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?”

still pretending

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

hand, holding it gently, like she was the only person in his world. “Work can wait for a bit. Your health matters

pale. “Really, it’s fine. Go

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Chapter 2

for a moment. Her face wasn’t as

rest. I’ll try to come

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drive away. As soon as his car disappeared around the corner, she raised her

that black car,” she told the

now, the sky

beautiful woman rushed into his arms. Rachel

was Samantha Judd,

turned heads in the hallways, completely wrapped up in each other. But then one day, she left, going

she was back? Of

she was on the verge of tears, but in the prettiest way possible. It was the kind of look that made

I’ve been waiting for

to look her over from head to toe, his usually cold eyes full

you say

a playful smile and tilted her head. “It stopped hurting the

deep–set eyes and naturally sharp gaze gave him an intense look. But when he smiled, it

do that again.

it lightly. Her voice turned soft, like she was about to cry again,

I didn’t mean to

out and gently brushed her lips with his thumb. “I better

She tugged at his collar, eyes

I have a surprise

laced together as they strolled down the beach toward a small wooden cabin near

the trees, her body pressed against the bark. 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

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

and whisper, “I want our first time to be on our wedding

their wedding night, he had been patient. He took his time

her neck and murmured,

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Chapter 2

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BONUS

At

that