Countdown to My Divorce

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When William and Rachel arrived at the bridal shop, an assistant greeted them warmly and led them to the dressing rooms. William went in to change first. When he stepped out, even the store staff froze for a moment.

He was tall and lean, with not an ounce of extra weight on him, thanks to regular workouts. He looked like he’d stepped straight out of a magazine, the kind of man who made anything he wore look better.

Then, Rachel walked out in the dress William had designed. She saw him sitting on a bench, looking down at his phone. His tie was neatly knotted, his black suit sharp and clean.

As she stood silently behind him, she accidentally caught a glimpse of the text message on his screen.

[William, my stomach hurts. Can you come pick me up?]

Before he could reply, a second message came through.

[Oh, you’re doing wedding photos with Rachel today, right? Never mind. I’ll just go home on my own.]

Then, it disappeared.

The sender had deleted it.

Rachel sneered inwardly.

Who waited a full minute to delete a sent message? That was no accident.

William hesitated, his thumbs pausing over the screen before he finally typed: [I’ll see how things go. Send me your location.] Rachel’s hands tightened around the edge of her dress, her knuckles turning white. It felt like something was being ripped out of her chest, making it hard to breathe. She pressed a hand to her heart.

So, William still couldn’t say no to that woman.

As Rachel slowly crouched down, William finally sensed that something was wrong. When he turned around and saw her pale face, he hurriedly stood.

“Rachel? What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick? I’ll take you to the hospital right now.”

She looked at his face, and couldn’t help but inwardly sneer at how it was so full of worry, just like always. But was he really worried about her, or was he just waiting for an excuse to run back to that woman?

Rachel forced herself to stay calm.

“I’m okay. Just haven’t been sleeping well the past few days. Can you take me home?” she said quietly.

William nodded quickly. “Of course. Let’s go.”

He turned to speak with the store staff, then gently helped her outside.

Just as they stepped out, his phone buzzed again. He checked it quickly, frowning. Sliding his phone back into his pocket, he turned to Rachel and signed with quick, slightly urgent movements as he spoke.

“Rachel, an emergency came up at work. I might not be able to stay with you tonight. Is it okay if I just drop you off?”

face–still warm, still pretending to care–and her

“It’s fine. I feel much better now. I’ll take

holding it gently, like she was the only person

“Really, it’s fine.

1/3

Chapter 2

Her face wasn’t as pale

I’ll try to come

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nodded and watched him drive away. As soon as his car disappeared around the corner, she

car,” she

now, the sky

while, Rachel saw William’s car pull over. When he stepped out, a beautiful woman rushed into his arms.

really was Samantha

talked about them. They were the kind of couple who turned heads in the hallways, completely wrapped up

now, she was back?

the verge of tears, but in the prettiest way possible. It was the kind of look that made men want to protect

knew you’d come, William. I’ve been waiting

back just enough to look her over from head to toe, his usually cold eyes full of

you say your

him a playful smile and tilted her

softened instantly. His deep–set eyes and naturally sharp gaze gave him an intense look. But when he

that

grabbing his hand and swinging it lightly. Her voice turned soft, like she was about to cry again, but in

didn’t mean to mess up your day

lips with his thumb. “I better not happen

She tugged at his collar, eyes sparkling with mischief

I have a surprise for

the beach toward a small wooden

She didn’t even notice the way her nails were digging into her palms as hot tears slid down her cheeks. She thought she could face this calmly, but the moment she saw

He cared about how she felt, always making sure she felt safe and valued. Even when things got intimate between them, he would hold himself back with visible effort. She could feel how hard it was for him to

just hold her gently and whisper, “I want our first time to be on our

had been patient. He took his time and never

in her neck and murmured, “Rachel, promise

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Chapter 2

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BONUS

At

that