She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

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The Lucero Group headquarters stood solemn and imposing in the morning light. Celia walked through the revolving doors, and the cool air from the lobby washed over her.

“Ms. Ross,” the receptionist said, clearly having been notified. Her tone was respectful but edged with curiosity. “Mr. Lucero is expecting you. Please take the private elevator to the sixty-sixth floor.”

The elevator rose smoothly, and the mirrored walls reflected Celia’s composed face.

She wore a light apricot dress today with a cream-colored knit cardigan over it, her long hair loose around her shoulders with a few strands tucked behind her ears. The whole look was elegant and proper, but with a quiet strength underneath.

The elevator chimed, and the doors opened.

The decor on the sixty-sixth floor was different from the floors below. Dark wood paneling, thick wool carpeting, and the faint scent of cold cedar hung in the air. It didn’t look like a modern office. It looked like an old fashioned gentleman’s study.

“Ms. Ross, please follow me.” Tanner’s secretary was a capable looking woman in her forties. She smiled as she led the way, though her eyes were subtly sizing up Celia.

As she passed through the open office area, Celia could feel the stares. Curious, appraising, some even carried a hint of contempt.

“That’s Mrs. Lucero? She looks pretty gentle.”

“That won’t help her. Laylah already came back with a son.”

“I heard she hasn’t had a child in three years of marriage. She probably won’t be Mrs. Lucero much longer.”

“Why’s she here to see Mr. Lucero? Begging for mercy?”

“What good would begging do? Once a man’s heart is gone, it’s gone.”

Celia left the whispers behind her. She walked with steady grace, her expression calm, as if the gossip had nothing to do with her.

The secretary pushed open a pair of solid wooden doors. “Mr. Lucero, Ms. Ross is here.”

Tanner’s office was spacious and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the entire city skyline. Behind his mahogany desk, vintage display shelves held an assortment of antique decorations, and several famous paintings hung on the walls.

Tanner was standing by the window on the phone. When he saw her come in, he wrapped up the call quickly and walked over. “Celia, you’re here.” A warm smile spread across his face. He came around from behind the desk. “Have a seat.”

“Mr. Lucero,” Celia said softly, settling onto the couch in the sitting area.

19:27 Mon, May 11

Chapter 29

48

“What’s this? Yesterday it was Dad, and today it’s Mr. Lucero?” Tanner looked at her with a serious expression.

“I’m about to get divorced. It wouldn’t be appropriate to keep calling you that.”

Tanner saw the look on Celia’s face and didn’t push it. He knew she seemed soft and gentle on the outside, but underneath, she had a will of her own. Once she made up her mind, there was no changing it.

The secretary brought in two cups of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. The rich aroma wafted up from the cups. “Did you sleep well last night?” Tanner sat down across from her, concern in his voice. “You looked a bit worn out yesterday. Did you not rest well?”

Celia felt a warmth spread through her chest. “I slept fine. Thank you for asking.”

Tanner sighed, his expression complicated as he looked at her. “Celia, let me ask you one more time. Have you really thought this through? Divorce is not a small matter.”

“I’ve thought it through.” Celia’s voice was calm but resolute. “There’s no reason to continue this marriage.” “Beckham, he…” Tanner trailed off, then sighed. “The Lucero family has wronged you.”

Celia shook her head gently. “When it comes to matters of the heart, no one wrongs anyone. It’s just that our time together has run its course.”

Tanner looked at her calm profile and suddenly thought of Mireya Weiss from more than twenty years ago.

She had looked the same, using that same quiet voice to say something final. “Tanner, my mind is made up. Don’t try to talk me out of it.”

Celia and her mother had the same look in their eyes.

“On the phone yesterday, you said you wanted to talk to me in person about the compensation.” Tanner picked up his coffee cup and blew on the steam.

“What are you thinking? I haven’t finished putting together what I plan to give you. If you have other requests, just say the word. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

Celia was quiet for a moment, then spoke softly. “Mr. Lucero, I still don’t want any compensation.”

“Don’t want it?” Tanner blinked. He had thought that after a night to think it over, especially after going back to the Ross family, she might have changed her mind. “Celia, don’t be stubborn. You’ve earned this.”

“I’m not being stubborn.” Celia lifted her eyes, clear and steady. “Marrying Beckham was my choice. So is getting a divorce. Since I made the decision, I should bear the consequences. I don’t need any compensation from the Lucero family.”

Tanner’s brow furrowed. “Celia, why are you so stubborn? You’re a young woman on your own after a divorce. You need something to fall back on.”

“Mr. Lucero,” Celia interrupted him, her tone gentle but firm, “I’m capable of supporting myself. Don’t worry about me. Besides, my mother left me some assets.”

19:27 Mon, May 11

Chapter 29

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