Chapter 90
As her feet touched the floor, his hand shot out and seized her. His eyes turned dark, menacing. “Where do you think you’re going?”
His voice was hoarse.
Lucille yanked her arm fiercely.
Where else could she go?
Did he really think she’d dare sleep here now?
His ragged breathing gradually steadied. “Alright. I won’t touch you.”
Seeing her still frozen in resistance, he took a deep breath. “I promise.”
Movement rustled outside–Grandma was up. “Lucille? What happened?”
“Nothing, Grandma. I just fell off the bed,” Cedrick answered quickly. “It’s too cramped.”
“Maybe… Lucille should come sleep with me?” Grandma called again.
Lucille knew Grandma was worried about her.
She wanted to go, but Cedrick held her wrist, his eyes flashing a warning.
After a tense silence, Cedrick lowered his voice. “I said I won’t touch you. Cedrick doesn’t grovel.”
He was a proud man. She knew that.
“I need to talk to you,” he added.
But right now, she didn’t want to hear a single word.
“Just sleep. No talking. No anything,” she stated flatly.
He didn’t respond.
In the dimness, she couldn’t read his expression. Finally, he nodded. “Fine.”
11:31
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Chapter 90
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He released her.
Lucille opened the door to reassure Grandma. “It’s okay, Grandma. I’ll stay here.”
Grandma gave her a searching look: Really alright?
Lucille managed a smile. “Yes. Get some rest, Grandma.”
“Grandma, I’d love some Savory Scallion Noodles tomorrow morning.” Cedrick said, now standing behind her.
Grandma chuckled. “Of course.”
She gave Lucille’s hand a gentle pat.
Lucille closed the door again and went back to bed.
True to his word, Cedrick lay perfectly still and silent after settling down.
But barely five minutes passed before he spoke. “Lucille…”
“I was almost asleep. Don’t bother me,” she cut him off sharply–just as he’d coldly dismissed her countless times before.
“Enough. I have work.”
“Fine. Big meeting tomorrow. Get some rest.”
“Go without me. I’m busy.”
Five years, countless rejections, endless excuses. Eventually, he stopped bothering with excuses altogether. Just a curt “Hmm,” pushing her miles away.
How ironic…
Feng shui coming full circle?
Now he was the one initiating conversation?
Though, only one person could make him stoop so low: Maricela.
She’d filed a police report. Had they found Maricela yet?
11:31
Chapter 90
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He was here for Maricela, wasn’t he?
She felt a chill deep inside, closed her eyes, and slept.
The world finally sank into the quiet of night.
The next morning when she woke, he was no longer sleeping beside her.
Grandma had indeed made Savory Scallion Noodles, the aroma of scallion oil drifting through the air.
She opened the door to find an empty bowl on the table. He’d eaten, but his belongings remained clearly, he hadn’t left yet.
–
Grandma told her to wait, promising to cook her noodles right away.
“Okay.”
She responded, stepping outside for fresh air.
As soon as she opened the door, she heard his low voice on a call in the garden. Though hushed, the words were just clear enough to make out.
Anyway, she heard him call out “Maricela.”
She stopped in her tracks, opened the door just a crack, and listened intently to the person outside talking on the phone.
“Maricela, trust me, I’ve asked the doctor. He’s a disciple of that famous doctor in Capital City. You should really give it another try, go see him, okay?”
“DINK?”
“If you’re willing to be DINKs, I have nothing to say, it’s fine too. But deep down, you’re not willing; you’re afraid to try, afraid to fail.”
“Don’t be so discouraged. Other people’s children are always others‘. Don’t you want to have your own child in this lifetime?”