For Old Times’ Sake Let Me Go Chapter 15
Five years later, across the Atlantic Ocean, Cecily had grown into a beautiful young woman, and I had built a successful career that I was proud of.
When my company hosted a delegation from America, Clifford was among the guests.
After the reception, he asked me out for coffee.
It had only been five years, but his hair had turned gray.
“It looks like you’ve been doing well these past few years,” he said.
I smiled.
“Once you leave the toxic people and drama behind, you realize how beautiful the world can be.”
He gave a bitter smile.
“After all these years, you still hate me that much.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“You’re wrong.
Hate comes from love.
All I feel for you is disgust.
“What about you?
Your kid must be in kindergarten by now!”
Clifford fell silent for a long moment before he spoke.
“That child isn’t mine.
Melanie lied to all of us.
“Her medical treatment abroad was a lie, too.
Back then, she was the mistress of a wealthy businessman overseas.
She got pregnant, and when his wife found out, she had an abortion and came back to America to lay low.
“She never cut ties with him, and that baby is his.”
“Oh.
“Congratulations on becoming a father.”
I glanced at my watch.
It was almost time to clock out.
“Lucille,” Clifford called out suddenly, his eyes filled with emotion.
“Is there any chance for us?”
“Excuse me, I’m here to pick up my beautiful wife.
If you have any business with her, you can schedule a meeting during work hours!”
A strong arm wrapped around my waist.
George Harper raised an eyebrow, staring Clifford down triumphantly.
I smiled and said nothing.
“I’m very happy now, Clifford.
I wish you the same.”
On the way home, George kept teasing me.
“I wish you the same!
“Since when did you become such a saint?”
I rolled my eyes and swatted at him, but he caught my hand easily.
“Your perfume hits me before your hand does,” he said, and pressed a soft kiss to my palm.
“You’re mine, Lucille.
“Don’t ever see him again.
I might kill him if you do!”
George knew everything about my past.
When I told him, he had gone silent, his face filled with grief and rage.
He had wanted to make everyone who had ever hurt me pay dearly.
Three months later, Cecily received a letter that had traveled across the ocean.
It informed us that Clifford had died in a fire, and he named Cecily as the sole beneficiary of his trust fund.
The news came out of nowhere, but I felt nothing.
It was like hearing about the death of a stranger.
George crumpled the letter in his fist, his jaw tight with anger.
“Damn it.
The fire beat me to it.”
