Her heart ached at the realization that Nathaniel had simply mistaken her for another woman.
The woman in Nathanielâs heart was Eleanor Turner.
She was his first love.
Yet because Logan didnât approve this relationship, she was forced to stay abroad all these years.
But Eleanor had just returned to the country.
And she had wasted no time sending a message to Lucinda, one that was obviously meant to provoke her.
âIâm back.
Soon enough, there will no longer be any place for you in the Roberts family.
You may have married Nate, but he and I grew up together.
Did you really think you could replace me? Know your place and crawl back to the orphanage where you came from.
Thatâs where you belong.
Iâm sure you know how much he loves me.
Even if he lies naked in your bed, I assure you that it will be my name he calls out.
Do you understand, Lucinda? To Nate, you will only ever be my substitute.
Her substituteâ¦
Lucinda was the woman Logan had chosen to be Nathanielâs wife! She was no oneâs substitute.
She was pulled back to the present by the sound of Nathanielâs voice.
Her husband was still murmuring another womanâs name.
Eleanorâs taunts kept playing repeatedly in Lucindaâs head.
As things stood, she couldnât keep deluding herself.
She had to face the reality that Nathaniel didnât love her, and he never would.
Her eyes welled with tears, her hands balling into fists.
Lucinda trembled from the sorrow and outrage that were coursing through her body.
She had been docile and submissive to Nathaniel all this time, and had even quit her job so that she could devote herself to being a good wife and taking care of her husband.
Lucinda had endured abuse and humiliation in the hands of her husbandâs snobbish and condescending family.
His mother and sister made no effort to hide their disdain for her poor background, and went to great lengths to make her life difficult.
Lucinda didnât want to bother Nathaniel with these matters.
He would probably just dismiss them as trifles, anyway, so she swallowed her grief and soldiered on.
She had humbled herself beyond imagination in a bid to win his heart, but it looked like her efforts werenât enough.
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Why did he have to trample on her heart and strip her of the last bit of dignity and self-respect she had left?
The rest of the night felt Like ages.
Lucindaâs eyes remained wide open, and sleep refused to visit her.
The next morning, Nathaniel was woken up by the blinding light streaming through the window.
He rubbed his temples and opened his eyes to the sight of Lucinda sitting in front of the dresser with her back to him.
Memories of the previous night came back to him in a rush, and his body went cold at the realization of what he had done.
He locked his eyes on her, his lips curling into a sneer.
Although Lucinda wasnât facing him, she could feel the rage emanating from Nathaniel.
She remained composed and continued applying her skin care regimen.