She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Setting the Trap

It was ten o’clock in the morning. The living room of the Lucero Residence was quiet.

Nash and Monica sat on the long couch, looking nervous. Emily sat across from them, a polite smile on her face. But the smile was more for feeling bad about Laylah than feeling guilty toward Celia.

“Nash, Monica, I’m so sorry,” Emily said, her voice warm. “We failed Laylah back then.”

Nash sighed and shook his head. “Don’t say that, Mrs. Lucero. Laylah was too stubborn. When she found out Beckham was getting married, she left for Redhaven without telling us.”

Monica’s eyes welled up. She dabbed them with a tissue. “Three years, and she never once called home. Nash and I didn’t even know if she was still breathing.”

The words were a bit dramatic, but Emily believed them. She took Monica’s hand. “Don’t be sad, Monica. Laylah is back now, and she brought you a grandson.”

The mention of Ricardo made Monica cry harder. “She’s home now, but I still feel terrible. She went through that whole pregnancy alone overseas. No one was there for her. And after she had the baby, no one helped her either.”

Nash patted Monica’s shoulder and gave Emily an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Mrs. Lucero. Monica has been through a lot these past three years.”

Emily nodded. She understood, and she felt even worse for Laylah. ‘What a good girl. She suffered alone overseas to protect Beckham’s marriage,’ thought Emily.

Brogan walked in with a coffee tray. He set down the cups and turned to leave, but Emily stopped him. “Brogan, Celia is coming for lunch. Tell the kitchen to make extra dishes.”

“Yes, Mrs. Lucero,” Brogan said and left.

Nash looked at Monica, and Monica understood. She sighed, “Mrs. Lucero, Celia has had a hard time, too. These three years, she…”

“Hard times? Please.” Emily’s voice cooled. “She had the best food and clothes. Beckham didn’t love her, but he gave her everything she needed. But Laylah was alone overseas the whole time…”

She didn’t finish, but her meaning was clear. Celia stole Laylah’s place. She lived well for three years while Laylah suffered.

The room felt tense.

Then Aiyana ran in from outside, her face flushed with excitement. “Mom, Dad, Mrs. Lucero, Laylah and Beckham are here.”

Hearing how Aiyana addressed Beckham, Emily frowned slightly. She had noticed Aiyana’s interest in Beckham a long time ago. Aiyana didn’t know her place.

A few seconds later, Beckham walked in. Laylah followed him, holding Ricardo in her arms. The boy was asleep.

“Mrs. Lucero,” Laylah said softly. Then she looked at her parents, and her eyes turned red. “Dad, Mom.”

The words hit hard. Monica’s tears burst out, and she ran to Laylah. “Laylah, my baby.”

They cried in each other’s arms.

Nash turned away, his shoulders shaking.

Beckham stood to the side, watching with mixed feelings.

Aiyana saw her chance. She moved close to Beckham and smiled up at him. “Beckham, did you drive Laylah here? Are you tired? Let me pour you some coffee.”

She reached for Beckham’s hand as she spoke

Beckham stepped back smoothly. “No, thanks.”

Aiyana didn’t care. Her eyes stayed on him, bright and eager. “Beckham, you look thinner. Are you working too hard? You should take care of yourself.”

Emily had had enough. She cleared her throat. “Aiyana, let Laylah and parents talk.”

Aiyana pouted but stepped back. Her eyes were still stuck to Beckham.

After crying for a bit, Laylah calmed down. She held Ricardo and sat next to her parents.

Monica looked at Ricardo carefully. “He looks just like Beckham.”

Laylah smiled softly, “Yes. Especially the eyebrows.”

Emily looked at Ricardo’s sleeping face, and her heart melted. This was her grandson, the Lucero family’s first grandson. Celia had been married for three years and had no children. She simply never had that blessing.

“Laylah,” Emily said. “You’ll stay here from now on. Beckham is busy with work, and I can’t manage everything alone.”

Laylah glanced at Beckham, searching his face for an answer.

Beckham was quiet for a few seconds, and then he nodded. “Stay for now.”

Laylah let out a breath and smiled at Emily. “Thank you, Mrs. Lucero.”

Monica said, embarrassed, “Aiyana is spoiled.”

Emily smiled but didn’t respond.

She thought to herself, ‘Spoiling is one thing, but hidden bad intentions are far worse.’

In the yard, Beckham stood by his car smoking.

Aiyana ran out with a cup of coffee. “Beckham, here’s some coffee.”

Beckham didn’t take it. “Put it down.”

Aiyana set the cup on the hood and moved close to him. She looked up at his face. “Beckham, are you unhappy? Laylah is back, and she brought your son. Aren’t you happy?”

Beckham looked at her. “I’m happy.”

“Liar,” Aiyana pouted. “You’re not happy. Is it because of Celia?”

Beckham said nothing.

“Beckham.” Aiyana’s voice turned soft. “You don’t have to feel stuck. Laylah waited three years, and that’s sad. But Celia didn’t ask for this either. You guys are even. So just split up and move on.”

The words sounded reasonable. Beckham looked at her, surprised.

Aiyana felt proud inside, but her face stayed innocent. “Beckham, no matter what you choose, I’ll support you. I’m always on your side.”

She reached for his hand.

Beckham stepped back. “Aiyana, you should go inside.”

Her face froze for a second, but she quickly smiled again, “Okay, fine. I’ll go in. You should come in soon, and don’t smoke too much.”

She turned and walked away. After a few steps, she looked back and gave him a flirty look. “I’ll wait for you.”