She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

“What is it? Name it,” Tanner asked. Celia took a deep breath.

“After the divorce, please don’t give the Ross family any special treatment because of me.”

Tanner stared at her. “Celia, what are you saying?”

48

156 vouchers.

“For the past three years, the Ross family has established a firm foothold because of the Lucero family’s support.” Celia’s voice was steady and calm.

“I’ve already repaid that favor with three years of my marriage. From now on, I have nothing to do with the Ross family. The Lucero family doesn’t need to give them any special consideration for me anymore.”

Tanner looked at her for a long moment. “Does your father know what you’re thinking?”

“He doesn’t need to know.” A faint, bitter smile touched Celia’s lips. “My connection to the Ross family ended a long time ago. These past few years, I’ve only been going through the motions for my grandfather’s sake.”

She paused, ar her voice dropped lower. “When my mother passed away, I was already grown. She and my father had been divorced for years. They were living in two different worlds.

“Now that my mother is gone, the last thread tying me to the Ross family should be cut as well.”

Tanner thought of Mireya, and a wave of melancholy washed er him. He sighed inwardly at how such a gentle, intelligent woman had given her heart to the wrong man and died far too young.

“Celia,” he sighed, “you’re just like your mother. Soft on the outside, but unbreakable on the inside. Since you’ve made your decision, I respect it. I’ll handle things with the Ross family.”

“Thank you, Mr. Lucero.”

“But,” Tanner’s tone shifted, his expression turning serious, “you can’t refuse compensation. It’s not charity, but my sincere gesture. If you keep turning it down, you’re just going to hurt my feelings.”

Celia opened her mouth to reply, but Tanner had already stood up and walked to the safe. He took out a document and a velvet box, then sat back down and slid both across the table to her.

“These are the ownership papers for the small courtyard house on the west side of the city,” Tanner said, flipping open the document. “It’s not large, but the neighborhood is quiet, and there’s a small garden.

“I think you’ll like it. Back when your mother lived in that area, she used to spend time there. I thought you might appreciate a peaceful place to read and tend to some flowers.”

Celia’s heart skipped a beat at the address on the document. It was just one street away from where her mother had lived.

“As for this,” Tanner opened the velvet box to reveal a delicate diamond bracelet, “this belonged to my had intended to give it to you when you and Beckham got married, but the timing wasn’t…

mother.

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Chapter 30

“Anyway, now feels right. It’s not worth a fortune, just something to remember us by.”

| 55 vouchers”

Celia looked at the bracelet. The design was classic and elegant, the diamonds catching the light with a soft, warm glow. It was clearly an heirloom piece.

“Mr. Lucero, this is too valuable. I…”

“Take it, Celia. Tanner’s voice was warm but firm. “If you don’t, I won’t be able to rest easy. Let an old man do something nice for you.”

Celia looked into Tanner’s sincere eyes and finally stopped arguing. She nodded gently. “Alright. I’ll take it. Thank you, Mr. Lucero.”

Tanner finally smiled. “That’s my girl. I’ve already had the courtyard house cleaned up. You can move in anytime. The furniture and everything inside are new. Take a look around and let me know if you need anything else.”

A swirl of complicated emotions rose in Celia’s chest. For three years, Tanner had been busy with the company.

They hadn’t nt much time together, and he was never a man of many words. She had walked on eggshells in the Lucero Household, but in this moment, she felt genuine care.

“Mr. Lucero,” she said softly, “you’ve been so good to me.”

“You deserve it.” Tanner looked at her with the warmth of af her, “Celia, no matter what trouble you face in the future, come to me. The Lucero family will always welcome you back.”

Celia stood up, her voice thick with sincerity. “Thank you. For everything these past three years.”

Tanner stood as well and patted her shoulder. “Go on, Celia. Go live your new life. If you ever get tired out there, remember my home is always your home.”

Celia nodded, carefully tucked the document and the box into her bag, a turned to leave.

At the door, she looked back. Tanner stood by the window, the sunlight falling across him, the gray at his temples catching the light. This man, who dominated the business world, looked like nothing more than an ordinary, caring elder in that moment.

“Mr. Lucero,” she said quietly, “take care of yourself.”

“You too.”

The door clicked shut.

In the hallway, those prying stares followed her again. But this time, Celia’s steps were steadier.

She knew that walking out of this door meant saying goodbye to being Mrs. Lucero, and saying goodbye to the version of herself who had always bent and yielded.

As the elevator went down, she looked at her reflection in the mirrored walls and suddenly felt lighter than

19:27 Mon, May 11

Chapter 30

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196 vouchers.

ever.

Celia stepped out of the Lucero Group building, and the autumn sun fell warm and bright on her face. She stood at the top of the steps and took a deep breath of the fresh air.

Her phone rang. She glanced at the screen, saw Jasper’s name, and chose not to answer.

She knew why he was calling. He had probably heard that she went to see Tanner, and he wanted to know what happened. He was worried the Lucero connection was slipping away, that the Ross family would lose their golden ticket.

But that had nothing to do with her anymore.

Celia hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address of the courtyard house.

The car pulled away from the busy financial district, wound through street after street, and gradually entered a quiet neighborhood.

The leaves on the plane trees along the road had started to turn yellow, and when the wind blew, a few of them spiraled down in lazy circles.

Celia looked on the window, her heart perfectly still. Three years of marriage felt like a long, drawn-out dream. There had been cold shoulders, sharp words, quiet resentment, silent endurance. Now the dream was

over.

The taxi stopped in front of the courtyard house. It was a classi Eldranorian property, with a half height stone wall topped by simple wrought iron railings.

Green branches peeked over the wall from the shrubs inside. The dark, solid wood door was fitted with matte iron hardware. The whole place felt simple yet peaceful.

Celia pushed the door open and stepped into a charming courtyard. A small path of crushed stone wound forward, lined with clusters of hydrangeas. In the corner stood a small stone fountain, surrounded by a stone table and benches.

But what delighted her most was the small garden bed on the east side of the courtyard. It was empty for now, but the soil had already been turned, ready and waiting for seeds.

She walked into the main house. The furniture was Eldranorian style, simple and tasteful. On the desk sat an open old book and a ceramic mug. Against the wall, a wooden shelf held a few pieces of stoneware pottery.

By the window, a fabric couch was covered with plain cushions, and sunlight streamed through the window frame, warm and peaceful.

Celia sat down on the couch and took out the diamond bracelet from her bag. The small diamonds sparkled in the light, clear and bright.

She slipped the bracelet onto her wrist; it fit perfectly.

Her phone rang again. This time, Beckham’s name appeared on the screen.

19:27 Mon, May 11

Chapter 30

Celia looked at the name for a moment, then answered.

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