She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Emily stood frozen in the center of the living room, watching Beckham leave. When the door slammed shut behind him with a resounding thud, her face tightened with anger, embarrassment, anxiety, and some lingering shock.

She glared at the closed door, breathing hard, as if she could stare right through the wood and drag him back by force.

“I can’t believe it! Did he really just leave like that?” Her voice trembled with barely suppressed rage.

Her fingers unconsciously tightened around her crocodile-skin handbag. “How could he just throw out a warning and walk away, without a care, in front of all those reporters?

“Does he still see me as his mother? Does the Lucero family mean nothing to him now?”

She paced back and forth, her anger boiling over. Her high heels clicked sharply against the polished marble floor, the sound frantic and disordered.

“After making such a mess, he doesn’t fix things, doesn’t calm me down, and doesn’t even say a word. He just storms off? How has he been running the company with that kind of responsibility and patience?” she ranted.

She grew increasingly angry, her voice unknowingly rising in pitch. “If I hadn’t intervened and kept things under control, who knows what those reporters would’ve written by now? He would’ve made the Lucero family a complete laughingstock!”

Laylah remained curled up on the couch, hugging herself tightly. The oversized men’s shirt made her seem even more vulnerable and fragile. Her head was lowered, her long hair covering most of her face. Only her delicate chin and trembling shoulders were visible.

It wasn’t until Emily’s furious shouts echoed through the living room that she stirred, slowly lifting her head. Her eyes were red and puffy, tears still clinging to her lashes. Her face had gone ashen.

She turned her gaze toward Emily, her lips parting as though she wanted to say something, but she hesitated and swallowed the words again.

Instead, she struggled to her feet and staggered barefoot across the cold floor toward Emily, shaky and unbalanced.

“Mrs. Lucero…” Her voice was weak and hoarse, thick with sobs. She reached out and gently tugged at Emily’s sleeve. Her movements were cautious, reflecting her unease.

“Please don’t be angry… It’s all my fault… If it weren’t for me, he wouldn’t have been in such a difficult situation, and you wouldn’t be so upset… It’s all my fault…” Tears spilled down her cheeks.

Emily’s rage deflated when Laylah tugged at her sleeve with a tearful plea. She turned toward Laylah, whose vulnerable appearance and self-blaming attitude stirred a trace of pity in her heart.

Her gaze lingered on the oversized men’s shirt and the disturbing marks on her exposed skin. Her anger at her son shifted, now tinged with sympathy and guilt toward his “victim.”

19:37 Mon, May 11

Chapter 60

Truthfully, Laylah was the most unfortunate person involved. After everything that happened with Beckham. she had to endure yet another humiliating scene, being surrounded by the media-and now Beckham had abandoned her, too.

Emily took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. Taking Laylah’s cold hands, she squeezed them tightly.

Her tone softened, but her voice still carried an unmistakable air of authority and determination. “Don’t say that, Laylah. It’s not your fault. If anyone’s to blame, it’s that reckless, thoughtless Beckham-and the meddlesome culprit pulling the strings behind the scenes!”

She guided Laylah back down on the couch and nestled right beside her. Looking into Laylah’s teary eyes, she gently patted the back of her hand.

Her voice contained an unwavering resolve, “Don’t worry, Laylah. As long as I’m here, no one’s going to mistreat you. I’ll handle Beckham. The Lucero family will always have your back.”

Laylah lifted her tear-filled eyes, peeking at Emily with timid uncertainty and desperate hope. “Mrs. Lucero… I know you care about me, but Beckham… He looked so angry… Do you think he’ll end up hating me even more?”

Her voice broke again. She lowered her head, her shoulders trembling slightly as she began to cry.

“He wouldn’t dare!” Emily scowled, her tone fierce. “This is not up to him! You’re Ricardo’s mom, and now… He owes it to you in every sense. Parents are the ones who decide on their children’s marriages anyway. He wouldn’t dare to disobey us.”

She paused. Her voice softened, taking on a more decisive, calculating tone. “Don’t worry. I’ll discuss things with Tanner. The engagement needs to be settled as soon as possible, so those busybody reporters will stop spreading rumors and destroying your reputation.”

She promised, “We won’t let you or Ricardo suffer any further disrespect from lacking a proper title.”

Laylah’s heart pounded wildly in her chest. A rush of indescribable excitement flooded her.

‘It worked! Emily promised herself. I’m going to be engaged! I’m one step closer to becoming part of the Lucero family!’ Despite her inner thoughts, she demurely lowered her head again, a flush of modest embarrassment spreading across her cheeks.

Her fingers nervously twisted the hem of her shirt as she meekly replied, her voice barely audible, “Yes… I’ll do as you say, Mrs. Lucero… Thank you…”

Laylah’s look of complete dependence and obedience in her demeanor pleased and soothed Emily. Emily nodded in satisfaction. Seeming to remember something, she turned to Brogan, who had been standing quietly near the entrance with a slight frown.

“Brogan,” she instructed, “didn’t Aetheria recently launch their newest couture line? Get in touch with them right now and have their lead stylist personally bring some outfits that match Laylah’s size and style. I want everything, including shoes and accessories. Hurry.”

Mrs. Lucero. I’ll handle it right away.” Brogan gave a slight bow.

19:37 Mon, May 11 d

Chapter 60

He neither questioned the decision nor showed the slightest hint of emotion. It seemed to be just another day on the job. But under his lowered eyelids, his gaze swept over Laylah’s delicate figure for a split second.

“Wait here, Laylah. The team from Aetheria will be here soon. In the meantime, just make do with your current outfit. You can change into the new clothes once they arrive.” Emily stood up, straightening out her wrinkled clothes.

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