Chapter 60
288 Vouchers
“Of course I won’t be mad. Cedrick could never stay angry at Maricela. Never ever.”
Lucille suddenly remembered the notebook–100 Promises for Maricela. One entry read: Cedrick never stays mad at Maricela.
Her husband truly was a man of his word…
Ha…
“Cedrick…” Maricela’s voice turned syrup–sweet.
“Tell me.”
“Cedrick…” Her tone grew coy and sticky, as if she were wriggling while speaking. “I… hate you sleeping near Lu- cille. Do you two… sleep together?”
Lucille: …
Her worldview shattered.
Cedrick’s response shattered it further.
“No. I won’t sleep with her. Come–I’ll take you back to your room.”
The door finally closed.
Lucille exhaled, hopping off the bed to bolt the lock.
Leaning against the door, she pressed a hand to her chest.
How could it not hurt?
That dull, heavy ache–like a giant boulder pounding her ribs. But pain? She could endure pain.
Time might not make someone love you, but it always heals the hurt.
She let out a breath, finally able to sleep peacefully. Hmm, what a coincidence… I don’t enjoy doing that with your Cedrick either…
Sleeping alone on a king–size bed felt wonderful. If not for the alarm, Lucille might not have woken up on time.
Her alarm was set for five in the morning. She planned to slip away early, return to her own hotel, and head back to Seaston alone.
But unexpectedly, when she opened the door, her suitcase sat right outside…
0.0%
10:53
Chapter 60
Who brought her things over?
Cedrick?
She remembered him fiddling with her phone last night–he must’ve seen the hotel reservation.
Calling the hotel front desk, she learned her husband had checked her out and taken her luggage.
Lucille: ?
How did he manage that?
Convinced the hotel they were married?
He didn’t bring the marriage certificate, did he?
Still, she wouldn’t make trouble for the staff. Since the room was gone, she might as well catch another hour’s sleep here.
At six–thirty, she went downstairs for breakfast.
After getting her food, she chose a corner spot behind a pillar near the window. She’d hoped to eat unnoticed while enjoying the garden view.
But then their whole group arrived for breakfast. Unaware of her hiding spot, the four of them took the table right in front of her pillar.
“Cedrick, aren’t you exhausted rushing out this early?
What’s the big deal about checking out later?”
This was Harlan’s voice.
“If I go later?
She’d bolt at dawn, wouldn’t she?”
This was Cedrick speaking.
“Seriously, Cedrick, so what if she runs?
She’ll still fly home, right?”
Cedrick seemed stumped. After a long pause, he muttered, “True. I just can’t stand it.”
“I’d be furious too! Spending your money while cheating on you?
That kind of wife should’ve been divorced ages ago!”
“Honestly, she just needs a beating. You’re too soft, Cedrick. A good thrashing would keep her in line for days.”
Hah. So these were his friends.
10:53
Chapter 60
They never changed.
If they ever stopped badmouthing her in front of him, she wouldn’t believe it.
Maricela spoke up now. “Enough. Cedrick’s already hurting. Do you really think this helps?
11 288 vouchers
Besides, it’s because he’s so kind that you’re all here today. If he were some ruthless businessman, you’d all be starv- ing.”
The group fell silent briefly before Harlan added, “Right. If Cedrick weren’t so loyal and decent, we wouldn’t be brothers. We just hate seeing him suffer. You’re the only one who truly gets him, Maricela.”
“Thank heavens you’re back, Maricela. These years have been brutal for Cedrick. He needs someone caring and con- siderate like you,” said another of Cedrick’s friends.