59.3%

Chapter 9

Claire slipped in with her practiced timid act: “There’s an urgent document from Finance that needs your signature.”

Nathan’s jaw tightened. Dead silence.

“Since when does Operations handle Finance paperwork?” I took a deliberate bite of the perfectly peeled apple.

Claire glanced at Nathan, her voice dripping vulnerability. “I’m leaving the company soon. Just helping out while 1 wrap things up.”

“Leaving?” I turned to Nathan. “Your assistant’s quitting?”

Nathan methodically wiped his hands with a Kleenex, looking almost amused. “I’m running a Fortune 500 company. You think I track every HR detail?”

Claire’s lashes fluttered, tears welling perfectly. “Mrs. Pierce, I know this isn’t appropriate, but Cooper’s father wants

us to relocate to London-”

“That’s enough.” Nathan cut her off, standing. “My wife needs rest. We’ll handle this outside.”

A minute after they left, I was out of bed.

Around the corner by the service elevator, I caught Claire’s tearful performance:

“Cooper hasn’t seen you in a month. He keeps asking why Daddy won’t come home.”

“I agreed to London. Just give him one birthday dinner. Our son’s never even gotten a hug from his father.”

“Don’t we deserve a proper goodbye? Nathan…”

She looked up at him, the picture of helpless devotion in her Ann Taylor suit.

stood there like a

he returned, he was all

angel you’ll be home in two days. You

I certainly did.”

casually: “Oh, that paperwork from Claire needs some attention. I’ll stop by the

his eyes. “How

already?” His practiced

“Back by seven.”

Chapter 9

I closed

my eyes. “Perfect.”

signed my discharge papers.

nurses were stunned. “Your devoted husband isn’t here?”

“I manage just

pulled

same story about visiting

phone buzzing with Nathan’s

off my iPhone and punched in

Click.

cake from Magnolia, Claire playing doting mom,

phone.

cake sounds perfect.”

The singing stopped.

horror cracking her Stepford wife mask.

tie suddenly

Daddy’s friend? Here for my party?” Cooper beamed, innocent in his Little English polo.

“Yes, sweetheart. Happy birthday.”

“Thank you!”

I talk to your daddy

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255