She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Back to Lucero Mansion

By the time the black Maybach pulled through the wrought-iron gates of Lucero Mansion, dusk had already settled.

Beckham got out from behind the wheel, walked around the car, and opened the passenger door for Laylah.

She wore a cream knit dress under a light camel coat. Her long hair was loosely pinned up, with a few wisps falling by her ears, which softened her elegant look.

Ricardo was asleep in her arms, his cheek tucked against her shoulder, his breathing slow and even.

“Let me take him,” Beckham said, reaching for the child.

“It’s okay. I’ve got him.” Laylah smiled gently. “He just fell asleep. If we switch, he’ll wake right up.”

Beckham didn’t push it. He closed the car door and walked beside her toward the carved front entrance.

They had barely reached the steps when the door swung open.

Emily came out in a deep plum dress, her hair swept up neatly, her face lit with barely contained excitement.

Her gaze went first to Beckham, then to Laylah, before settling on the boy in her arms.

“Laylah.” Emily hurried forward, her voice full of warmth. “It really is you. Three years, and you still look just as beautiful.”

“Hello, Mrs. Lucero.” Laylah greeted her with a polite smile. “It’s been a long time. How have you been?”

“Very good.” Emily’s eyes never left the boy in Laylah’s arms. “And this is Ricardo, right? Oh, just look at him. Those eyes. That nose.”

When Emily reached out to touch his face, Laylah adjusted her hold just enough to stop her. “He just fell asleep, Mrs. Lucero. Let’s not wake him.”

“Right, of course.” Emily drew her hand back, still smiling. “Come on in. It’s getting chilly.”

They walked into the living room together. The mansion looked just as it always had, with its dark wood, leather sofas, and expensive artwork on the walls.

But tonight, the coffee table had been set up for a child, with toys, snacks, and a brand-new set of dishes laid out across it.

“Sit, Laylah.” Emily took Laylah by the hand and led her to the sofa, her eyes still on Ricardo. “Let me get a better look at him. Oh, that little face. And those lashes.”

Laylah kept smiling and shifted Ricardo slightly in her arms, giving Emily a clearer view.

Nearby, Beckham sat down, a faint crease forming between his brows. The more excited his mother seemed, the more uneasy he felt.

“Where’s Dad?” he asked.

“At the office. He’ll be back later,” Emily said without looking up. All her attention was still on Ricardo. “Let me hold him for a bit.”

Laylah hesitated for a moment, then carefully handed Ricardo over.

Emily took him with both hands, as carefully as if she were receiving something priceless. Her eyes reddened almost at once. “Three years. I’ve waited three years for a grandchild, and now…”

Her voice caught before she could finish.

Laylah handed her a tissue at just the right moment and said gently, “Please don’t cry, Mrs. Lucero. Ricardo can come see you anytime you like.”

“Anytime I like?” Emily dabbed at her eyes, her voice turning firm. “That won’t do. Laylah, you and Ricardo should stay there with Beckham. Don’t move out. There’s plenty of room.”

Then her expression cooled. “As for Celia, Beckham will handle her.”

“Mrs. Lucero, that wouldn’t be appropriate.” Laylah lowered her eyes and softened her voice. “Ms. Ross is still Beckham’s wife. If Ricardo and I stay there, people will start talking.”

“Let them talk. Why should we care?” Emily shot back. “You and Beckham should’ve ended up together in the first place. If not for what happened back then…

“Now you’ve come back with Ricardo. Maybe this was meant to be. Celia’s been Beckham’s wife for three years and still hasn’t had a child. Why should she get to stay?”

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