Countdown to My Divorce

“I’ve just finished some work,” Rachel said, her voice calm.

Samantha and William stood side by side, looking, like a couple. Anyone who didn’t know them would have assumed they were married.

Samantha glanced nervously at Rachel, fumbling for an explanation. “Rachel, I’m sorry. I was going to finish checking the data, but William said I should eat first. You haven’t eaten yet either, so why don’t you come with us?”

Rachel smirked.

Us, huh? It sounded like such a simple, friendly invitation.

Noticing the shift in Rachel’s mood, William stepped forward and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “She’s just came back from overseas and isn’t familiar with things yet. I happened to get a reservation at Moon & Barrel, your favorite place. Come with us.”

If Rachel hadn’t already seen through him, she might have been touched by his effort. But she wasn’t fooled.

Looking up at the man she had loved for seven years, her eyes were cold. “Really? Well, it’s too bad. I have a meeting with a business partner this afternoon. You should take Ms. Judd instead.

She wasn’t about to sit and watch them play their little games behind closed doors, all while pretending to enjoy the delicious food at Moon & Barrel.

William reached for her hand, his brows furrowed as he softly said, “Work will always be there. Your health is more important Don’t overdo it, okay?”

Rachel smirked, then pulled her hand away from his. “If Ms. Judd could improve her efficiency and take her work seriously, maybe I’d have less to do.”

Samantha stood quietly beside them, looking uncomfortable at Rachel’s words.

Rachel glanced at her watch, then turned to leave. Once she was outside the office, she took a deep breath. It was hard to breathe in the office with the suffocating scent of Samantha’s perfume lingering in the air.

She found a nearby spot to grab a quick meal, trying to shake off the tension. As she was eating, William sent her a message.

[Caleb just came back from abroad. There’s a gathering tonight, so come with me, okay?]

Rachel didn’t really enjoy these kinds of gatherings, but always went to support Will around, the other guys acted differently–more stiff and awkward. It was clear they she usually kept to herself.

But Caleb Spencer had always been kind to her, so she agreed to go this time.

[Okay.]

She knew that whenever she was t feel comfortable with her there, so

Samantha still hadn’t submitted the revised data. But Rachel didn’t push. She knew that as long as she made some progress with Tyler, everything Samantha

As soon as the door opened, a

place forever, can you? It’s bad for your health. You’ve

on projects more and not in the office so much,”

supposed to give you? She’s just over there putting on makeup. If you didn’t know any better, you’d

does that every time. When Mr. Lewis is around, she acts like

1/3

Chapter 10

+25 BONUS

drinking coffee.”

wasn’t surprised. With William backing, Samantha, she could sit around all day with her legs up and no one would dare

name with swift confidence. Just focus

pouted. She hadn’t expected Rachel to stay this calm–anyone else would’ve lost it by

already by the car. As she opened the door, she

you like them?” he

before reaching out to take them. Then, she unconsciously noticed a hint of pink on his white shirt, and her

I like them,” she

driving toward the gathering. While one hand was steady on the wheel, the other was

things move at a different

laugh. “You think asking her to research the Oasis Project and put together a

the data gathered

not realize how much he was

hear the edge in Rachel’s voice. He sighed and tried to

nervous, unsure, still figuring things out. I was busy with work back then and didn’t have time

award for “Best Actor” when she left. Sh conversation. A man could always find endless excuses for

said, pulling into the parking

not to

matter

it would be better than keeping them. At least this way, she could just give them to the staff when

soon as William got out of the car, he came around to Rachel’s side and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She could smell Samantha’s perfume on him. Frowning, she instinctively tried to

William lowered his head and asked

it low–key,” Rachel replied, trying to

“No, we’re going to let them see just how much we