Chapter 86
The camera abruptly cut to Lyman, and Effie’s heart sank.
He was striding down the hospital corridor in a crisp suit, his expression all seriousness and focus. In just a few seconds of footage, Effie could see the concern etched in his eyes.
“So he really did rush over as soon as he heard,” Effie murmured, a bitter edge to her voice.
She didn’t quite understand herself, either. Their marriage had always been a matter of convenience-just two people getting what they needed. Why did she care so much?
Her thoughts were interrupted as Lyman emerged from the kitchen, carrying two plates. “Dinner’s ready,” he said with a gentle smile, setting the dishes on the table.
Effie stood and took her seat. The table was set with a steaming bowl of hearty duck soup and two other dishes: buttery garlic shrimp and crisp greens with a light dipping sauce.
Lyman was a talented cook, and though the portions were modest, it was more than enough for them-and everything on the table was something Effie loved.
Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat.
“Try the soup-I put pumpkin in it. It’s good for you,” Lyman said softly.
“Thank you. You made all my favorites,” Effie replied, her worries melting away as she looked at him with gratitude.
“Then have some more,” he encouraged, smiling.
Effie nodded, taking a spoonful of soup. The broth was rich and comforting. The shrimp were perfectly seasoned, the greens fresh and crunchy with just the right touch of sauce.
As she ate these simple home-cooked dishes, an unexpected warmth bloomed in her chest—a happiness she couldn’t quite put into words.
They chatted as they ate, the atmosphere cozy and light.
Just as they were finishing up, Lyman’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing ever so slightly.
Effie paused, watching him.
Setting down his fork, Lyman said, “Go ahead and eat. I need to take this.”
“Alright,” Effie replied.
She watched as he stepped out onto the balcony, phone to his ear.
On the other end, Isabel’s gentle voice came through, “Lyman, I’m sorry. The reporters caught what happened today… They seem to have misunderstood… I’m worried I might cause you trouble. Should I make a statement to clear things up?” The news was already everywhere; surely, plenty of people had seen it.
“That won’t be necessary,” Lyman said after a brief pause.
When he returned, Effie had already set down her utensils.
“All finished?” he asked, a little surprised.
“I’m full,” she answered.
Lyman looked done with his meal, too.
Effie started clearing the dishes, but Lyman stopped her. “I’ll take care of it. You go rest.”
She almost felt embarrassed. She’d just come home from work and hadn’t lifted a finger, while Lyman, busy as he was, had gone out of his way to cook for her.
A sudden warmth spread through Effie’s heart.
Carole truly lived up to her reputation as a top agent-she had already tracked down all of Effie’s information in no time.
Isabel, now discharged and resting at home, sat with the dossier in hand.
She studied it carefully, and when she reached Effie’s photo-a fresh-faced, pretty young woman-her brow furrowed, her expression darkening.
Damn it. So this was the woman who’d caught Lyman’s eye?
She had to admit, there was a certain charm to Effie’s looks. But Isabel was
confident she was the better woman by far.
Sitting back, Isabel decided she wasn’t going to just sit and wait for things to play out. It was time to act.