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

hadn’t submitted the revised data. But Rachel didn’t push. She knew that as

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

this place forever, can you? It’s bad

working on projects more and

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 makeup. If you

she acts like she’s working hard. When he leaves,

1/3

Chapter 10

+25 BONUS

drinking coffee.”

wasn’t surprised. With William backing, Samantha, she could sit around all day with

up the pen and signed her name with swift confidence. Just focus on

to stay

company, already by the car. As she opened

like them?” he

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

them,” she replied,

While one hand was steady on the wheel, the other was casually

used to working overseas, where things move at a different pace. She’s probably

think asking her to research the Oasis Project and put together a data

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

realize how much

the edge in Rachel’s voice. He sighed and tried to explain, keeping his tone

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 a lot of unnecessary criticism; I’ve always felt

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

William said, pulling into

not to

matter

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

car, he came around to Rachel’s side and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She could smell Samantha’s perfume on him.

discomfort, William lowered his

it low–key,” Rachel replied, trying to

kissed her cheek, smiling. “No, we’re going to let them see just