Chapter 98
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They talked for a long time before reluctantly ending the video call.
Grandma’s eyes welled up. “Zhi, your aunt has had such a hard life…”
Lucille knew it well.
Her father always resented Grandma for funding Auntie’s studies abroad while he couldn’t even get into college.
But Lucille understood–Auntie earned her way overseas entirely on merit.
First by acing university entrance exams, then securing a full scholarship, working part–time while studying abroad. Grandma, a primary school teacher with a prodigal son like him- where would the money come from?
Grandma had wanted to support her son too, but he needed to prove himself. Scoring 200 on the college entrance exam–what right did he have to complain?
“Zhi, wait a moment.”
Grandma disappeared into her room and returned with a bank card. Pressing it into Lucille’s hand, she said tearily, “Take this for your expenses abroad. Don’t deprive yourself. When your aunt left… I couldn’t help her enough…”
“Grandma, I’m fine financially.”
Lucille smiled. “I’m loaded.”
Over these five years, Cedrick had ensured she lacked nothing. She’d saved plenty, and he’d even put properties in her name.
A sudden idea struck her. “Grandma, why not come study abroad with me?”
Grandma looked startled, waving her hands. “How could that work?
No, absolutely not.
“1
Once the thought took root, Lucille couldn’t let go. Before, she hadn’t known Auntie was in
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Chapter 98
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the UK. Now they could reunite–all three generations together.
“Apply for a tourist or family visit visa! Come with me!”
Lucille clung to Grandma’s arm, pleading. “Wouldn’t you worry? Me traveling alone for the first time, with my leg still bothering me?”
“Well…” Hesitation flickered across Grandma’s face.
“Let’s discuss it with Auntie tomorrow, okay? We’ll follow her advice.”
Lucille knew Grandma feared burdening Auntic. Though Auntie never complained, life abroad couldn’t have been easy. But Lucille could support Grandma herself–no need for Auntie’s help. With Auntie there, Grandma would finally reunite with her daughter.
The prospect of their overseas reunion left Lucille elated all evening. She slept early for her visa interview the next day.
Before bed, she skimmed visa application steps. Then, idly scrolling through Instagram, she paused at Cedrick’s post.
A photo of clasped hands: a woman’s fingers adorned with a large diamond ring and luxury watch, a man’s hand bearing a silver band.
Caption: All my life’s work was to give you a clear sky. Don’t be afraid. I’m here.
Below are mutual friends‘ comments: Cedrick, you and Lucille have such a great relationship, it’s truly enviable.
This is from a high school classmate.
Another high school classmate commented: Cedrick, who would’ve guessed? You two were secretly carrying on back then.
All high school classmates knew that Cedrick, the prom king back then, had married Lucille -the quiet girl who didn’t talk much but danced beautifully. But no one knew the person Cedrick loved wasn’t her.
Harlan also commented below: Brother Yan, what a real man!
Lucille laughed. Is this what a real man does?
Hurting his own wife to protect someone outside?
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Chapter 98
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Lucille hadn’t wanted to stir trouble, but Harlan’s comment stung her eyes. She couldn’t help herself–call it impulsive–and replied: Mr. Maynard, whose hand are you holding?
Right after commenting, someone messaged her.
A screenshot came flying in, accompanied by a message from high school classmate Emma Wilson: Lucille, so you haven’t blocked me yet!
Lucille didn’t grasp Emma’s meaning, but the screenshot showed Cedrick’s recent Instagram post. However, Emma’s version only captured high school classmates‘ comments. Emma didn’t know Harlan, and Lucille’s reply likely hadn’t appeared when she took the screenshot.
Lucille responded: Why would I block you?