Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Lucy patted my shoulder. “You know how things are with the Coopers. We only see them for holiday dinners, and after that, we’re out the door.
“That’s why I stayed out of it at first. If you hadn’t come to your senses and misunderstood my intentions, I would’ve ended up being blamed for butting in. So, I held back at first.”
I nodded, indicating that I understood. Wayne and I had just gotten married, but Lucy managed to push us into a divorce. If the word spread, she’d be shredded by gossip.
She smiled with relief. “Honestly, I was just waiting for you to figure things out. I know the Coopers better than anyone. Kyle didn’t want me to speak up for you because he was worried I’d get an earful later. I couldn’t forget seeing you with your parents on your wedding day, and it tugged at my heart.”
Lucy told me she was sitting in a corner during my wedding day, noticing everything that happened.
Mom and Dad seemed joyful, but she noticed they were secretly wiping away tears. They loved me deeply and would never let me suffer.
“Gloria got drunk that day and went on a rampage, yelling at the hotel staff, especially a few young waitresses until they were in tears. But I saw your parents quietly apologizing to them and slipping them extra tips,” Lucy said.
Her eyes glistened with tears as she added, “I grew up without parents, and all I could think was that if I had a mom and dad like yours, they would’ve cherished me, too. A family as kind as yours would never go up against the Coopers.
“That’s when I decided–I’d be there for you, as long as you were strong enough to stand up for yourself and wouldn’t let others mistreat you.”
“Lucy…” I broke down and wrapped my arms around her.
She gently patted my back as if soothing a child. “You’re still so young, Melanie. Don’t let a bad marriage wear you down. But you and Wayne just got married, after all. Will you resent me for coming between you two?”
“No way!” I straightened up instantly.
Lucy was like a guardian angel to me. Without her, my life would have fallen apart.
Wayne wasn’t a bad person, but he was selfish, always putting his family first. He didn’t marry me because he loved me, and I would’ve ended up divorcing him eventually.
The only problem was that it was nearly midnight by then. Going home felt impossible as I had no idea how to explain everything to my family.
Lucy must have sensed my trouble because she invited me to spend Christmas with her and Kyle. I liked them both, so I happily agreed.
That Christmas Eve turned out to be unlike any other. I spent it with Lucy and Kyle, who had a big dog and two and counted down to Christmas together in front of the TV.
