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

push. She

sign. As soon as the

want to stay in this place forever, can you? It’s bad for your

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

her lips, looking irritated. “You saw Samantha, right? Did she finish the data she was supposed to give you? She’s just over there putting on

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

1/3

Chapter 10

+25 BONUS

drinking coffee.”

day with her legs up and no one would dare

and signed her name with swift confidence. Just focus on doing

to stay this calm–anyone else

already by the car. As she opened the door, she saw him holding a bourget of

you like them?” he asked,

the bright roses for a moment before reaching out to take them. Then, she unconsciously noticed a hint of pink on

them,” she replied,

started driving toward the gathering. While one hand was steady

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

help but laugh. “You think asking her to research the Oasis Project and

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

realize how

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

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

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

William said, pulling

not to continue

matter

better than keeping them. At

side and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She could smell Samantha’s

discomfort, William lowered his head and asked softly,

it low–key,” Rachel replied,

we’re going to let them see just how