Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Effie glanced at Lyman, still a bit shaken. "I... I really don't know what happened. The heat was just so intense."

Lyman gently patted her on the shoulder, his voice soothing. "Don't worry. It's probably just this stove running a little too hot. It's not your fault at all."

Lyman always knew how to comfort people. When things went wrong, he'd blame the tools-the oven, the utensils, the recipe-never the person. In his eyes, how could it ever be Effie's fault? It was always the equipment acting up.

He turned to her, a sudden spark in his eyes. "You know what? I've got this urge to cook. Why don't you go relax in the living room and let me whip something up for you?"

Effie hesitated. "But... isn't that unfair? I promised I'd cook tonight. How about I just help out?"

Lyman could tell there'd be no persuading her otherwise. If he didn't let her stay, she'd never agree to leave the kitchen.

So, Effie busied herself alongside him, though half the time it was unclear what exactly she was helping with. After a flurry of chopping, stirring, and clinking dishes, dinner was finally served. All three at the table breathed a sigh of relief.

"This is delicious," Effie said, grinning.

"That's only because you helped," Lyman replied, smiling back at her. "I couldn't have made anything half as good without you."noveldrama

"Really?" she asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Really."

They exchanged a look, their faces glowing with happiness.

***

At the hospital, Suzan lay sprawled on her bed, scrolling aimlessly through her phone. Boredom practically radiated off her.

"Mom, when can I go home? I'm going stir-crazy here," Suzan complained.

Vera watched her daughter with aching sympathy. Suzan had always been so full

of life, always running and jumping around, but now she was trapped in this tiny hospital room.

What stung even more was that

Mitchell and Adeline hadn't come by

to visit again-not even once.

was

as if to the Lloyd family, Suzan was

nothing more than a surrogate.

The thought made Vera furious, but she knew she couldn't confront them. It would

only make things worse.

iet

"You're doing so well, sweetheart. Just a little while longer, and you be up and moving again," she said, brushing a stray hair off Suzan's forehead.

Suzan let out a dramatic sigh, still bored but with no other choice.

Just then, Shepard walked in unexpectedly.

Seeing him during work hours, Vera was surprised. "Honey, I thought you were at the office for meetings today?"

Shepard opened his mouth as if to say something, hesitated, then clamped it shut.

Vera caught the look and guessed he was holding back because of Suzan. "Don't worry. We're all family here."

Shepard hesitated a moment longer, then finally spoke. "Someone came to see me today, asking if I knew a woman named Leonora."

"Leonora..." Vera repeated, frowning as she tried to place the name. "Why does that sound so familiar?"

Suddenly, her face changed. "I remember now. That's Adriana's mother-the old bat! Her name is Leonora!"

Shepard nodded. "That's right. The guy said his boss is Leonora's son, and he's desperate to reconnect with his mother."

He leanedan a little, lowering his voice. "Think about it-Effie is that old woman's granddaughter. If we can convince her to reunite with them, we'll be set for life."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Vera and Suzan burst out laughing.

"Dad, you do realize it's broad daylight? Daydreaming at this hour is really something," Suzan teased.

Shepard scowled, his brow furrowing in frustration. "Well, what do you suggest we do, then?"