She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Inside the Oak Suite, the faint aroma of coffee lingered in the air.

Haley lifted a forkful of salad, then suddenly slammed it down with a sharp clatter, her brows knitting together.

“I seriously can’t believe this,” she muttered, lowering her voice. “Guess who I just saw when I went to the

restroom?”

Celia gently stirred her soup and looked up. “Who?”

“Laylah and Beckham.” Haley rolled her eyes hard.

“They were in the Breeze Suite downstairs, and the door wasn’t even fully closed. Laylah was sitting there acting all sweet and proper, like she’s already Mrs. Lucero.

“And Beckham? Just laughing and chatting while she poured him water.”

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The more she talked, the angrier she got. “He’s barely even divorced, and they’re already acting like a couple? And he’s got her glued to his side, basically parading her around like his new girlfriend.

“Seriously, what is Beckham thinking? And Laylah-she looked so pale, like she knows exactly how shady this is.”

Celia listened quietly, her expression unreadable. She picked up her coffee and took a slow sip.

It was slightly bitter, with a soft sweetness lingering afterward.

“Feel better now?” she said, setting the cup down with a faint smile. “Take a sip. Relax a little.”

Haley stared at her, incredulous. “Celia, you’re not even a little mad?”

“Why would I be?” Celia tilted her head slightly. “Who Beckham chooses is his business. Whatever Laylah wants to do is her choice. None of it has anything to do with me anymore.”

Her voice was calm, steady.

“But they treated you horribly,” Haley blurted.

“Haley,” Celia said gently, cutting her off. Her gaze was soft but firm.

“That’s all in the past. I’m doing just fine now, and that’s enough. They’re not worth my time or my emotions. You’re my best friend-I don’t want you getting upset because of me. It’s really not worth it.”

Haley just stared at her, momentarily stunned. The Celia sitting in front of her felt different. She had become stronger, steadier, and unshakable after the storm.

That quiet strength made Haley’s nose sting and her eyes burn a little.

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“Okay, okay, I get it,” Haley said, picking up her coffee and taking a sip. “I just couldn’t help getting mad. But you’re right-they’re not worth it. Let’s talk about something else.”

As soon as they changed the subject, the tension in the room lifted.

By the time dinner wrapped up, both of them were in much better spirits.

They left the Oak Suite and walked down the softly lit hallway on the second floor toward the stairs. The corridor was quiet, bathed in warm light.

Just as they reached the stairwell, someone was coming up from below.

He was tall, wearing a deep blue velvet jacket over a white T-shirt, moving with an easy, unhurried confidence. The light behind him cast his face in shadow.

Celia and Haley stepped aside to let him pass.

As he drew level with them, he paused.

“Hails?” he said, his voice clear and warm, with a hint of surprise.

Haley looked up-and her eyes instantly lit up. “Frederick Ortega? Oh my god, it’s really you. What are you doing here?”

Celia glanced at him as well.

He was the same man she had seen earlier in the dark room.

But now, the cold distance in his expression was gone, replaced by a gentle smile. The sharp edge in his gaze had softened, giving him an air of quiet refinement.

Still, Celia noticed something subtle.

When he said “Hails,” there was a hint of familiarity-something a little too intimate-that didn’t quite match the polished, gentlemanly image he projected.

It created a faint sense of dissonance, like there was more beneath the surface.

Frederick’s smile widened as he looked at Haley. “Small world. I’m here to meet a client.” Then he turned to Celia, his expression polite and composed-“And you are?”

“Oh, this is my best friend, Celia Ross,” Haley said, practically glowing.

“Celia, this is Frederick Ortega-my senior from law school. He was a total legend back then. Top of the class, everyone knew him. Now he runs his own firm and he’s huge in the industry.”

Frederick chuckled softly, looking slightly embarrassed. “Hails, you’re making me sound way more impressive than I am.” He extended his hand to Celia. “Ms. Ross, nice to meet you.”

Celia shook his hand briefly. His grip was cool and perfectly measured-firm, but not too firm-and gone in an instant.

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“Nice to meet you,” she said calmly.

But the unease lingered. Everything about him felt flawless. Too smooth. Too precise.

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His eyes were calm-almost unnaturally so. His smile, perfectly practiced. Even the way he addressed Haley felt just a little off.

“Frederick, if you hadn’t gone overseas for that merger case,” Haley said, half teasing, half regretful, “you would’ve been the first person I called when Celia was getting divorced. I just knew you could’ve handled it- but you were out of the country.”

Frederick glanced at Celia, his expression warm and apologetic. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help at the time. I hope everything worked out.”

“Thanks for asking. It’s all settled now,” Celia replied.

“Glad to hear that.”

He nodded and checked his watch, then spoke gently. “I still have some work to take care of-my client’s waiting. I’ll have to excuse myself. Hails, Ms. Ross, if you ever need legal help, feel free to reach out. I’m a lawyer, after all.”

He took out a simple white business card and handed it to Celia.

She accepted it. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He nodded politely to both of them, then turned and walked away, disappearing quickly around the corner.

Haley watched him go, her eyes practically sparkling.

Celia caught that look immediately.

She slipped the business card into her pocket, then nudged Haley with a teasing grin. “Hails? That sounded pretty familiar. You two must’ve been close back then, huh?”

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