Chapter 10
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“Yes. He also runs a business, but not on your scale.” Lucille sipped her coffee.
Through the cup, she noticed that Cedrick breathed a sigh of relief.
“What luck! Next time, bring your husband, and let’s have a drink together.” Because she was Meredith’s student, Jaiden showed her extra respect and extended the invitation.
Cedrick paled.
Lucille found it hilarious. Over the past five years, his face hadn’t displayed as many emotions as it had this afternoon alone.
Given the situation, Cedrick couldn’t stay long. After chatting briefly, he claimed that he had other things to attend to and excused himself. But not wanting to leave Lucille alone in case she let the cat out of the bag, he shot her a stare and signaled her to leave.
Just then, Meredith got a call. It sounded like someone wanted to see her.
It would be inappropriate for Lucille to stay longer. She had to take her leave.
Cedrick asked, “Mr. and Prof. Gomez, where are you staying? I can give you a lift.
They were staying in the neighboring hotel. They didn’t need a lift. Out of concern, Meredith asked where Lucille lived.
After a glance at Cedrick, Lucille told her the street name and the name of her apartment complex.
“Jaiden, I can hail a cab. Give Lucille a lift,” Meredith said.
Cedrick cut in, “My wife and I live in the neighboring apartment complex of Ms. Radford’s. We can take her home.”
“Um…” Meredith hesitated.
Lucille accepted Cedrick’s offer readily. “All right. Thanks, Mr. Maynard.‘
She stressed the form of address.
09:25
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Cedrick frowned upon hearing it.
Lucille pretended not to notice it.
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All settled, Cedrick, Lucille, and Maricela took the elevator to the underground garage.
Standing at the entrance to the garage, Maricela didn’t go further. She said sweetly with a smile, “All right. Ced, go home with Lucille. I’ll take a cab. Lucille, now, I officially return the title of Mrs. Maynard to you.”
Return?
When did Lucille agree to lend it to her?
Shaking Lucille’s arm, Maricela pleaded softly, “Lucille, don’t be upset. What happened today was a misunderstanding, an accident. This cooperation means the world to Ced. Jaiden and his wife love each other very much. It’s very important that the other party is also a devoted couple. So, Ced and I didn’t clarify the misunderstanding. After all, you…”
She looked at Lucille’s leg and continued with her body pressed against Lucille, “Lucille, you’re not mad at us, are you?”
“Us?” Lucille sneered. “Us who?”
Maricela’s face dimmed with embarrassment.
Lucille hated it when a stranger was so close to her. Besides, the stranger was Maricela. She withdrew her arm from Maricela’s grasp.
She swore all she did was withdraw her arm, not with so much strength, and she never pushed Maricela. However, unaccountably, Maricela fell to the ground.
“Lucille!” Cedrick finally spoke up and called her name.
Among the three, Maricela was the most agitated. She rose from the ground swiftly and stood in Cedrick’s way, pressing her body tightly against his. She pleaded, “Ced, calm down. Don’t blame Lucille. I was too clumsy. Lucille only pushed me lightly. I lost my balance. Ced, don’t fight with Lucille because of me. Please. I’ll be sad…”
Maricela’s performance wasn’t so convincing. Only Cedrick would buy it. If one paid attention, there were flaws. While pretending to stop Cedrick, she deliberately showed her scraped wrist to him.
On the wrist was the new watch she had just bought, ten of which Lucille owned.
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Cedrick frowned to see her scraped wrist, deeply concerned. “Lucille, what’s your problem? Aren’t you always meek and sensible? Why are you so mean to Mari?”
“I’m mean to her?” Lucille sneered. “How’s it possible? She’s Mrs. Maynard. Why would I be mean to her?”
“You…” Cedrick didn’t know what to say. Then, he ignored Lucille, lowered his head, and asked Maricela, “Does it hurt?”
“No,” Maricela replied coquettishly with a nasal. But then, she moved her scraped wrist to Cedrick’s chin.
Cedrick bowed his head and blew gently at it. “Apply some ointment later in case it scars.
Lucille had never seen Cedrick so tender before.
In the car accident, she had multiple injuries. One of her legs was crippled. It was full of scars now. Even so, Cedrick had never displayed such a genuine, caring expression.
He had also asked her, “Does it hurt? Cry if it does.”
It had nothing to do with concern. He just felt guilty.
Never had Cedrick taken care of her wounds so lovingly. When her body was battered, he ran away, he avoided her, he chose not to look.
“I’m OK. It really doesn’t hurt.” The sweetness in Maricela’s voice thickened.
“Lucille,” Cedrick raised his head and called, “look how understanding Mari is. Apologize to
her.”
“Why?” Lucille’s eyes hurt, moistened, and blurred. She couldn’t see Cedrick’s face clearly “She claimed to be my husband’s wife, and I have to apologize to her?”
“Lucille! When did you become capable of such snarky remarks? Didn’t you listen to Maricela? She told you Jaiden misunderstood. We pretended to be married for the cooperation. Will you give it a rest?”
Cedrick was angry again.
Every time Lucille offended his dear Maricela, he got mad.