His insincere response frustrated Selma.
âMr.
Payne, we had once played together when we were kids.
Canât you show a little enthusiasm?â
Nathan looked down at the glass he was holding and responded coldly, âNo, I canât.
â
She was stunned.
Lucinda was about to head toward Noelle when she halted and glanced back at Nathan.
Before she got too far, she heard a feminine voice call his name.
As she turned around, she saw a good-looking woman standing before him.
Just immediately she left, a strange woman tried to approach her man.
Lucinda took offence, and quickly returned to Nathan, determined to protect her man.
Though Selma had been rebuffed, she remained unfazed and refused to leave.
âYouâre quite cold to me.
Iâve heard youâve been entirely devoted to your family since becoming a father.
It seems the rumors are true.
Youâve showered all your love and care on your wife and kids.
â
Nathan frowned and was about to set the record straight with her when he spotted Lucinda approaching.
As Lucinda stood next to him, a potent air of confidence radiated from her.
Selma found it challenging to disregard her presence.
âMs.
Simmons, your beauty seems to flourish with each passing day.
Iâve heard that women whoâve given birth might face certain physical changes like sagging, stretch marks, and loose skin.
Yet, it appears these issues donât trouble you.
â
With a gracious smile, Lucinda responded, âIâve been fortunate not to experience those concerns.
My husband has been there for me every step of the way, and Iâve fully recovered.
â
She stepped forward, looked at Selma from head to toe, and went on, âMiss Dixon, youâre youthful and attractive, but your judgment appears to be lacking.
You should know better than to act in such a manner.
â
Selma was puzzled.
âWhat are you talking about, Ms.
Simmons?â
Holding Nathanâs arm, Lucinda stated in a cold voice.
âHeâs married, Miss Dixon.
Youâre still single, arenât you? Then you ought to approach unmarried young men.
Also, please address me correctly.
Iâm a married woman.
I think you should know the proper way to address me.
Call me Mrs.
Payne.
â
Emphasizing her last words, she lifted her head slightly, projecting an air of nobility and arrogance.
Her eyes conveyed the message that no woman was allowed to tempt her man.