Chapter 3

At the same time, our argument drew subtle glances from my coworkers.

"Isn't that the guy grabbing Lynn... a senior executive from Vanstar next door? I think he's even a director."

"Yeah, I saw him when I was negotiating a contract. Super handsome—really memorable. What did he just say? Divorce?"

"Lynn's been married for years, right? I had no idea her husband was him. Why would she divorce such a handsome husband?"

Hearing the whispers around us, Derek stepped closer and spoke in a low voice.

"Even if we're getting divorced, you at least owe me a reason."

I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, my expression was calm.

"We don't have feelings for each other anymore. Isn't that enough?"

Derek froze, his eyes immediately reddening, completely unable to accept it.

"Lynn, you can fool other people with that line, but can you really fool yourself?"

"I just worked late on a project and found a place nearby to rest. Why are you doing this?"

"If it bothers you, I can adjust my work schedule going forward. Everything will revolve around you—I'm willing to do anything."

He looked at me with such deep affection, creating the illusion that he loved me so much and I was the unreasonable one.

I stared at his face, remembering countless moments between us.

The person I loved seemed rotten from the bones out.

After he said this, my coworkers looked at me differently, thinking I was being harsh.

It seemed no one understood why I would give up such a handsome husband just because he didn't come home one night.

But I really didn't want to explain.

Just then, another woman walked through the company's front door.

She wore a sharp business suit that accentuated her curvy figure.

It was my best friend, Rachel Brown.

She rushed in anxiously, and when she saw me, her face filled with concern as she hurried over.

"Lynn, what's going on?"

She and Derek exchanged a glance, then both looked at me with concern.

Seeing that I wasn't responding, Rachel pulled me aside.

"If you're feeling wronged, just tell me. I'll help you deal with him!"

"But isn't divorce over working late a bit hasty? Lynn, I was unemployed before, and you were the one who recommended me to Derek's company."

"I promised I'd help you keep an eye on him, and I've kept my word. He's never done anything to betray you—I can vouch for that!"

Derek also looked at me, his eyes full of hurt and disappointment at being doubted.

Listening to Rachel's endless chatter and looking at Derek, I felt nothing but mockery in my heart.

"No need. I just don't want to live with him anymore. There's no other reason."

I cut off Rachel's words, not wanting to spare another glance at either of them, and turned to leave.

Seeing that there would be no resolution through discussion, Derek simply followed me and suddenly dropped to his knees.

"Lynn! Even if you're in a rush to divorce me to get the family assets to buy your brother a house, you could at least discuss it with me!"

"I'm willing to help pay for Carter's college and his future housing—just please don't divorce me, okay?"

His words caused an uproar, and the gossip spread like wildfire.

"What's going on? Is Lynn a brother-obsessed woman? I never noticed."

"Who knows? These types are the hardest to spot."

"Her husband has already said this much—if she still wants a divorce, she's really terrible!"

I was completely stunned and turned back to meet his eyes in shock.

"...What did you just say?!"