Chapter 136
Aydan felt awkward. He had little respect for Lucille’s husband. Outside, he might have confronted him, but this was a hospital, Lucille was injured, and regardless, Cedrick was her husband. For Lucille’s sake…
He swallowed his pride.
“Lucille,” he stood up, “I’ll head off then. Rest well. I’ll visit another time.”
“I’m so sorry, Aydan,” Lucille said, genuinely furious at Cedrick’s discourtesy.
“No worries, no worries. Focus on healing. We’ll see each other then.” Aydan winked. “See you then” was their private code, meaning they’d meet with the touring company.
As Aydan left, Cedrick fixed his gaze on Lucille. “What was that code? ‘See you then‘? Where are you meeting? Mrs. Maynard, don’t forget who you are!”
Lucille pulled the blanket higher. “Mr. Maynard, hospitals have visiting hours. Patients need rest. Please leave.”
“Kicking me out?” Cedrick pointed towards the door. “You defend that kid and throw me out? What’s your game?”
“Exactly what I said,” Lucille leaned back against the headboard. “Please. Leave. Now.” Cedrick’s anger flared. He glanced at the nervous nurse hovering nearby. “Who are you?”
“N–nurse,” the nurse stammered, clearly uncomfortable.
“Found yourself a nurse, did you?” Cedrick’s tone dripped with sarcasm. He gave a cold laugh. “Leave us.” The command was for the nurse.
The nurse looked at Lucille. Seeing no objection and guessing who the imposing visitor likely was – probably a marital spat – she retreated outside the room but stayed close. She was hired by the patient and felt responsible.
Cedrick sat on the edge of the bed, leaned down, planted his hands on either side of Lucille, and loomed over her. “Why did you block me?”
Lucille thought for a moment and said, “Only a few matters connect us. First, cash out our
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Chapter 136
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contract settlement whenever you finalize it. Second, dropping the case. Third… maybe property division later. All solvable by phone. No need for WhatsApp contacts. I don’t want rat shit ruining my Instagram feed.”
“Rat shit? Who’s rat shit?”
Lucille raised an eyebrow. Whoever reacted first was guilty.
“I’ve never fucking posted on Instagram! How am I in your way?”
He swore, visibly agitated.
Lucille said, “Oh?”
Really?
Never posted?
Deleted posts don’t count?
He stared at her, suddenly grabbing her face and kissing her hard.
Lucille couldn’t dodge–her head still hurt from last night!
“Cedrick! Are you an animal?”
Cedrick snorted coldly. “If I’m rat shit, what does that make you? Aren’t you eating shit right now?”
“I…” Nausea churned in Lucille’s stomach–last night’s alcohol still unsettled, his words making it worse. She leaned over the bed, gagging.
Cedrick kicked the wastebasket toward her. “Mrs. Johnson! Why do you always vomit when I kiss you?!”
Lucille retched dryly before snapping back, “All these married years, haven’t you been jerking off while chanting your precious Maricela ‘s name? Can’t I puke now?”
Cedrick settled with a start, eyes wide as he stared at her.
Lucille gazed back calmly, expression unreadable.
“You…” Cedrick remained rigid for a long moment before stammering, “How did you…”
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Chapter 136
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“Cedrick.”
She kept her eyes fixed ahead. “You’re not the only clever one in this world. Some choose silence, not ignorance.”
“Lucille, I just…” He sat before her, words faltering.
Lucille waited. But clearly, no explanation would come.
He couldn’t lie to her face–a trait she couldn’t decide was virtue or flaw. Yet precisely because of this, he now found no justification to offer.
“Cedrick.”
She cut through his struggle; he’d reached an impasse. “Here’s your choice: leave now. Or stay and never see Maricela again.”
Cedrick lifted his gaze, conflict unmistakable in his eyes.
“I mean this, Cedrick.
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Her resolve held steady.