Countdown to My Divorce

Suddenly, the office door opened. Samantha limped in, her steps slow and dramatic. Her eyes were red as she walked up to Rachel. Her voice was soft and muffled, like she was trying not to cry.

Rachel glanced at William, then back at Samantha. Her throat felt dry.

William quickly stepped forward and moved Samantha out from between them.

“Rachel didn’t mean it like that. We were just talking about something else. It got a little loud, that’s all,” he said.

But Samantha didn’t budge and stood stubbornly in front of Rachel Her body trembled as she signed with her hands, as if she were desperately trying to convey her meaning. The sight was both comical and heartbreakingly earnest.

“Rachel, I really didn’t mean anything bad,” Samantha said. “If I made you uncomfortable, I’ll explain everything to the team right now.”

She reached for the door, ready to go out.

“There’s no need for that, Ms. Judd,” Rachel said calmly.

Samantha paused, hand still on the door.

“So… you’re really not mad at me?” she asked in that soft, fragile voice, like one wrong word would shatter her completely.

The kind of voice that made everyone feel bad for her… even if she was the one stirring the pot.

and quiet as she replied, “This has nothing to

real

was William, who couldn’t even stay loyal with his

opened a drawer and took out a small, red

“Don’t be upset. You’re older than her, and now you’re her supervisor too. Just give her a little grace. She’s

“I saw this bracelet at the mall the other day. Thought it would look good on

was elegant, s. …and completely meaningless now. Her eyes landed on the little engraving–two tiny letters, her initial and his. She should’ve been touched, but

him the most, he was with

been for Tyler reserving that private room by chance, she didn’t even dare imagine what might’ve happened to her. William seemed to think that as long as nothing really bad happened, he could pretend the whole thing never

at her, say a few soft words, and everything would magically be

left between them, then money would have to do. And it just so happened Rachel still hadn’t figured out how to cover the

took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down and smile. ‘Well,

moment, then cautiously said, “By the way, I saw

back?”

left my phone in the private room. I had to go back and get it. Didn’t expect to run into

clenched as he stared at her face like he was trying to read

Chapter 18

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