Chapter 45
Yet Cedrick clearly ate it up, even stroking Maricela’s hair with an amused grin. “People rent restaurants, not clinics.
Bad luck, don’t you think?”
In under a minute, he’d laughed twice because of her–genuine, heartfelt laughter…
So this was how starkly love and indifference could differ…
Lucille stared at Cedrick’s hand brushing through Maricela’s hair, remembering how those same fingers had often tousled her own locks, draped over her shoulder, even held her close. Discomfort churned in her chest.
But Maricela remained unsatisfied, tugging his sleeve impatiently.
“Let me settle this. We’ll take one slot, then pick out a gift afterward?”
Cedrick’s patience had always been deep–even with Lucille–let alone Maricela.
Maricela finally relented at the mention of gifts. “It better be expensive.”
“Anything you want.’
Boundless affection filled Cedrick’s gaze before he turned to negotiate with the nurse. “Sorry about my family’s rudeness earlier. We’re from out of town, and seeing Dr. Benjamin means a lot to us. Could we have that open slot?”
Family…
Lucille quietly stepped out from behind Aydan.
Throughout Maricela’s tantrum, Aydan had shielded her. Maricela had only met him once and likely didn’t recognize him. As for Cedrick? His eyes hadn’t left Maricela since arriving.
The nurse pointed at Aydan. “That slot isn’t open. He’s here.”
Cedrick followed her gesture–and froze completely at the sight of Lucille standing beside Aydan.
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Chapter 45
“What are you doing here?”
After a tense pause, fury ignited in Cedrick’s eyes.
The adoring look he had when gazing at Maricela vanished without a trace. Lucille met his eyes, suspecting he might stride over and strangle her next.
Five years of marriage, yet she’d never learned to face his wrath–because in all that time. he’d truly never been angry with her. Only since Maricela’s return had she occasionally touched a nerve.
Still, she wasn’t afraid of his temper.
Aydan instinctively moved to shield her again, making Cedrick seethe. “Stand over here now!”
Lucille did need to proceed–her appointment was called. Why wouldn’t she go?
She walked straight up to Cedrick, smiling faintly. “This slot is mine. I’m here for my foot. Will you snatch it for her?”
At the word “foot,” Cedrick’s face turned ashen.
That word was his weak spot. Their marriage’s weak spot.
“Cedrick…” Maricela tugged his sleeve.
Cedrick softened his expression. “Maricela …”
“Cedrick, I don’t need the slot. Let Lucille go first. We owe her too much already.”
Maricela shed her earlier wilfulness, transforming into gentle grace, her eyes even reddening dramatically.
“Maricela, you’re too considerate,” he murmured.
She shook her head with a smile. “It’s fine. Who understands you if I don’t?”
Taking Cedrick’s arm, she stepped aside and said gently, “Lucille, go ahead. I’ll reschedule.”
Suddenly Lucille knew–win or lose today, she’d lost.
Yielding the slot meant defeat. But now, entering the clinic felt like defeat too…
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Chapter 45
So what?
Winning didn’t matter anymore.
“Lucille, wait. I’ll go with you.”
Aydan rushed forward, supporting her elbow to steady her limp as they walked toward the examination room.
Lucille didn’t refuse. She feared her composure might crumble before Cedrick and Maricela
Behind them, Maricela’s voice floated to the nurse: “Could I schedule an appointment?
your earliest opening?”
When’s your
“What’s your concern?” the nurse asked.
“Well… I have difficulty conceiving…”
Lucille stumbled, nearly falling despite Aydan’s grip.
Conceiving…
She knew Maricela meant for her to hear it. But had they really progressed this far?
Already?
“I don’t need that. Even with a child, I can provide. Besides, I currently have none!”
Cedrick’s words echoed in her mind. She clenched her palm, nails digging into flesh. It still hurt…
Aydan held her left arm, voice laced with worry. “Lucille…”
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