Chapter 79
1 straightened my spine, squared my shoulders, and dove back into work, determined not to let anything or anyone–least of all Alex–derail me.
The day felt like it would never end. Each tick of the clock seemed slower than the last, and every moment at my desk was filled with the weight of Alex’s accusations and the anxiety of the looming court date. My mind replayed his words on a loop–Nathan, the orphanage, the college connection. It was exhausting, trying to sort through it all while keeping my composure at work
By the time I finally shut my computer off and gathered my things, exhaustion had seeped into my bones. All wanted was the sanctuary of home. A long, hot bath and silence to drown out the chaos sounded the heen.
But when I stepped into the parking lot, the sight of Nathan leaning casually against my car stopped me in my tracks.
His relaxed posture and warm smile were a balm to my frayed nerves. He looked so effortlessly calm, twirling a card between his fingers like he’d been waiting for me. The tension coiled in my shoulders began to loosen before he even spoke.
“Hey,” he greeted, his voice familiar, comforting, and steady.
“Hey,” I replied, managing a small smile despite my weariness.
Nathan always had this way of grounding me. Just seeing him eased the knots in my chest, even if only slightly.
We exchanged small talk about our day. His easy demeanor, his gene interest in how I was holding up–it all felt like the kind of normalcy I desperately needed. As he spoke, the storm in my head began to quiet, piece by piece
Then he held up the card he’d been toying with, his expression shifting slightly. There was a flicker of nervousness in his eyes, just enough to make me
Muse.
“There’s an auction this weekend,” he began, his tone light but sincera. “It’s for lawyers. They auction us off based on our ranks by different categories, to take on pro bono cases for the underprivileged.” He hesitated for a moment, running his thumb over the edge of the card. “I was invited, but…” He trailed off, finally looking at me directly. “I need a date.”
I blinked, surprised by his candor. There was something deeply earnest in his words, and the cause itself touched me. It wasn’t just another event for the sake of appearances–it was about helping people, making a real difference
t sounds wonderful,” I said softly, the stress of the day momentarily melting away.
“You’ll come with me?” he asked, his voice brightening, the flicker of nerves giving way to hope.
I nodded, feeling a small but genuine smile spread across my face. “I’d love to”
For the first time that day, I felt a spark of excitement. It wasn’t just about the event–it was about being part of something meaningful
Nathan’s smile widened, his eyes lighting up with relief and warmth. “Thank you,” he said, his tone filled with gratituda,
For a brief moment, the doubts Alex had planted in my mind shrank into the background. Mathan’s sincerity, his willingness to involve me in something Important–it was the reassurance I needed that, at least for now, I could trust him.
“You’ll need a dress,” he added, a playful glint in his eyes.
Tlaughed lightly. “Good thing tomorrow’s Saturday. I’ll have time to shop!
“Perfect,” he said. He stepped closer, his hand brushing mine briefly before he pulled back. “I’ll pick you up at seven?”
“Seven it is,” I agreed, feeling a flicker of anticipation.
As Nathan walked away, I stood there for a moment longer, letting the weight of the day lift just enough to remind me that maybe just maybe things could get better.
The next day, I headed to my favorite boutique, hoping to find the perfect dress for the auction with Nathan. I needed something elegant, something that reminded me I was still in control of my life, despite the chaos Alex liad brought back into it.
The moment I stepped into the store, my stomach sank. There they were–Alex’s mother and Vanessa, browsing racks of designer gowns as if they owned the place.
Tinstinctively hesitated, debating whether I should turn around and leave before they noticed me. But before I could male muy escape, Alec’s mother’s
voice rang out.
“Rain” she called, loud and cheery, though the undertone was unmistakable. “Is this how you’re going to behave with your mother–In–Law?
Mother–in–law.
The words hit me like a slap, grating against my nerves and making my hands clench at my sides. As it I needed another reminder that, legally, I was still ted to Alex Stil his wife, at least on paper.
+25 Bonus
For a moment, 1 froze, a thousand responses flashing through my mind, each more biting than the last. But I held my tongue and forced myself to stay calm, knowing full well they were itching for a reaction.
