Rise of the Formidable Ex-wife (Lucia and Alex) novel Chapter 117

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Chapter 117

Chapter 117

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The boutique smelled like expensive perfume and fresh flowers. Soft classical music played in the background as Lucia and Lena walked through the displays of silk scarves and designer handbags. Everything was beautiful, elegant, perfect for a woman planning the most important day of her life.

Lucia touched a delicate pearl bracelet, watching it catch the light from the crystal chandeliers above. In one week, she would be Mrs. Alexander Kane. In one week, she would walk down an aisle wearing white and promise to love and honor a man who truly deserved both.

“What about this one?” Lena held up a silver hairpin decorated with tiny diamonds. “It would look gorgeous with your veil.”

Lucia smiled and took the hairpin, examining its intricate design. “It’s beautiful, sweetheart. Very elegant.”

“Dad will love it. He keeps saying how he can’t wait to see you walking toward him.” Lena’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’ve never seen him this happy before.”

The warmth in Lena’s voice made Lucia’s chest feel tight with emotion. This fifteen–year–old girl had welcomed her with such open arms, such genuine love. Lena called her Mom without hesitation, included her in every part of her life, made her feel like she belonged.

Unlike her own children, who had thrown her away like garbage.

“Should we lock at jewelry next?” Lena asked, linking her arm through Lucia’s. “I saw the most amazing earrings in the window display.”

They moved through the boutique together, Lena chattering about wedding details while Lucia half–listened. Her mind kept drifting to the invitation she’d sent to Ria, Lucas, and Monica. She’d written their names on the envelope in her careful handwriting, sealed it with hope she wouldn’t admit to having.

But they hadn’t responded. Not a phone call, not a text message, not even a formal decline. Just silence. The same silence they’d given her for eight months.

“Mom?” Lena’s voice pulled her back to the present. “Did you hear what I said?”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. What did you say?”

Lena studied her face with concern. “I asked if you wanted to look at the formal wear section. They have some beautiful dresses.”

“Of course. Lead the way.”

r

The formal wear section was even more luxurious than the rest of the boutique. Gowns in every color hung from padded hangers, their fabric shimmering under the soft lights. A sales associate approached them with a professional smile.

“Good afternoon, ladies. How can I help you today?”

“We’re shopping for wedding accessories,” Lena explained proudly. “My mom is getting married next week.”

The word “mom” hit Lucia like it always did, with a mix of joy and pain that she couldn’t quite separate. Joy because Lena meant it. Pain because her own children would never call her that again.

“Congratulations!” the sales associate beamed. “What a special time for your family.”

Family. The word hung in the air like a question mark. Was that what they were? A family? Lucia, Alexander, and Lena? It felt real, felt right in ways that surprised her. But there was still an empty space where three other children should have been.

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Chapter 117

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Actually Lena said suddenly, turning to Lucia with bright eyes, “maybe we should look at some outfits for Ria, Lucas, and Monica. You know, just in case they decide to come to the wedding.”

The suggestion hit Lucia like old water. She felt her smile freeze on her face, her chest tightening with emotions she’d been trying to avoid.

“Lena,” she started carefully.

“I know they haven’t responded yet, but there’s still time. And if they do come, we want them to feel welcome, right? We could pick out something nice for each of them. Show them that you still care.”

The sales associate looked between them, sensing tension but not understanding its source. “We have lovely options for young people. Very sophisticated, very elegant.”

Lena took Lucia’s hand, her voice soft and hopeful. “Come on, Mom. Ria would look amazing in that blue dress over there. And that black suit would be perfect for Lucas.”

Lucia stared at the clothes Lena was pointing to. Beautiful, expensive garments that would indeed look wonderful on her children. Children who had chosen their father’s lies over her truth. Children who had watched her walk away without fighting for her.

“No.” Lucia said quietly.

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“But Mom…”

“No, Lena. I appreciate the thought, but

no.”

Lena’s face fell. “Why not? It’s just clothes. It doesn’t mean anything except that you want them there.”

Lucia felt something sharp

twist in her chest. How could she explain to this sweet girl that buying clothes for children who might never wear them would break her heart completely? How could she make Lena understand that hope was too dangerous, too painful?

“Because they’re not coming,” Lucia said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. “They made their choice eight months ago, and they haven’t changed their minds.”

“But maybe if they saw that you bought them something special…”

“Lena, please.” Lucia’s voice was gentle but firm. “I know you mean well. I know you want us all to be one big happy family. But some things can’t be fixed with gestures.”

Lena bit her lip, looking young and confused. “I just thought… I mean, they’re your children. Your babies. Don’t you want to try everything possible to bring them back?”

The words pierced Lucia’s carefully constructed defenses. Yes, of course she wanted her children back. Yes, she would have done anything to hear Ria laugh again, to watch Lucas’s face light up when he talked about science, to hold Monica close during a thunderstorm.

But wanting and having were two different things. And pride wasn’t just about protecting her own feelings. It was about protecting her sanity.

“Some bridges burn completely,” Lucia said softly. “You can’t rebuild them with pretty clothes and hopeful thinking.” The sales associate cleared her throat diplomatically. “Perhaps I should give you ladies some privacy to discuss this?” “That’s not necessary, Lucia said quickly. “We’ll just focus on wedding accessories today.”

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Chapter 117.

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cra moulded, by Lucia could see the disappointment in her eyes. The confusion of a girl who had never experienced the kind of betrayal that left permanent scars.

They continued shopping in relative quiet, Lena’s earlier excitement dimmed by the weight of Lucia’s rejection. She still made suggestions about jewelry and shoes, but her voice lacked its previous spare.

As they moved through the boutique, Lucia caught glimpses of herself in the mirrors. She looked elegant, sophisticated, successful. But underneath the designer clothes and carefully applied makeup, she felt hollow. Like she was playing a role in someone else’s life.

“What about this necklace?” Lena held up a strand of pearls that would complement Lucia’s wedding dress perfectly.

“It’s lovely.” Lucia agreed, though her voice sounded distant even to her own ears.

Lena set down the necklace and turned to face her fully. “Mom, are you okay? You seem sad.”

The question broke something loose inside Lucia’s chest. Sad was too small a word for what she felt. Sad was losing a pet or missing a friend. This was deeper, wider, more permanent. This was the pain of loving children who no longer loved her back.

“I’m fine, sweetheart. Just thinking about the wedding.”

“Are you having second thoughts? About marrying Dad?”

“No.” Lucia said quickly, and she meant it. “No second thoughts about Alexander. He’s the best thing that’s happened to me in years.”

“Then what?”

Lucia looked at Lena’s concerned face, this beautiful girl who had become her daughter in every way that mattered. How could she explain that even the happiest moments were tinged with grief for the children who should have been there to share them?

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