CEO Plus-Size Ex-Wife

Chapter 83: Meeting Her The Second Time

Before Benita's outstretched arms could reach Andrea's hair, a hand swiftly seized both of Benita's arms at once.

Benita's eyes, wild and bloodshot with fear, widened in terror as her trembling lips formed the name "Lucas."

With a reassuring smile, Lucas Anderson intervened, asking, "Sis, what were you trying to do?"

Standing behind them, Andrea furrowed her brow, shocked to hear Benita refer to her husband as Lucas.

"I'm sorry," Benita stammered, her face a mask of horror.

Releasing her arms, Lucas Anderson casually remarked, "You owe her an apology," nodding towards Andrea.

Without hesitation, Benita quickly offered a sincere apology, saying, "Andrea, I'm truly sorry. I take back my words. I didn't mean them."

Having said her piece, Benita wasted no time and hastily fled the ward in a panic, resembling someone desperately escaping from imminent danger.

Andrea's expression darkened as she observed Benita's unusual behavior. She knew that Benita held her brother Valentine Anderson in high regard, almost worshiping him, yet the fear and apprehension in Benita's actions were unsettling.

Lucas Anderson glanced at Andrea with a warm smile, reaching out to brush her hair behind her ear affectionately.

"Don't spoil that pretty face with a frown. We can't have wrinkles scaring me off before we celebrate our sixtieth wedding anniversary," Lucas teased, grinning mischievously at Andrea.

Rolling her eyes playfully, Andrea couldn't help but chuckle despite the seriousness of their situation. Lucas always managed to find humor in any circumstance.

"Andrea, I'll speak to my sister. I can't allow her to continue causing trouble for you every time you cross paths," Lucas declared, concern evident in his voice.

"You don't have to. She hasn't caused me any harm," Andrea replied, not wanting to create friction between Lucas and her family.

Lucas feigned hurt, pouting dramatically. "Oh, woe is me! My own wife doesn't trust me. I must be the most unreliable man alive. I feel like stabbing myself with a loaf of bread," he joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Amused by his antics, Andrea burst into laughter, her eyes filled with adoration as she gazed at Lucas. "Val, I trust you. Don't be silly," she reassured him, planting a quick kiss on his cheek.

A radiant smile lit up Lucas's face as he gazed at Andrea lovingly. "Andrea, you are the most beautiful woman in the world. Even if you claimed to be second, angels and gods would still not dare vie for the top spot," he declared earnestly.

Blushing at his heartfelt words, Andrea lowered her gaze shyly. "Oh, stop it," she murmured, feeling a rush of affection for her husband.

Lucas Anderson chuckled before striding away. It didn't take him long to spot Benita in the nearly empty waiting lounge. As soon as her eyes met his, fear gripped her whole body.

"Benny, come with me to the garden," Lucas said softly, maintaining a smile despite the tension in the air.

Without waiting for her reply, he began walking, assuming she would follow. In the garden, he stood waiting, observing his surroundings.

Despite the cool, windy night, Benita was drenched in sweat, looking utterly terrified. She seemed resigned to her fate, like a fish ready to be cooked in any way.

"Why do you still call me Lucas, Kid Sister? Isn't my name Valentine?" Lucas asked gently, his eyes blinking innocently, a smile playing on his lips.

Benita struggled to respond, her trembling lips only managing to whisper, "Lucas."

"Not bad," Lucas praised, clapping slowly.

His smile turned icy as he continued, "I don't want to hear that name from you again. If you do, you'll end up like our mother."

With that, Lucas turned on his heel and walked away. Benita's face drained of color, her knuckles turning white as she collapsed to the ground, the mere presence of Lucas Anderson leaving her legs trembling and weak.

After Lucas Anderson returned to the ward, Andrea had finished speaking with the doctor in charge of Mrs. Anderson's treatment.

"Val, the doctor mentioned they are still evaluating her condition. They will determine her treatment plan and feeding method once the results are in," Andrea relayed the doctor's words to him.

Lucas Anderson gazed at her and let out a disappointed sigh before expressing, "Without you, my world would be a desolate place, devoid of light, filled only with darkness, sorrow, and endless sadness."

Uncomfortable with the excessive praise, Andrea quickly interjected, "Stop," and hurriedly walked away.

Lucas Anderson watched her retreating form with a smile, acknowledging that those in love always seem youthful at heart.

They exited the hospital together.

Andrea took it upon herself to visit Mrs. Anderson to inquire about her condition before heading to her office. As she was reviewing some papers, her secretary approached her and said, "Mrs. Andrea, Anne Rodrigo is here to see you."

Andrea was taken aback and stared at her secretary in disbelief. While she knew who her secretary was referring to – having met Anne a few days prior at the cinema – what shocked her was how quickly her husband's casual words had manifested into reality.

"Did her management respond so promptly?" Andrea inquired, furrowing her brow. She had only just contacted them to consider Anne as one of her brand ambassadors, and it seemed unusual for any management, especially that of an A-list celebrity, to make such a swift decision.

"Mrs. Andrea, they haven't responded yet. We only sent the request not long ago," her secretary confirmed, echoing Andrea's concerns.

"Inform her to wait in the guest room and ensure she is treated well. She is an important guest," Andrea instructed her secretary. Despite her inner turmoil, she remained diligent in fulfilling her duties.

After finalizing a few more paperwork, she headed to meet Anne Rodrigo. This time, Anne didn't attempt to conceal her face from her admirers.

"She is beautiful," Andrea thought to herself as she observed Anne, who was also assessing her, pondering, "Why did Lucas choose her instead of me?"

Successful women couldn't help but compare themselves to each other subconsciously.

"Anne Rodrigo, it's a pleasure to meet you," Andrea said as she approached and greeted her.

"Chairman Andrea Singers, I'm honored. I don't deserve such treatment," Anne replied politely.

Andrea furrowed her brow and clarified, "I am now married to the Andersons."