
Seeing Mylee’s confusion, she sighed inwardly. “From now on, cook whatever you Make your favorite dishes.”
like.
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“Madam…” Mylee stared, bewildered. Since when did housekeepers cook to their own taste?
“I mean it.”
Lucille smiled.
Setting the cake down, she retreated to shower and change.
Freshly dressed, she sat and began writing about this day.
Today is Day 19 of the countdown. I strolled through Historic Alley, drank coffee, watched a movie, and ate bagel–all things I’d wanted to do for five years but never did. Turns out, if you really want to do something, just do it alone!
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Chapter 67
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Back when they first married, she’d dreamed of dating Cedrick–watching movies together, dining out.
For instance, when he was clearly free, she’d tentatively ask: “Cedrick, there’s a new movie out. Heard it’s great. Want to go?”
He’d always say: “I’m heading out later. Your leg makes it hard to walk. Skip it–we can stream it later.”
Or when she suggested: “Cedrick, I heard about this amazing bagel place. Free this weekend? Let’s try it?”
Cedrick would invariably reply: “I’ve got clients this weekend,” or “Harlan and I are hanging out.”
Every “How about it?” she cautiously proposed was met with his “We’ll see.”
That “We’ll see” stretched five long years…
Today she watched the movie herself.
Ate the bagel herself.
Even received kindness from strangers.
Alone, she gave those five years their happy ending.
12 o’clock, Cedrick still hadn’t returned. Day 19 passed.
Day 18, she received her passport mailed back.
Day 16 was her scheduled visa appointment.
The days flew by.
On visa day, she actually woke up quite early, but Cedrick was up even earlier.
She didn’t know what he’d been fussing with in the room before leaving.
Only after he left did she get up. Since her interview was in the afternoon, she wasn’t rushed. After breakfast, she pulled out the document folder for her visa materials, double–checking everything was there.
After verifying each item in the folder, she took out her wallet.
11:27
Chapter 67
Then discovered her ID card was missing.
She remembered placing it inside after yesterday’s flight.
She searched every compartment but couldn’t find it!
She recalled Cedrick fussing in the room this morning!
Did Cedrick take her ID?
She immediately called Cedrick. He answered promptly with a calm “Hello?”
“Cedrick!
Where’s my ID?” she demanded urgently, “Did you take it?”
“Yes.”
His reply was crisp.
“Why did
you take my
ID?”
“Why do you need it now?”
Unexpectedly, Cedrick turned the question back on her.
“None of your business!
Give it back!”
Lucille grew agitated.
Cedrick avoided answering, persistently questioning why she needed the ID.
“Where are you running off to this time?”
he asked.
“I… need… to view properties.”
11:27
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Chapter 67
She lied.
After a pause, he said, “Come here,”
“Where?
Your company?
You want me to come to Maynard Group for ID?”
“Yes. Come now.”
“What exactly did you take it for?”
my
While talking, she moved to the Entryway Hall to change shoes, ready to head to his
company.
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