Chapter 197
Grandma’s heart ached silently. She still hoped her Zhizhi and Cedrick could reconcile. But seeing Lucille so resolute, clearly heartbroken… Having endured hardship herself, she only wished Lucille wouldn’t suffer anymore.
“Okay.” Grandma smiled, patting Lucille’s hand.
Cedrick pocketed his phone. Maricela had been watching him. “Cedrick?”
“Hmm? Let’s go. Time to board.”
“You seem really worried about Lucille. Called her so many times this trip,” Maricela probed.
Cedrick didn’t catch her gaze, frowning slightly. “Yeah. Don’t know why, but I’ve got this bad feeling. Like some- thing’s about to happen.”
“Are you… worried something’s wrong with Lucille? Should we ask Harlan to check on her?”
Cedrick sighed. “Lucille and Harlan are sworn enemies. No clue how it got this bad.”
“What then?” Maricela looked concerned. “Should I not have asked you on this trip?”
Cedrick glanced down at her, smiling. “It’s fine. Called her already. Hearing she’s okay settled my nerves.”
“Lucille, you actually love Lucille very much, don’t you?”
Maricela asked with a smile, though dark currents of sorrow already swirled in her eyes.
Cedrick paused before replying, “Lucille couldn’t survive without me. She’s my responsibility, so Maricela …”
“I understand, Ced.”
Maricela’s smile remained gentle and sweet. “Don’t forget, I know you best in this world.”
Cedrick returned her smile. “Let’s go. When we’re out having fun, we should enjoy ourselves.”
These were the exact words Lucille had just spoken to her grandmother.
At almost the same moment, the airport announcement echoed Lucille’s flight boarding call. Holding her grandmoth- er’s hand, Lucille chirped, “Let’s go, Grandma! We’re off to enjoy ourselves!”
Two hours later, Lucille and her grandmother arrived at Capital City.
To Lucille’s surprise, Meredith and Aydan were waiting to greet them.
Lucille froze mid–step, arm linked with her grandmother, spotting Aydan waving at the arrivals gate.
Meredith beamed at her. “So glad you’re finally here! And this must be Grandma?”
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11:55
Chapter 197
“Come on, we’ll head straight to the apartment, then grab dinner together.”
288 buchert
Meredith had secured a place in a relatively new, well–maintained complex. The neighborhood offered pleasant parks for strolls, convenient shopping centers, and excellent amenities within the complex itself.
Mindful of Lucille’s emphasis on privacy, her grandmother planned to manage without hired help during her short stay. The rented apartment was compact–a cozy two–bedroom where Lucille could stay during visits–yet perfectly laid out and fully equipped. It was practically ideal.
Meredith had even advanced the rent payment.
Profusely grateful, Lucille immediately transferred the rent back to Meredith.
She and her grandmother had arrived in Capital City a day ahead of schedule.
This worked perfectly, giving Lucille a full day to calmly purchase essentials, settle her grandmother completely, and prepare for her own departure to Magraica.
So, throughout the afternoon, Meredith and Aydan accompanied her–buying clothes, daily necessities, groceries. Lu- cille even purchased a brand–new suitcase to pack her belongings for Magraica right from Capital City.
That night, she stayed with Grandma in the freshly cleaned new house, faint scents lingering everywhere. Lucille felt the air in this world was clearer than ever before.
She powered off her phone. With her dearest right beside her, she slept without a single worry, clocking a full twelve hours.
Waking up refreshed, her entire body felt wonderfully at ease.
She fumbled for her phone, turned it on, and found several missed calls from Cedrick. WhatsApp messages flooded in too–strings of question marks followed by:
What are you doing?
Why isn’t your phone reachable?
Lucille didn’t reply.
The AC hummed comfortably. Blackout curtains still drawn, she lay in bed remembering she’d already arranged breakfast with Grandma. No rush to rise; she’d laze a little longer.
Then Cedrick pestered her again—
11:55
Chapter 198
This time with a video call!
Lucille declined.
Cedrick messaged: