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

the day drew closer, 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 was doing now

up when Cecilia walked in with some documents for her to sign. As soon as the door

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

I’ll be out working on projects more and not in the

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

When Mr. Lewis is around, she acts like she’s working hard. When he leaves,

1/3

Chapter 10

+25 BONUS

drinking coffee.”

could sit around all day with her legs up and no one would dare say

her name with swift confidence. Just

hadn’t expected Rachel to stay this calm–anyone

for Rachel outside the company, already by the car. As she opened the door, she saw him holding a

he

bright roses for a moment before reaching out to take them. Then, she unconsciously noticed a hint of pink on his white shirt, and her breath caught

like them,” she

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

things move at a different pace. She’s probably

the Oasis Project and

that the first step in any project was to ensure the data gathered was correct. It didn’t matter whether the

realize how much

voice. He sighed and tried to

I meant. She’s new, that’s all. Seeing her now… reminds me of you when you first joined the company- nervous, unsure, still figuring things out. I was busy with

when she left. Sh conversation. A man could always find endless excuses for being nice

said, pulling into

not to continue

no matter how

flowers inside, but then figured it would be better than keeping them. At least this way, she could just give them

out of the car, he came around to Rachel’s side and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She could

William lowered his head and asked softly,

it low–key,” Rachel replied, trying

down and kissed her cheek, smiling. “No, we’re going to