She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 54

19:35 Mon, May 11 d

Chapter 54

Chapter 54

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The black Bentley glided through the night, the cabin unusually quiet except for the low hum of the engine and the soft whisper of the air conditioning.

In the back seat, Beckham leaned against the leather, eyes closed, his brow faintly furrowed.

His breathing was faster than usual, and an unnatural flush colored his cheeks. Fine beads of sweat dampened his dark hair, a few strands clinging to his forehead.

The drug had already begun to erode his control-slowly, quietly.

Up front, his assistant, Chad, glanced at him through the rearview mirror, worry flickering across his face.

He spoke carefully to Laylah in the passenger seat. “Ms. Stein, Mr. Lucero seems like he’s had a bit too much to drink tonight. Usually, Colin can hold his liquor, but Mr. Lucero rarely gets this drunk…”

Laylah’s heart skipped, but she quickly masked it with the right mix of concern and softness. She turned, gently pressing a tissue to Beckham’s forehead, her touch light, her voice warm.

“He’s probably been under a lot of pressure lately with all those business dinners. That red wine tonight hit harder than expected. Beckham was just happy about closing the deal-he had a few extra glasses.”

She pulled her hand back, but the heat of his skin lingered on her fingertips. It made them tingle, sending a shiver of fear and excitement through her.

“Chad, let’s go straight to Beckham’s apartment at Aloft. It’s close, and it’ll be easier for me to take care of him,” she said, her tone calm and assured, like she belonged there.

Chad hesitated for a moment. Beckham usually stayed at his villa, and while Aloft was a top-tier private residence, he rarely used it.

But one look at Beckham-eyes closed, clearly unwell-and Laylah’s growing presence in his life made the decision easier.

There were already rumors about her becoming the future Mrs. Lucero. His hesitation quickly faded.

“Alright, Ms. Stein,” Chad said, turning the wheel toward Aloft on the west side of the city.

When they arrived in the underground garage, Chad quickly got out and opened the back door.

“Beckham, we’re here,” Laylah said softly, leaning in and placing a hand on his arm.

Beckham slowly opened his eyes. The usual sharpness in them was gone, replaced by a hazy, unfocused look.

He stared at her for a few seconds, as if trying to recognize her, then let out a low murmur. With help from both of them, he stumbled out of the car.

His body radiated heat. Even through his shirt, Laylah could feel it. Most of his weight leaned against her, his scent-warm, masculine, tinged with alcohol-washing over her.

19:35 Mon, May 11 d.

Chapter 54

Her heart skipped, then began racing faster, nerves tangled with rising anticipation.

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“Chad, go ahead and park the car and head home. You’ve had a long day,” Laylah said, steadying Beckham while offering Chad a grateful smile.

“I’ll take care of everything. I’ll let Beckham know how hard you worked tonight.”

Chad waved it off. “No need, Ms. Stein. Just doing my job. I’ll leave Mr. Lucero to you.”

His last bit of doubt faded as he watched her struggle to support Beckham toward the private elevator. She really did care about him. Her becoming Mrs. Lucero was only a matter of time.

The elevator doors slid shut, cutting them off from the outside world.

Inside, Beckham leaned heavily against Laylah, his head drooping near her neck.

His hot breath brushed her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. His arm tightened around her waist, making her gasp softly.

“Beckham… are you okay?” Laylah’s voice trembled, and even she couldn’t tell if it was from the strain of holding him up or the mix of guilt and excitement from being this close to him.

Beckham didn’t answer. He only mumbled something under his breath and buried his face deeper against her.

The alcohol, the drug, and his exhaustion were all taking hold-his mind slipping further away, while something more instinctive began to stir beneath the surface, beyond his control.

Ding-

The elevator reached the top floor.

Laylah half-dragged, half-carried him out, stumbling her way toward the apartment door. The fingerprint lock recognized her instantly, and the heavy wooden door swung open.

The apartment was sleek and minimalist, dominated by black, white, and gray. Every line felt sharp and cold.

In the dim night light, the space seemed even emptier, quieter-almost lifeless. A faint trace of cleaning products lingered in the air, with no sign anyone actually lived there.

