With a delighted look on his face, Cyrus replied, “Apparently, it’s all because of a woman. He’d been rejecting her advances for quite some time, but now that she’s about to get engaged, he’s realized his feelings for her. Hilliard’s in for a bumpy ride, I’d say. It won’t be easy for him to win her over again.”
Lucinda chuckled at the twist of fate.
“He’s getting a taste of his own medicine! Always playing the aloof card, wearing that serious
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expression. Now, a woman had managed to bring him to his knees.”
Cyrus nodded, wholeheartedly agreeing.
Mid-conversation, Violeta arrived on the scene.
She was alone.
Cyrus immediately questioned, “Violeta, where’s Graham?”
Violeta’s smile wavered, carrying a tinge of sorrow.
“The other day, there was heavy rain. Graham fell ill, and his fever shot up. Because of his long hours of kneeling, his knees have grown frail. Rain or a change in weather triggers the pain. Also, he thought his presence would only upset you, Lucinda, so he chose to stay away.”
‘s
Lucinda’s smile waned, her gaze dropping to the ground.
Noting her surprisingly restrained reaction, Cyrus inquired further.
“Is Graham still reading the Bible every day?”
Violeta nodded.
“Yes, he is. He’s punishing himself regardless of the weather or his health. Rain or shine, cold or fever, he insists on reading it without fail.”
A sigh of exasperation slipped past Violeta’s lips, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. But she quickly forced a smile, masking her emotions for the occasion.
Lucinda felt a pang of sorrow upon hearing Violeta’s account, though she managed to offer some words.
“I’ve pleaded with him countless times to stop tormenting himself. But Graham is stubborn. He won’t change his ways unless he’s come to a realization himself.”
An unexpected gravity fell upon the group, casting a somber atmosphere over the conversation.
A few moments of hushed tension lingered before Lucinda expertly pivoted the conversation, her smile defrosting the atmosphere.
“Cyrus, Violeta, do head inside. Nathan is looking after Colby and Destinee. You must see them.”
The pair nodded in response, buoyed by her words. They entered the house, laughter and chatter filling the air.
Meanwhile, Lucinda remained at the gate, warmly greeting arriving guests.
As the party’s commencement loomed, a flustered Noelle rushed in.
Lucinda accompanied her inside.