Chapter 38
288 Nouchers
She sighed, picked up the photo, and tucked it back into the notebook.
Enough. Protect her already shattered heart–if it breaks any more, she’ll fall apart completely.
She meant to close the safe after replacing the photo, but upon opening the notebook, she froze.
The notebook’s first page read: 100 Little Things About Maricela Bear.
The very first entry: Maricela’s birthday is May 16th.
Lucille’s grip loosened, the notebook thudding to the floor.
Her home’s passcode: 52516.
This safe’s combination: 0516.
So for five years, she’d been living in Cedrick and Maricela’s home…
Suddenly the air grew thin. She pressed a hand to her chest, gasping for air that wouldn’t
come.
“Mrs. Maynard.”
Mylee’s call from outside snapped her back.
“Yes?”
Crouching to retrieve the notebook, her eyes caught the second line: Own one or more homes Maricela loves, passcodes set to her birthday.
She couldn’t bear to read further. Shoving the notebook back into the safe, she reset the lock.
Mylee waited at the bedroom door. “The driver brought fresh crab per Mr. Maynard’s order. How shall I prepare it?”
“Spicy Crab style.”
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The answer came absentmindedly, her chest tight.
“But Mrs. Maynard, it’s king cr-” Mylee hesitated, thinking spicy preparation wasted such premium crab.
Lucille brushed past her without listening.
Day 26 Post–Cedrick Countdown: He remembers 100 things about Maricela. I sold my wedding ring. Countdown logged.
Meeting Vivian Gentry at the luxury resale shop, Lucille handed over the wedding bands punctually.
Vivian poured tea with practiced hospitality, inviting her to wait.
Then warmth spread between Lucille’s thighs–liquid flowing down.
She stood abruptly. “Do you have sanitary pads?”
Her period arrived early.
“Bathroom cabinet. You’ll see them.” Vivian pointed toward the back.
As expected…
After tending to herself, Lucille emerged to familiar voices.
She peered out. Maricela.
Of course they’d cross paths here…
As Lucille debated leaving, another figure darkened the doorway–Cedrick.
Mid–morning, peak meeting hours. How convenient…
“Darling! Look–this shop has that watch! A Zodiac Limited Edition!”
“Exclusive to the Chinese market. Completely sold out elsewhere…” Maricela tapped the display case glass.
Lucille watched from afar. That watch looked identical to one she’d sold.
Vivian produced it. “Excellent eye. This piece arrived recently. Truly unobtainable now.”
Cedrick frowned at the timepiece. “This scarce?”
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218 Vouchers
“Indeed. Limited release three years back. Pricier than standard models. Only ten pieces allocated to Seaston.” Vivian smiled.
Maricela cradled it covetously yet eyed Vivian suspiciously. “Couldn’t be fake, could it?”
“Counterfeits flood the market nowadays. Even certificates get forged.”
Vivian smiled. “Not at all. We only sell authentic items. These watches come with certificates, anti–counterfeit marks, and even receipts.”
“Did you acquire all ten at once?”
Cedrick suddenly spoke up after remaining silent.
“Yes.”
Vivian nodded with a smile. “They’re from the same client.”
“Show me the receipts!”
Cedrick’s tone turned stern.
“Alright.”
Though finding this customer rather domineering, Vivian retrieved the watch receipts for Cedrick’s inspection.
Cedrick examined each one, then let out a cold “Hmph.”
“Sir…” Vivian hesitated, uncertain about the issue.
“Not your concern. Bring out all ten.‘
Cedrick growled impatiently.
Even Maricela sensed trouble, whispering, “Cedrick…”
Meanwhile, Vivian spotted Lucille approaching from the back. Concerned, she addressed her first: “You’re back? Everything alright?”
Cedrick and Maricela simultaneously turned, their gazes locking onto Lucille.
Lucille wondered if it was her imagination–Cedrick’s eyes seemed ablaze.
After greeting her, Vivian added, “Could you wait a moment? Let me finish with these
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watches before checking your ring.”
“What ring?”
Cedrick’s voice instantly sharpened with suspicion.
His eyes then fell upon the pair of Emerald Wedding Bands in the display case.
“These two?”
He tapped the glass counter, his tone intensifying.
28 Vouctura