She didn’t bother turning on the lights.

Using only the faint glow from the city outside, she struggled to guide Beckham into the master bedroom and carefully eased him onto the wide gray bed.

The moment he hit the mattress, a flicker of awareness crossed his face. He tried to push himself up, eyes unfocused as he squinted at the blurry figure beside him. “Water…” he rasped.

“Okay, just stay here. I’ll get you some,” Laylah said quickly, her tone soft and reassuring. She slipped off his shoes and pulled a light blanket over his waist.

19:35 Mon, May 11 d

Chapter 54

Once she finished, she hurried out of the room and gently closed the door behind her.

The second the door clicked shut, her composure shattered.

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She leaned against the cold surface, breathing hard, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her palms were damp with sweat, her legs weak and unsteady.

She had done it. Beckham was here-completely off guard-and the drug was already taking effect.

‘Next…’ Her thoughts raced as she pushed herself forward.

She moved into the living room, leaving the main lights off and relying on the soft glow from the kitchen strip lights.

She grabbed a bottle of cold water from the fridge and poured herself a glass, her fingers still trembling as she held it.

After setting it down, she staggered toward the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Outside, the city shimmered-neon lights flowing like a river of stars. But none of that brilliance could break through the cold, chaotic storm inside her chest.

She reached into the innermost compartment of her handbag and pulled out a black velvet box along with a jet-black business card.

When she opened the box, the pale pink pill lay quietly against the velvet, catching the dim light with an eerie, almost seductive sheen.

Laylah stared at it, her eyes flickering with fierce conflict.

If she swallowed it, there would be no turning back. Not only was she drugging Beckham-she’d also be subjecting herself to whatever this unknown substance would do.

The warning from that mysterious man-the strain on her ovary, the risk of infertility-coiled around her mind like a venomous snake.

But if she didn’t, everything she had planned for tonight could fall apart.

Even if something happened between her and Beckham because of the drug, without this pill to increase her chances of getting pregnant, the odds would drop drastically.

And without a child as leverage, her future would remain uncertain.

‘Should I risk it… or play it safe?’ Her thoughts spun wildly.

Faces flashed through her mind-Celia’s distant indifference, her parents’ eager, pressuring eyes, Aiyana’s hateful glare, Emily’s gentle smile hiding sharp judgment-and finally, Beckham’s handsome face. He always kept her at arm’s length.

‘No. I can’t lose.’ She had come too far. She had sacrificed too much. She had endured for too long-carefully planning every step-just to stand beside Beckham and make everyone acknowledge her.

19:35 Mon, May 11 d

Chapter 54

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She closed her eyes. When she opened them again, all hesitation was gone, replaced by a cold, unwavering resolve. There was no turning back now.

She picked up the pale pink pill and swallowed it dry in one motion. It wasn’t large, but it felt like it scraped down her throat, leaving behind a bitter, burning aftertaste.

Almost immediately, a strange warmth bloomed low in her abdomen, followed by a subtle, unsettling sensation-like something deep inside her had been stirred awake.

‘Is it already working?’ she thought, startled.

She didn’t let herself dwell on it. Instead, she grabbed her phone and quickly dialed the number on the black card.

This time, the call was answered almost instantly.

“Hello.” It was the same low, raspy voice.

“It’s me,” Laylah whispered, her voice breathless. “I took the pill. What do I need to do for your assistance?”

“You don’t need to do anything. Just wait for updates and follow your plan,” the man replied, his tone calm and emotionless.

Laylah opened her mouth to respond, but her throat was too dry-no words came out.

“Go,” the man added, a faint edge of cold urgency slipping into his voice. “Make the most of your opportunity.”

The line went dead.

Laylah stood there in the dim light, phone still in her hand, frozen for a few seconds.

The warmth in her lower abdomen was growing stronger. Heat crept into her cheeks, and her heartbeat pounded wildly out of control.

She knew it wasn’t just Beckham anymore. The pill was working on her, too.

No more hesitation.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart and the strange heat spreading through her body. Then she picked up the glass of water and headed back toward the master bedroom.

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