Chapter 190
“You…” Cedrick swallowed his rising fury, likely remembering the travel promise and feeling guilty. “Fine. I did promise to take Grandma traveling. We’ll just go together. Was there any need to antagonize her?”
Lucille laughed. It had nothing to do with the trip. She never planned to travel with him anyway.
“Let’s go.”
He took her hand and led her out of the restaurant.
The restaurant wasn’t far from their home. Cedrick remained silent throughout the walk. Once back, Lucille headed straight for a shower. During which, Cedrick was glued to his phone call–Lucille neither knew nor cared who he was talking to.
Fresh from her bath, she slipped comfortably under the covers, ready to sleep.
Cedrick emerged from his shower soon after and leaned against the headboard. “Where had you planned to take Grandma?” he asked.
“Just not an island,”
Lucille blurted out.
“Tell me the place. We should book tickets now. Since you dislike islands,” he paused, “I just discussed with Maricela. She’ll go wherever we go.”
Lucille couldn’t fathom Cedrick’s logic. How did he ever imagine she’d willingly travel with Maricela?
“Cedrick, answer me this.”
Lucille smiled at him. “How are we splitting rooms for this trip?”
Her question caught him off guard.
“Will Grandma and I share one room while you and Maricela take another?”
Lucille pressed further.
Cedrick’s expression darkened instantly. “What nonsense are you spouting! Are we too poor to afford three rooms?”
Lucille gave a faint smile. “You’ve done it before. Back in Capital City, didn’t you leave me alone in my room while you went off with Maricela?”
“That was…” Cedrick stumbled over his words.
“Was what?” Lucille chuckled. “Did you promise Maricela you wouldn’t perform husbandly duties with me?”
11:54
Chapter 190
“Heh…” Cedrick laughed coldly. “I knew you’d still hold that against me.”
He rolled on top of her. “Isn’t this what you really want?”
288 Vouchers
Lucille lay motionless beneath him, offering no resistance. She simply watched him, feeling like he was offering charity.
“I’m on my period.”
She stated flatly.
She could’ve fought him–bit him bloody again–but exhaustion won out. She was too tired.
Cedrick hovered above her, staring blankly for a long moment. “In that case, the island trip really isn’t convenient.”
“No. The inconvenience isn’t the island–it’s traveling with you.”
She spoke truthfully. Her and Grandma’s plans never included him. “Neither Grandma nor I want to see you two.” They were both stepping into new lives. Cedrick–this old scar etched upon her–needed tearing off to let fresh flesh heal. Grandma would implicitly support this.
Yet Cedrick misunderstood, assuming Grandma disapproved of him with another woman. Older generations could be traditional, he reasoned.
“Lucille…” He pressed his full weight upon her through the quilt, suddenly embracing her, cheek against her shoulder. “Then this trip…”
Lucille felt mischief stir.
She allowed the embrace, neither resisting nor cold, merely asking with a smile, “Mr. Maynard… honey…”
In five years of marriage, she’d scarcely used “honey.” Cedrick shuddered slightly. “What?”
His arms tightened around her.
“So who are you actually traveling with? Choose one–final chance.”
Even as she asked, Lucille recognized the pointlessness. The man who’d chosen Maricela at life–or–death moments- what meaning did this choice hold?
He suddenly laughed. “I’ll go with you.”
Lucille: ?
??
Genuine surprise.
“You…” He sighed, pinching her cheek. “Still upset over trivial things? I’ve told you–I’m yours for life. What’s there to fight about? But I get it–petty feminine pride. Have your victory. Satisfied?”
11:54
Chapter 190
288 Vouchers
He rolled off her, settling on his own side. “You haven’t even told me where we’re going or bought my ticket. How am I supposed to join? Where exactly are we headed?”
11:54
Chapter 191