Chapter 99
Emma: You’ve vanished for five years. Since your wedding, you’ve never attended any class reunions, never surfaced in any class group chats, never contacted any classmates.
Lucille froze.
She knew she’d become a recluse, but Emma’s words slapped her like a physical blow, jolting her into sharper awareness.
So she’d been confined to such a tiny circle–whether by this marriage or by herself.
Emma messaged again: And Cedrick too, hiding you away so thoroughly. Every reunion, he’d say you dislike socializing. If we weren’t classmates who know Cedrick well, we’d think he imprisoned you.
Lucille’s heart turned cold.
So he had been meeting their old high school friends all along, yet never mentioned it to her.
How could she explain to Emma? Maybe she did dislike social events, but that wasn’t why she missed reunions. The truth was Cedrick never wanted to acknowledge her as his wife in front of classmates. If it were Maricela, would he proudly show her off?
Of course he would!
Whether negotiating with Meredith’s family or Aydan’s, he always brought Maricela. The one he flaunted on Instagram for all to see was always Maricela…
She hadn’t realized it until now, but saying it aloud shocked Lucille: She’d never appeared in Cedrick’s Instagram.
Not once.
Not even their wedding made the cut.
Emma: Lucille, we’re all scattered and busy now. Next holiday reunion, make Cedrick bring you out!
What’s he playing at?
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Chapter 99
Afraid someone will steal you away?
Lucille smiled faintly, replying only: Okay.
Emma: Your Cedrick deleted his Instagram post again. What’s he playing at?
Lucille checked–indeed deleted. Because, of course, she’d impulsively replied!
Emma: Lucille, do you and Cedrick have a baby yet?
I can’t even imagine how stunning your child would be with both your looks.
Every word Emma said tonight pierced Lucille’s heart, each sentence driving deeper.
But it wasn’t Emma’s fault.
What sane person would expect a married man to publicly announce another woman on Instagram?
Lucille answered seriously: No, we don’t have children.
She used to fantasize too…
Imagining what their baby might look like, even creating composite photos on her phone. Back then, she foolishly sent them to Cedrick.
He replied: I’m in a meeting. Don’t disturb me.
She truly believed him and felt guilty–until she went to close the curtains and saw him standing motionless in the garden below.
He simply refused to come home before his scheduled time.
And he absolutely didn’t want to discuss children.
Emma, how have you been?
What are you busy with lately?
She changed the subject, unwilling to dwell on Cedrick any longer.
Emma: Me?
Working nonstop like a pack mule. At an architecture firm now, drafting blueprints and inspecting sites daily. Currently on a business trip–I’ll catch up with you later.
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288 Vouchers
Chapter 99
✰ 282 Vouchera
Lucille replied “Okay.”
Emma: Alright, I won’t keep you. Wouldn’t want your Cedrick complaining I’m intruding on your couple time, haha!
Lucille: Goodnight, Emma.
Emma sent a sleeping emoji.
The conversation sparked Lucille’s curiosity about Instagram.
For five years–five years of crippling insecurity–she’d severed all real–world connections, vanishing even from online circles.
She began checking her Instagram groups, scrolling through classmates‘ posts. Everyone’s lives seemed vibrant and colorful.
She knew everyone faced struggles beneath the surface, that life wasn’t all tranquility. Yet each person marched forward with determination.
Only she had fallen behind.
But it’s fine. Wait for me, everyone! Lucille’s catching up!
She also saw Vivian collecting luxury goods while pulling all–nighters with her boyfriend. Photos and captions revealed he worked in IT–a young couple striving toward their future, radiating energy.
Naturally, she scrolled past Cedrick’s profile and checked it. That post from earlier? Already
gone.