Chapter 227
288 Vouchers
Cedrick physically dragged her out.
“Cedrick!”
Maricela fumed outside, then noticed his dark expression. Instantly switching to puppy–dog eyes, she whimpered, “I’m sorry I embarrassed you. I shouldn’t have wanted that dress.”
Cedrick shook his head. “Not your fault.”
“But, I just… I should’ve taught him a proper lesson to stand up for you. I shouldn’t have let you shield me… I should’ve fought for you…” Tears welled up in her eyes.
Cedrick smiled gently, “You were already fierce enough.”
Maricela froze, unsure whether he meant it as praise or criticism. She quickly responded, “No, Cedrick, I only wish I’d been fiercer–letting someone like that bully you…”
“Not at all. Let’s head back. I’ll take you
Cedrick got into the car.
home.”
Maricela felt uncertain about the day’s events, unsure what Cedrick really thought. She didn’t dare make more trouble, and the ride passed without incident.
Not only did Cedrick drive her home, but he stayed for lunch before leaving. When he returned to his place, the first thing he noticed was those clothes.
It was already past two PM. Cedrick calculated the time difference–morning there, but he didn’t know if Lucille was awake yet…
He photographed the clothes and messaged Lucille: “These need signature delivery–they called me. Mind advising how to respond?”
One–of–a–Kind Love
Lucille woke early every day.
When Cedrick sent that message, she was already up and on her way to rehab.
Seeing it, she considered it serious business. Whatever stood between her and Cedrick, she wouldn’t let it disrupt the studio’s work.
Assuming the outfit from Helen Studio had been delivered for her fitting confirmation, she replied to Cedrick: No need to come back. I’ll handle the return.
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12:02
Chapter 227
288 Vouchers
Scrolling down, she discovered messages from Helen Studio’s assistant buried deep in her inbox. Her hectic schedule. left no time for thorough checks, hence the oversight.
She hastily responded: Apologies, I’ve been abroad and missed this. The outfit is perfect. Consider it signed for- please deduct the payment directly.
The studio operated on a membership basis, and she’d prepaid a substantial sum.
Then, she noticed the persistent typing… indicator.
How long is Andrew Lee drafting? she wondered. Is my balance insufficient? Or perhaps new designs to discuss?
After an extended wait, a single word arrived:
Okay.
Andrew followed up: Ms. Radford, forgive my forwardness–are you traveling overseas?
Lucille hesitated, then chose honesty: Touring with my former mentor.
Andrew’s enthusiasm was immediate: Truly? That’s wonderful!
Remembering the winter collection commissioned for Cedrick–now unnecessary–Lucille inquired if designs had be- gun. If not, she wished to cancel.
Andrew responded briskly: Not yet started. Cancellation is fine.
Again, the typing… lingered.
Is this problematic? Lucille offered. If it violates store policy, we’ll proceed.
She considered gifting the completed items, not wanting to inconvenience Andrew–especially knowing Helen’s ex- acting standards.
Andrew replied swiftly: No trouble at all!
Then came another message: Ms. Radford, regarding those cufflinks you designed… Several unused pairs remain. A client is utterly captivated by them. Might you reconsider selling?
Ah–this was the dilemma.
Lucille answered without pause: They’re yours to sell. Handle it as you see fit.
These past five years, she’d lived entirely for Cedrick.
Her lameness, her perceived uselessness–sponging off him at home–drove her to exhaust every effort in making their marriage worthy. She poured herself into minutiae: his wardrobe, meals, emotional support. She’d have ground herself into dust to lift him higher.
The cufflinks were part of that devotion.
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12:01
Chapter 227
11 zag Wounters
Wanting his attire to be singular, she’d cultivated cufflink design as a hobby. Unaware of their merit, she’d only known of repeated inquiries at Helen’s studio about purchasing them.
Each time, she’d flatly refused.