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

revised data. But Rachel didn’t push. She knew that

up when Cecilia walked in with some documents for her to sign. As soon as the door opened, a sharp smell

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

fine. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be out working on projects more and not in the office so much,” Rachel

right? Did she finish the data she was supposed to give you? She’s just over there putting on makeup. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think she was getting ready

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

1/3

Chapter 10

+25 BONUS

drinking coffee.”

she could sit around all day with

her name with swift confidence.

to stay this calm–anyone else would’ve

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

them?” he asked, his

she unconsciously noticed a hint of pink on his white shirt, and her breath caught for

them,” she replied, her

got into the car and started driving toward the gathering. While one hand

still in its early stages. Samantha’s used to working overseas, where things move at a different pace. She’s probably still adjusting. Don’t

laugh. “You think asking her to research the

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

how much he was favoring

edge in Rachel’s voice. He sighed and tried to explain,

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 work back then and didn’t have time to watch over you. You had to face

give William an award for “Best Actor” when she left. Sh conversation. A man could always

pulling into the parking

not to

matter how

the flowers inside, but then figured 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

lowered his head

keep it low–key,” Rachel

we’re going to let