Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Grace watched Lyman with anticipation, waiting for a word of praise.

But Lyman just smiled slightly and said, "Not bad."

The head pat she'd hoped for never came, nor any gentle reassurance that she'd done a great job. Just those two words: not bad.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Grace's eyes.

Just two words.

He's changed, she thought bitterly. Ever since he lost his wife, Lyman really has changed.

"Lyman," she started.

Lyman cut her off. "Andie looks exhausted. Why don't you take him to my mom's place for a bit? He always loved being there."

Lindy Etheridge adored Andie. He was such a sweet, well-behaved little boy.

In Lyman's mind, Grace couldn't really manage Andie on her own.

"Well... okay, I suppose," Grace replied, trying to mask her reluctance.

"Alright. Let's drop by my parents' first," Lyman said, making it clear he wasn't about to leave Andie in Grace's care alone.

Suddenly, Grace seemed to remember something. She glanced over at Effie. "Effie, are we intruding on you?"

Her voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge to her gaze that made Effie uncomfortable, as if Grace was issuing a challenge.

Effie smiled back, unruffled. "Of course not. You're Lyman's sister, which makes you family. Looking after family is the least I can do."noveldrama

Grace felt a lump rise in her throat, so tight she could barely speak.

Damn Effie. She was doing this on purpose! With just a few words, she'd made it clear who really belonged in Lyman's inner circle-and who didn't.

Grace stood awkwardly on the outside, excluded from whatever bond Lyman and Effie shared.

It hurt. It was like watching something precious slip right out of her hands.

But on the surface, Grace kept her composure.

She forced a bright smile at Effie. "That's great. I'm glad."

When it was time to get in the car, Effie climbed in first with Andie in her arms, and Lyman slipped in after her. There was no room left in the back. .

Grace "Effie, mother.

give

Andie to me. I'm his

moked at Effie, her jaw tight. . It doesn't look right

to be holding him all the time.

Effie replied, "I can, but only if Andie wants to."

Naturally, Andie clung to Effie and wouldn't let go.

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Grace's patience wore thin. "Andie's just a child. What does he know?"

"Exactly," Effie said calmly. "He's a child. He doesn't overthink things he just reacts honestly You're too anxious, Grace. It scares him. That's why he'd rather stay with me right now."

Lyman gave Effie's hand a gentle squeeze, murmuring softly, "Grace is under a lot of stress lately, so..."

Effie met Lyman's eyes and nodded. "I know. I'll be careful."

They spoke so quietly that Grace couldn't catch a word, which only made her feel worse-like a wall had gone up, shutting her out.

"How would you know unless you let me try?" Grace snapped, yanking open the car door and reaching for Andie.

Predictably, Andie shrank back, bursting into frightened tears.

"Grace!" Effie glared at her, trying to keep her temper in check. "Can't you see you're scaring him?"

Grace's eyes darkened, her tone icy. "He's my son. How could I possibly scare him?"