Chapter 12

Alexander looked at Lucille's trembling eyelashes and suddenly felt exhausted. "I didn't mean it that way." "What did you mean then?" Lucille was already crying. "Ever since Vanessa left, you've been acting like a complete stranger." That name hit him like a blade, sharp and merciless. He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms. He whispered, "Don't mention her." Lucille sobbed. "I'm going to mention her! Are you still thinking about her? What's so great about her? She was just a pathetic doormat—" "Enough!" Alexander slammed his hands down on the desk, knocking over the takeout box. Sauce splattered across his pants. Dishes crashed to the floor, and both of them froze. Lucille reacted first, crying as she ran out of the office. Alexander stood there, looking at the brown stain on his pants. He suddenly remembered when he accidentally spilled coffee once. Vanessa had immediately gotten down on her knees and cleaned the stain with a spot-removal pen she always carri