She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Celia Was Labeled the Other Woman

It was eleven o’clock in the morning. Celia sat in the study of the Lucero Residence.

Sunlight came through the blinds and cast long, thin shadows on the desk. She held a pen over the paper and had not moved for a long time.

Her phone vibrated on the desk.

It was not a call but an encrypted text. The sender used the code X, and the message was short.

[A storm has arrived. Should we clear the news?]

Before Celia could reply, her other phone started buzzing nonstop.

Messages from Haley filled the screen.

[Cece, have you seen the news?]

[Do not go outside.]

[Your front gate is packed with Laylah’s fans. They hold signs and call you the other woman.]

[Answer your phone. Answer it now.]

Celia opened the news. The headlines were cruel.

[Ballet Star Returns with Son. Lucero Group CEO Cheating Scandal Proven!]

[Celia Ross Ruins Childhood Love. Three-Year Marriage Was a Fake!]

[Two-Year-Old Secret Son Photos Exposed. How Will the Lucero Family Respond?]

She quickly read the stories. Before she could go back to the encrypted text, Haley called.

“Cece, you finally answered.” Haley sounded anxious. “Where are you? Are you at home?”

“In the study.”

“Good. Listen carefully.” Haley took a deep breath and switched to lawyer mode. “First, turn off all social media alerts. Second, lock every door and window. Third, don’t answer unknown calls. Record everything and save the evidence.”

“Hails,” Celia asked quietly. “How bad is the situation outside?”

“Very bad.” Haley lowered her voice. “I just left the courthouse and drove past your house. There are at least fifty people outside your gate. Most are young girls.

“They hold signs cursing you and backing Laylah. Reporters are live streaming, and it’s getting ugly.”

She paused and dropped her voice more. “Cece, I’m coming to get you. Pack your ID, bank cards, and clothes. I’ll be at the back door in twenty minutes. Hide in your closet. Don’t let anyone know where you are.”

“Don’t bother.”

“You have to listen to me,” Haley cut her off. “What if those crazy fans break in? And where’s Beckham anyway? If he’s not here protecting you right now, what kind of husband is he?”

Celia stayed quiet for a few seconds. “He’s at work or with Laylah.”

“At work?” Haley scoffed. “I bet he is with Laylah right now. Cece, listen to me. After this, you must divorce him. Beckham and Laylah bring you nothing but harm.”

“I know.”

“Good,” Haley sighed. “I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Stay safe and wait for me.”

The call ended.

Celia put down the phone and looked at the encrypted message.

She replied: [No.]

She then deleted the record.

Celia stood up and walked to the window, cracking the blinds open.

Below, a large crowd gathered outside the front gate. They held signs and chanted. Security guards tried to keep order, but the crowd remained angry.

Celia closed the blinds and returned to the desk.

She opened her laptop, connected to an encrypted network, and logged into a system known by only a few people.

[Book me a flight to Brighton in two days.]

[Copy that.]

She pulled open a hidden drawer at the bottom of the desk.

Inside were a few items: a dark green passport, several black credit cards from different banks, a brown paper folder, and a brass key carved with an iris flower.

At the corner, a black car pulled up and stopped in front of her.

The window rolled down, and Haley’s worried face appeared. “Get in.”

Celia opened the door and sat down.

The door closed, separating her from the outside world.

“We will go to my place first,” Haley spoke as she drove. “Stay out of sight until this situation calms down.”

Celia looked out the window. “Not your place.”

“Then where are you going?”

“The old house,” Celia said. “My grandmother’s old house.”

Haley hesitated. “Cece, are you sure?”

“I am sure.” Celia’s voice was calm. “Hails, take me there and then do something for me.”

“What is it?”

“Find me a lawyer.” Celia took out the folder. “Do not get involved. I am filing for divorce.”

Haley tightened her grip on the steering wheel. “Have you thought about this?”

“Yes.” Celia looked at the passing streets. “Three years is enough.”

The car stopped at a red light.

Haley turned to look at Celia. The sun shone on Celia’s cheeks, and her eyelashes cast soft shadows under her eyes. Her expression was calm, but Haley saw determination beneath it.

“Okay,” Haley said. “I know an excellent divorce lawyer. She is very tough. I will call her.”

“Thank you.”

The light turned green, and the car continued forward.