She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Chapter 70

The setting sun cast a gentle golden glow over Morning Star International Kindergarten. Laylah stood outside the ornate wrought-iron gates, watching as the children poured out of the classrooms like a flock of colorful little birds.

“Mommy!” A boy in a tiny suit and backpack lit up, breaking free from his teacher’s hand and running straight toward her.

Laylah’s face instantly softened into a gentle, composed smile as she crouched down, opening her arms wide. “Ricardo, slow down.”

Three-year-old Ricardo threw himself into her arms, nuzzling his face against her shoulder. He looked up at her with big, round eyes, a hint of grievance in his voice.

“Mommy, you didn’t come to pick me up yesterday or this morning. It was Auntie May who came for me.”

Laylah’s heart ached a little, but she didn’t let it show. She gently stroked his soft hair. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Mommy’s been really busy with some important things these past couple of days. Did you have fun at Emily’s house?”

“Emily’s house has lots of toys and a big garden,” Ricardo said, his eyes wide and earnest. “But… I missed you, Mommy. Beckham was really busy too. I only got to see him for a moment yesterday.”

At the mention of Beckham, Laylah’s eyes flickered, her smile growing softer. “Beckham has to run a huge company, so of course he’s busy. But you’re such a good boy, Ricardo.

“Mommy’s here to pick you up now, aren’t I? Come on, let’s head back to Emily’s house. She said she’s got your favorite strawberry cake waiting for you.”

“Really?” Ricardo’s attention shifted instantly, his face lighting up as he eagerly grabbed Laylah’s hand.

On the way back to the Lucero Residence, Laylah kept an eye on Ricardo in the rearview mirror as she drove. He was totally absorbed with a new smart toy Emily had bought him.

With his delicate features and smooth skin, Ricardo looked so adorable and well-behaved when he was quiet. No wonder Emily, who really wanted a grandchild, couldn’t help but spoil him.

“Ricardo,” Laylah asked, sounding casual, “do you like Mrs. Lucero?”

“Yeah!” Ricardo replied without hesitation. “Mrs. Lucero is the best! She buys me toys, tells me stories, and always says I’m her favorite little boy.”

“What about Grandpa Tyshawn?” Laylah continued.

Ricardo tilted his head. “Grandpa Tyshawn… he’s strict, but he lets me play with the big globe in his study and teaches me about all the countries. Yesterday, he asked me what poems I learned in kindergarten.”

Laylah felt a bit more at ease, though Tanner was always a bit distant and a little suspicious of her. He was fairly patient with Ricardo. That mattered a lot.

19:39 Mon, May 11 d

Chapter 70

The car pulled into the Lucero Residence’s garage. As soon as Laylah walked into the living room with Ricardo, Emily’s cheerful voice rang out. “Oh, my little darling is back! Come here, let Grandma see you!”

Emily jumped up from the sofa and hurried over, almost snatching Ricardo from Laylah’s arms. She hugged him tight and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Were you a good boy at kindergarten today? Did you miss Grandma?”

“Yeah!” Ricardo replied sweetly, snuggling up to Emily.

Laylah stood off to the side, her smile was tinged with both exhaustion and relief. “Emily, thank you so much for taking care of him these past couple of days.”

“Don’t mention it! Ricardo is my own grandson, and I’m happy to have him around!” Emily waved her hand, motioning for Laylah to sit down.

She settled onto the sofa with Ricardo in her arms, and the servants quickly brought over some snacks and a slice of cake for the little one.

Watching Emily shower Ricardo with so much affection, Laylah felt the anxiety from the leaked photos and Beckham’s uncertain attitude quietly melt away, replaced by a secret sense of triumph. As long as Ricardo was here, he was her biggest leverage.

She picked up her teacup and took a gentle sip, a trace of worry appearing between her brows, as if she wanted to speak but hesitated.

Emily noticed her expression and waved for the servants to take Ricardo for his cake. Then she asked, full of concern, “Laylah, what’s wrong? Are you still worried about all that stuff in the news? Is Beckham okay with all this?”

“Emily,” Laylah said, setting down her teacup, her voice soft with a barely noticeable tremor, “I don’t care what people say about me. I’m… really worried about Ricardo.

“He’s so little, and with all the chaos outside, all those reporters and nasty rumors… I’m scared it might affect him. Kids are so fragile.”

Emily’s face instantly darkened as she took Laylah’s hand. “Don’t worry! With me around, nobody dares to talk nonsense about Ricardo! He’s the Lucero family’s grandson. Who would dare say anything about him?”

Laylah squeezed Emily’s hand back, her eyes shining with genuine emotion. “Emily, hearing you say that really makes me feel so much better. It’s me looking after Ricardo, and sometimes I worry I might miss something.

“I was wondering… maybe for a while, could Ricardo stay with you more? It’s safer here, and the environment is perfect for him. Once things settle down for me-”

“No problem at all,” Emily replied instantly, sounding almost excited. “Ricardo can stay here as long as he wants. This is his home. And your room is always ready. Come over anytime.

“As for Beckham… hmph, once he’s done with his work, he’ll realize who’s truly on his side and who really cares about him and the Lucero family!”

Laylah lowered her gaze, hiding the sharp glint that flashed in her eyes, her voice softer and full of gratitude,

19:39 Mon, May 11 d

Chapter 70

“Thank you, Emily… Ricardo is so lucky to have you doting on him.

155 voucher

“I think this is better for Beckham and the Lucero family’s reputation, so nobody can gossip about us if we’re

out on our own.”

“You really think things through,” Emily said, patting Laylah’s hand with satisfaction. Then she leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, her eyes shining with excitement and pride. “Laylah, don’t worry. All your hardships won’t be for nothing.

“I’ve already talked to Tanner, and he agrees. Now that things have come to this, for the Lucero family’s reputation, to give the public an explanation, and most importantly, to make Ricardo officially part of the family… You and Beckham can get engaged first.”

Laylah’s heart skipped a beat, and she almost couldn’t keep the shock off her face. ‘Engaged? Tanner actually agreed to it? This fast?”

She’d always known Tanner wasn’t fond of her, always suspicious about her background and the way she showed up with a child.

With all the media chaos, she’d expected to be scrambling for a while, maybe pushed aside by the Lucero family to avoid the spotlight. But she never imagined Tanner would actually agree to the engagement so quickly.

Looked like the tidal wave of public pressure was working better than she’d hoped. For a powerful family like the Luceros, reputation was everything. And they were always swayed by circumstances.

Laylah quickly pulled herself together, blinking back tears, her face full of surprise and disbelief. “Really? Emily, did Tanner actually say yes? Am I dreaming right now?”

“Of course it’s true, silly girl!” Emily grinned. “Tanner said if things didn’t go perfectly, you and Beckham have real feelings, and now with Ricardo, getting engaged makes sense.

“Once all this drama blows over, we’ll throw you a huge wedding! Relax and get ready to become the rightful young madam of the Lucero family!”

Laylah blushed at the right moment, lowering her head shyly, but inside, she was coldly clear. ‘Makes sense? Please. It’s them making a deal after weighing their options. But who cares? The process doesn’t matter. What matters is the outcome.

The title of Mrs. Lucero was almost within her reach.