Chapter 4
After hanging up with Lauren, I stared out at the pitch-black night outside.
The city was ablaze with lights.
Yet I felt a chill run through me.
So this was how far Edward was willing to go.
Did he really think bringing another woman home would erase every trace of me?
The next day, I showed up for work like nothing had happened.
I didn't work on that proposal.
When Sophie came over to collect it, I looked her right in the eye and said, "I can't finish."
She flushed bright red, furious and embarrassed.
"Charlotte! What kind of attitude is that?" she snapped.
"I'm just telling it like it is," I said, my tone cool and unbothered.
"You—" she sputtered, shaking with rage.
"Just wait. I'm telling Edward about this," she snapped.
She spun around and stormed off, her heels pounding against the floor.
I ignored her.
I opened my email and started working through the usual tasks David had sent over.
Edward didn't show up at all that day.
He called me over a dozen times.
I didn't answer a single one.
Then he started blowing up my phone with dozens of texts.
Edward: [Charlotte, please pick up. I'm begging you.]
Edward: [I know I screwed up. Don't torture me like this.]
Edward: [I'll talk to Mom, don't worry.]
Edward: [Can we talk? Just let me see you, please.]
I read through every single one.
Then I deleted all of it.
Just before the end of the workday, Sophie came strutting in again.
She couldn't even hide her glee. Her face was practically beaming with smugness, like she couldn't wait to show off.
She marched right up to my desk, making sure her voice carried so every single coworker could hear.
"Charlotte, this weekend I'm going to Edward's family home to meet his parents," Sophie announced, her voice practically oozing with pride.
Sophie added, her chin held high, "After that, I'll be the rightful Mrs. Grant.
"Unlike some people, just clinging to a title but their man's already moved on."
The whole office went dead silent.
Everyone was so tense, you could barely hear anyone breathe.
I looked up at her.
"Is that so? Well, congrats. Looks like you finally got what you wanted," I said, keeping my voice cool and steady.
My calmness made her feel like she'd just punched a pillow. Her words bounced right off me, and she couldn't even get a reaction.
Annoyance flashed across her face.
"Stop pretending. I know you're hurting," she snapped. "Edward's already made up his mind. He's choosing me. He's going to divorce you."
"Oh," I nodded, my tone flat. "Congratulations in advance. Hope it all works out for you."
I looked back down at my computer screen, ignoring her completely.
She lingered by my side for a bit, realized she wasn't getting a reaction, gave a dismissive snort, and walked off.
On Friday afternoon, Edward's car was parked outside the office building.
Sophie, all dolled up, hooked her arm through his and slid into the passenger seat.
She rolled down the window and shot a look toward the office.
I knew she was looking for me.
Edward didn't even glance over.
He started the car and sped off.
As if he couldn't get away fast enough.
I stood by the window, watching that black car merge into the traffic and disappear from sight.
I pulled out my phone and called Lauren.
"Lauren, they're on their way," I said.
On the other end, Lauren's voice was calm.
"I know, Charlotte," she replied.
I said, "Just do as we agreed."
"Don't worry."
I hung up.
Edward's trial started now.
The stage I had carefully crafted for him was ready.
I hope Edward and Sophie enjoy the show.