Chapter 95
“You…” Trembling, he jabbed a finger at her. “Why report it?
Maricela admitted she was wrong! We’ll compensate you–anything you want! Why involve the police?”
“We“?” Lucille laughed. “Who’s ‘we‘?”
Cedrick faltered, then squared his shoulders. “Maricela and me.
Lucille laughed harder now, a raw, uncontainable sound. Tears glistened at the corners of her eyes.
Her laughter only enraged him further. “Finished?“.
“Not yet,” she gasped, wiping her eyes. “I’m laughing at myself.
Yes you two. I was wrong. You’re the real family. I’m just the outsider wife. So when the wife nearly gets burned alive, it’s still her fault, right?
Always my fault. I shouldn’t have saved you. Shouldn’t have said yes. Shouldn’t have stayed when Maricela returned. Shouldn’t have fought to live while burning. Right?
I should’ve just died. Then you two could’ve been… just you two. Right?”
Cedrick stood frozen, speechless.
“But Cedrick,” she spat, “I offered to step aside!
Just divorce me, and you’re free! Free to call yourselves ‘we‘ openly!
Why refuse?” Her voice cracked. “Or… do I really need to die for you to be free?”
His fury vanished like snuffed flame.
Under the rehab room’s bright lights, something glistened in his eyes.
He knelt before her. “Lucille… that’s not what I meant. You must believe this–I’m the one who wishes you well the most in this world.”
11:32 0
Chapter 95
288 Vouchers
Lucille stayed silent. The pain in her chest was excruciating.
Yes, he wanted her well because only then could his conscience rest easy and he gain true freedom. Back then, had she emerged unscathed after saving him, their marriage would never have happened.
But Cedrick, you never realized the person who could hurt me most in this world was always
you.
Her eyes burned as she turned away, voice hardening. “What counts as ‘well‘ for me?
Dying in your company’s conference room?
Or drowning in your house’s sewer?”
“Lucille!”
Cedrick cut her off, torment swirling in his eyes. “Must you be like this?
Maricela just meant to scare you–she’d stop for ants crossing the road! How could she ever want you dead?”
Lucille fell silent. Convincing someone remained one of life’s hardest tasks.
“Cedrick,”
she stated, “I know nothing I say will change your mind, just as your words won’t sway me. Stop wasting time here. Take this to the police.”
“Lucille!”
He frowned. “Tell me what it’ll take for you to drop the charges!”
“Cedrick, I’ll make this clear: dropping the case is impossible.”
“Fine…” He nodded slowly, disappointment flooding his gaze. “Fine… Only now do I see who you truly are. Who knew jealousy could twist a woman into something so monstrous?”
“Monstrous?”
Lucille stared in disbelief. When bias clouded judgment, did all reason vanish?
“Cedrick, who exactly are you calling monstrous?
Maricela?”
11:33
Chapter 95
288 Vouchers
Even if she racked her brains, she couldn’t fathom how she became the villain in the
conference room fire.
“Very well, Lucille,”
he said coldly. “Clutch your title as Mrs. Maynard till you rot. As for Maricela, I’ll move heaven and earth for her.”
Lucille: ?
?
?
“Have you even-” She wanted to scream: Have you even grasped that I don’t want your Maynard name? I want freedom!
But he stormed out before she finished.
Slumping into her chair, Lucille realized the argument had oddly restored her energy.
As she rose to change and leave, Cedrick burst back in. “Why are you still here?
Go home!”
Lucille arched a brow. “Why am I here?
For my gynecology appointment!”
“Gynecology?” Cedrick’s face darkened.
She smiled sweetly. “Dr. Quill mentioned it. Said my husband specifically asked him gynecological questions, so he referred you to the holistic health clinic’s specialist. He even reminded me: ‘Don’t forget your visit after Acupuncture Therapy.“”