Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 231: New Understandings

A few days had passed since Delphinia met Cedric for lunch. She hadn’t mentioned their conversation to Evander—not because she was afraid of him knowing, but because she didn’t want to be the one to drive a wedge between him and his best friend. Evander and Cedric had been close for years, and she wasn’t the type to tattle just because someone had rubbed her the wrong way. Besides, she wanted to see what Cedric would do next. If he had already formed an opinion about her, she doubted a single conversation would change it. But if he continued interfering, then she would decide how to handle it.

That afternoon, Delphinia arrived at Ashton’s school to pick him up, just like always. The moment he spotted her, his little face lit up, and he ran straight into her arms. She caught him easily, pressing a kiss to his hair before setting him down and grabbing his small backpack.

And, just like always, Lydia was there too.

Lydia greeted her with a small smile, and Delphinia returned it, though a sense of awkwardness lingered in her chest. She couldn’t forget what Cedric had said—his belief that she was trying to take Lydia’s place in Ashton’s life. Delphinia didn’t know if that came from Cedric himself or if Lydia had said something to him. Either way, the idea disturbed her. Still, she refused to let it affect how she treated Lydia. If she suddenly acted cold and distant, Lydia would notice, and that would only make things worse.

"You free for lunch?" Lydia asked, shifting her bag on her shoulder.

Delphinia hesitated for a split second before nodding. "Sure. There’s that new café near the park. They have a play area for kids."

Lydia smiled. "That sounds perfect."

Together, they walked toward the café, with Ashton walking ahead of them, his small hands swinging excitedly. When they arrived, they found a cozy table near the window. As soon as they sat, Delphinia encouraged Ashton to go play in the designated kid’s area. He was reluctant at first, looking up at her with big eyes, as if sensing something was off. But with a bit of nudging, he eventually ran off to play.

Now, it was just her and Lydia.

The silence between them was noticeable, at least to Delphinia. Lydia, on the other hand, seemed to be deep in thought, stirring her tea absentmindedly. After a long pause, Lydia finally looked up, her expression soft but serious.

Delphinia shifted in her seat, picking at the edge of her napkin, unsure whether she should say something or wait for Lydia to break the silence. But then Lydia’s voice broke through the stillness, as quiet as a whisper but carrying a weight behind it.

"Delphinia."

Delphinia blinked, looking up from her half-finished cup of tea. "Yes?" Her voice was a little higher than usual, betraying the curiosity that had sparked inside her chest. She wasn’t sure what Lydia was going to say. Maybe it was something important.

But Lydia’s gaze drifted over to the café’s front door, her eyes following the movements of a couple that had just entered. Lydia didn’t seem to be looking at them, though. Her gaze was distant, as if her mind was somewhere far, far away.

And then it hit her—maybe Lydia had wanted to talk, like Cedric had.

Maybe she also wanted to—

"I wanted to apologize to you, Delphinia," she said quietly.

Delphinia blinked in surprise. "For what?"

Lydia exhaled slowly, setting her spoon down. "For Cedric. I know he met with you a few days ago, and I can only imagine what he said."

Delphinia kept her expression neutral. "He was... protective."

Lydia gave a small, sad smile. "That’s a nice way of putting it. He can be overbearing when it comes to me. He means well, but sometimes he takes things too far."

"So, you didn’t ask him to talk to me?" Delphinia asked carefully.

Lydia shook her head. "No. Never. I swear, I didn’t put him up to it. He did that all on his own."

Delphinia studied her, trying to gauge if she was being honest. Lydia’s face held nothing but sincerity, and a part of Delphinia felt relieved. Still, the damage was done. Cedric had made his feelings clear.

Lydia’s voice broke the silence again, this time with an edge of mild frustration that wasn’t quite her usual calm. "I already gave Cedric a piece of my mind for that," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly, as if the thought of Cedric’s meddling still irritated her. "He won’t dare say something like that again. I made sure of it."

Delphinia raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well," Delphinia said, her smile widening, "it’s good to know that you’ve got it under control. You’re right—he won’t be making that mistake again."

"I know it must’ve been upsetting," Lydia continued. "But please believe me when I say I don’t see you as some sort of... replacement. Ashton loves you, and that’s a good thing. I would never want to take that away from him."

Delphinia’s shoulders relaxed slightly. "I appreciate that."

Lydia hesitated before speaking again. "I also wanted to say... thank you. For being there for Ashton. He’s happier these days, and I know you have a lot to do with that."

Delphinia smiled, her earlier tension fading. "I care about him a lot. He’s a great kid."

Lydia nodded. "He is."

For the first time since their conversation started, the atmosphere felt lighter. Delphinia wasn’t sure if this would change Cedric’s attitude, but at least she and Lydia were on the same page. That was all that mattered for now.

Lydia reached across the table, extending her hand. "Can we start over?"

Delphinia looked at her hand for a moment before taking it in a firm, but warm shake. "I think that sounds like a good idea."

And just like that, the tension that had been hanging over them for days finally dissolved.