Chapter 3
The day our divorce was supposed to be finalized was also the day of Rebecca's welcome home party.
For some reason, Rafael kept dragging his feet about going to the lawyer's office.
But I desperately wanted those papers signed.
So when Rafael took a call from Rebecca, I purposely walked over holding up a cocktail dress. "Does this look okay for tonight?"
Right on cue, Rebecca's tearful voice echoed through the phone speaker.
A minute later, Rafael walked out, massaging his temples. "We should go finalize the paperwork today. Rebecca is still really fragile.
"I need to show her the final decree so she doesn't do anything drastic."
I breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. Then I remembered something else.
"By the way, we need to sign the contract between your firm and Walker Moments next week," I said.
Rafael nodded.
Walker Moments was the startup I had built from the ground up over the past two years, using my family's remaining connections.
We were barely scraping by. All we needed was one big break.
Rafael's firm had a tech contract that perfectly aligned with my startup. If I secured this deal, my family could finally make a comeback.
When things were good between us, Rafael promised me the contract. But lately, his mind was completely focused on Rebecca, and the paperwork kept getting delayed.
If I didn't lock it down now, I would lose it.
Since he felt guilty today, it was the perfect time to strike.
"After we sign the papers, put on that dress and come with me to Rebecca's party." Rafael looked distracted. "I don't want people gossiping about her."
He hesitated. "As for the divorce. Don't worry, it's just a formality. We'll talk about our actual relationship once Rebecca is stable."
I just nodded in agreement.
Keep dreaming. Nobody waited around forever, Rafael.
*****
At the Lawson estate, Rebecca walked over in a sheer designer gown that showed off her flawless figure.
She casually linked her arm through Rafael's, kissed his cheek, and smiled sweetly. "You made it."
Maybe because I was standing right there, Rafael stiffened the second she kissed him. He looked like he wanted to pull away.
Rebecca acted like she just noticed me. She covered her mouth in fake shock. "Oh, Zoe. Please don't take it the wrong way."
She lightly tapped her forehead. "Oh, silly me. I totally forgot to explain about the other night when Rafael didn't come home.
"I've been meaning to clear the air."
She gave Rafael a bashful look with a suggestive smile. "I was feeling incredibly sick that night.
"Rafael stayed over to take care of me, just like when we were kids. You're not mad, are you?"
I offered a faint smile. "Not at all."
There was absolutely no reason to be mad anymore.
A relieved smile spread across Rafael's face.
He walked Rebecca forward and pulled something from his pocket to show her. She practically melted into his chest.
It had to be the divorce decree.
I stared blankly at the rippling water in the swimming pool.
My thoughts wandered back to a late night a year ago. I woke up to find Rafael sitting by his nightstand, holding our marriage license and grinning like an idiot.
The dim glow of the lamp hit his face, making him look incredibly soft and gentle.
Hearing him move, I quickly squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn't stop myself from smiling.
People really did change fast.
Now he was the one grinning like an idiot over our divorce.