Countdown to My Divorce

Chapter 1

“Ms. Lloyd, once you make this decision, you won’t be able to return for at least five years, maybe even longer. We’ll erase your identity from the public. Because of the sensitive nature of our company’s research, no one will be able to find you during this time. I hope you understand this.”

“I understand.”

M

Rachel Lloyd hesitated for just a second before she lowered her head and signed her name at the bottom of the document.

“Alright. Everything must be finalized by October 20th. We’ll contact you when the time comes.”

Rachel glanced at her phone.

Today was October 1st. That gave her 20 days.

As she walked past a shopping mall, something on the big screen outside caught her eye. She stopped to watch footage from a press conference held last week.

William Lewis, the CEO of Lewis Enterprise, had spent three years designing a custom wedding dress for his wife. According to him, the breathtaking, one–of–a–kind dress, a gift for their upcoming anniversary, was meant to make up for the regret that she hadn’t worn a wedding dress at their wedding ceremony.

The moment that dress was revealed, it took the world by storm. Everyone admired Rachel for marrying so and deeply devoted as William.

Girls walking by glanced at the screen, their wide eyes full of envy.

ne as wealthy

“Did you know? Their love story is like a fairytale. I heard Mr. Lewis remembers every little thing she likes. Even the tiniest details,” one girl whispered to another.

a while back? The doctors said she might need a cornea transplant. Mr. Lewis signed

matter how busy he is, he always gets her gifts on every holiday. That alone makes him better than ninety–nine percent of men,”

lips twisted into

couldn’t hear. Everything she heard right now only disgusted

William had gotten into trouble with some classmates. When someone threw a chair during the incident, Rachel

like a freak. They excluded her from activities, mocked her,

“Deaf girl.”

it like a

of light in the darkness, holding her tight

let anyone hurt you again. Anyone who

Chapter 1

+25 BONUS

love would last

fireworks–bright for a moment,

wanting to surprise him with the fact that she had regained her hearing.

hands were clenched so

in her heart, it was already dead. She wasn’t going to beg, nor was she going to stay. She was ready

As she wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye, she

before she could, a familiar black car pulled

as always, dressed in a crisp shirt, tailored trousers, and shiny black derby shoes. When he crossed one leg over the other, the crease in his pants didn’t even fold. His sharp features were filled with worry

for me inside. It’s freezing. What if you get sick?” he said, quickly signing with his hands as

rubbed them gently between his palms, trying to warm her up. There was concern in his

smile. Her heart felt like it had been grabbed and twisted tight. It hurt so badly, she