For Him I Waited, Now I Chase Mine

Chapter 4

She turned to the jeering crowd.

"The investigation results haven't even come out, and you're already rushing to convict based on one-sided claims? Is this the judgment you are so proud of?"

The ward fell into complete silence, broken only by Cynthia's muffled sobs and uneven breathing.

Lucien frowned and stepped forward, but before he could speak, the door was knocked.

Two middle-aged officials in dark suits entered with stern expressions.

Leading them was Arthur Shaw, Director of the Department of Diplomatic Oversight, his gaze sharp and assessing.

"Ambassador Hawthorn, the preliminary investigation into the ambulance incident has been concluded. Based on statements from the injured Ms. Winsor, the nurse's testimony, and the driver's corroboration, the current evidence indicates that your wife, Aurelia, caused the incident during an argument, resulting in both injured parties falling near the vehicle door."

He paused briefly and glanced at the pale-faced Aurelia.

"Given that this involves returned overseas personnel and carries special implications, after deliberation, the following disciplinary measures are proposed for Ms. Vale—

"First, a written self-criticism will be published in The Internal Courier, along with a public apology to Ms. Winsor and the injured nurse;

"Second, all privileges and activities related to foreign affairs family members will be suspended;

"Third, she will receive a Party warning, to be recorded in her personnel file."

He then turned to Lucien, his tone deepening.

"The organization also believes that you, as both her spouse and her direct supervisory authority within the family, bear responsibility for inadequate discipline. You will receive a formal criticism and have your eligibility for this year's commendations revoked."

In the early 1980s, such punishment for a diplomat's wife was undeniably severe.

A public self-criticism and a permanent record mark were enough to affect an entire life.

"It wasn't me! She's lying!" Aurelia said urgently, looking at Arthur with pleading eyes. "Uncle Arthur, you know what kind of person I am..."

"Enough, Aurelia!" Lucien cut her off sharply.

He turned to Arthur, his voice steady and restrained. "I accept the organization's decision regarding me. But regarding my wife's punishment—"

He paused, as if making a difficult decision.

"I will take responsibility for the written self-criticism and the Party warning on her behalf. Her current physical and mental condition makes her unfit to endure this level of public pressure. As her husband, this is my responsibility."

The ward erupted in shock.

Take on a public self-criticism and a Party warning on her behalf?

That meant Lucien would absorb his wife's "fault," stain his own record, and publicly admit to "poor discipline."

For a young diplomat in a rising career, this was an enormous sacrifice.

Aurelia froze completely.

Cynthia cried out in disbelief. "Lucien! No! Why should you take the blame for her mistakes? She doesn't deserve—"

"This is my decision," Lucien said, his voice low but absolute.

He glanced at Cynthia, his expression complicated, then turned back to Arthur. "Please consider it, sir."

Arthur studied Lucien, then glanced at the unsteady Aurelia. After a brief exchange with his colleague, he nodded.

"The Ambassador's willingness to take responsibility is commendable. The organization approves your request. The self-criticism and Party warning for Ms. Vale will be temporarily reassigned. You will fulfill the public self-criticism obligation on her behalf and accept the criticism. However, she must still suspend all foreign affairs family activities and conduct deep reflection."

The punishment had been altered, but Lucien's burden had become even heavier.

He nodded. "Thank you. I accept."

"Lucien!" Aurelia's voice trembled. "Why? Didn't you already decide it was me? If that's the case, why not just let me take responsibility myself? Why would you—"