She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 26

19:26 Mon, May 11

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

The study was quiet except for the steady ticking of the antique wall clock.

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Tanner’s eyes rested on the divorce agreement lying on the coffee table, but he didn’t reach for it. The words “Divorce Agreement” on the cover gleamed cold and hard under the desk lamp, like a silent blade.

He was silent for so long that Celia almost thought he wouldn’t speak again.

Then he slowly lifted his gaze. His eyes, which had seen decades of business battles, now held guilt, tenderness, helplessness, and a deep, hidden pain.

“Cece,” he said, his voice slightly hoarse, “have you really thought this through?”

He called her “Cece,” not “Celia” or “Ms. Ross.” It was a nickname only the closest family used, and for three years, he had been the only one in the Lucero family to call her that.

Celia’s heart gave a soft flutter, but her expression stayed calm. “I’ve thought it through, Dad.”

“Is Becm forcing you?” Tanner leaned forward slightly, his hands clasped on the desk. “Is it because of Laylah and the boy? Or did Emily say something terrible? You can tell me. I can…”

“No.” Celia cut him off gently. “None of that. I want the divorce for myself.”

Tanner looked at her, at those clear, steady eyes, and let out a long, deep sigh.

“Cece, you know,” he said, his voice dropping into something distant and wistful, “when I look at you, I always see your mother. Not the face. It’s the way you carry yourself.

“That quiet strength. The way you don’t make a scene, don’t shout, but underneath it all, you’re more stubborner than anyone.”

Celia froze. She hadn’t expected Tanner to bring up her mother.

“Back then, your mother…” Tanner paused, lost in memory for a moment, then shook his head. “Neve, nind. That’s all in the past. But Cece, you should know that in my heart, you are my real daughter-in-law. I’ve never acknowledged Laylah.”

He spoke slowly, each word carefully weighed. “If you don’t want her around, I can arrange for her to go back overseas. She doesn’t have to come back. Ricardo is innocent.

“We can raise him, but I promise you, your position in this family won’t be affected. And as for Emily, don’t let her words get to you. That’s just how she is…”

“Dad,” Celia interrupted Tanner again, this time with something almost like pleading in her voice, “it’s not about any of that.”

She lifted her head and looked directly into his eyes. “It’s not about Laylah. It’s not about Emily. It’s not even about Ricardo.

19:27 Mon, May 11

Chapter 26

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“It’s that this marriage was wrong from the very beginning. It’s been three years. I don’t want to keep making the same mistake anymore.”

Tanner looked at her, at the unshakable resolve in this young woman’s eyes, and felt a deep, helpless ache settle in his chest.

He thought back to three years ago, when Jasper Ross had brought Celia to him, begging for help.

He had known even then that this marriage wouldn’t be happy, since Beckham’s heart belonged to someone else, and Celia was too quiet, too still, like deep water that looked calm on the surface but hid a stubborn current underneath.

But Tanner had agreed anyway. Partly to help the Ross family, and partly because in Celia, he saw r a woman he had once loved and never been able to have.

He had thought time would change things. Looking back now, he had been wrong.

“Is there really… no chance left?” Tanner asked one last time, a thread of hope still clinging to his voice.

Celia shook her head gently. “No, Dad.”

The room fell silent again.

ghost of

The clock ticked on, loud in the quiet, like footsteps walking steadily toward an ending that had already been written.

After a long time, Tanner exhaled slowly, heavily, as if he had finally made peace with something.

“Alright,” he said, nodding. “If that’s your decision, I respect it.”

Celia felt a small release of tension in her chest, but it was followed by a strange, unexpected ache.

For three years, Tanner had been the only person in the Lucero family who had treated her with kindness. Now that she was leaving, he was the one she would miss the most.

“Thank you, Dad,” she said softly.

“Don’t thank me.” Tanner gave a bitter smile. “I should be the one thanking you. For staying with this family for three years. And for always being so understanding.”

He paused, and his tone grew serious. “Cece, I’ll agree to the divorce, but I have to compensate you. You’ve been wronged these three years. The Lucero family can’t let you walk away with nothing.”

“Dad, you don’t have to…”

“Yes, I do.” Tanner cut her off, his voice firm. “If you refuse, I won’t agree to the divorce.”

Celia stared at him. His eyes were steady, leaving no room for argument. She knew he meant it.

After a few seconds of silence, she finally nodded, “Alright. But Dad, I really don’t need anything. If you insist… then donate it in my name. To a medical foundation. Or to kids in poor rural areas.“

19:27 Mon, May 11

Chapter 26

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Tanner looked at her deeply, and something shifted in his eyes; he was moved that even now, at a time like this, she was still thinking of others.

“Alright,” he said. “I’ll arrange it. But you have to keep a portion for yourself. That’s my final offer.”

Celia knew there was no point in arguing further, so she nodded. “Then… thank you.”

Tanner’s expression finally softened, He leaned back in his chair and studied her face. “Cece, after the divorce, what are your plans? Will you go back to the Ross family?”

“Not right away.” Celia said. “I’m thinking of spending some time in Valoria. There are some things I need to take care of there.”

She didn’t say what those things were, and Tanner didn’t ask. He knew that behind this gentle exterior, this young woman had her own quiet determination and private plans.

“That might be good,” Tanner said. “A change of scenery. But Cece, promise me one thing. Come back and visit me when you have time. You’ll always be like a daughter to me.”

Celia’s eyes suddenly felt warm. She blinked hard and nodded. “I will, Dad.”

“And one more thing.” Tanner hesitated. “Next Saturday is my fiftieth birthday. The family is having a small party. Would you come? It’ll be the last time you celebrate with me as my daughter-in-law.”

He looked at her with hope in his eyes. “And by then, I’ll have Beckham’s signed divorce papers ready for you. Don’t worry. I’ll handle this. I won’t let it be hard on you.”

Celia was quiet for a few seconds. Next Saturday, one week from now. She had originally played to leave Silvergate within the next few days.

But looking at Tanner’s hopeful eyes, she finally nodded. “Alright. I’ll come.”

For the first time that night, a genuine smile appeared on Tanner s face. “Then it’s settled.”

He stood up, walked to the bookcase, and opened a hidden compartment. From inside, he took out a dark blue velvet box. It wasn’t large, but it looked valuable.

“Take this,” he said, sliding the box across the desk toward her. “Not worth much money. It’s a brooch your mother left here years ago. Time to return it to its rightful owner.”

Celia froze. She looked at the box, her hands trembling slightly as she opened it.

Inside lay a pearl brooch, simple and elegant, its pearl glowing softly under the light. She recognized it immediately as her mother’s favorite piece.

“Dad, this…”

“Keep it.” Tanner’s voice was gentle. “Think of it as me keeping it safe for your mother all these years.”

Celia’s fingers brushed lightly over the brooch, and the cool touch sent a wave of warmth through her chest. She carefully closed the box and held it in her palm. “Thank you, Dad.”

19:27 Mon, May 11

Chapter 26

“The gratitude should be mine.” Tanner walked back around the desk and sat down again. “Cece, remember this. No matter what trouble you face in the future, the Lucero family has your back. That promise always stands.”

Celia stood up and bowed deeply. “Dad, take care of yourself.”

“You too.” Tanner looked at her, reluctance in his eyes. “Stay safe on your way. I’ll see you Saturday.”

Celia nodded, turned, and walked toward the door.

Her hand was on the handle when she heard Tanner’s soft voice behind her. “Cece, be happy.”

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