Chapter 4: The Confrontation

5

There they were—Jason, folder in hand, following Rachel. He radiated the cocky energy of someone who thinks he’s untouchable. Rachel smiled, listening closely. They stood close, too close.

I walked straight toward them. “Rachel.” They both turned, surprise flickering across Rachel’s face.

“I came at ten. I’ve waited two hours.”

“Who told you I was in a meeting?” Rachel frowned, genuinely confused. We both realized the trick at the same time. Rachel’s gaze swept the office. The staff all lowered their heads. The secretary glanced at Jason before shrinking away. Of course—who else but Jason?

“I forgot to tell everyone the meeting was canceled. Sorry, Ms. Carter,” Jason said, feigning innocence. Rachel let it go. “Come in,” she told me, brushing past the incident. Jason winked as I passed, pride and provocation in his eyes. I ignored him.

6

Inside, Rachel gestured to the sofa—now cluttered with game controllers. The shelves that once held my books now displayed game discs. Through the cracked lounge door, I saw clothes tossed on the bed. Rachel’s face was unreadable. I looked away.

She handed me the divorce agreement. “You won’t get less than you deserve. Take any car or house you want. If you have other requests, let me know.”

Was this supposed to be compensation? I didn’t dwell on it. Rachel had always been generous with money.

“No need. Just the house I’m living in now. That’s all.”

I signed quickly and handed her the agreement. She seemed like she wanted to say more but stopped herself, stunned by how fast it was over.

“One month cooling-off period. I’ll contact you in a month.” I stood up to leave.

“Melissa.”

“Anything else?”

“Don’t you have anything you want to say to me?” Rachel’s voice was almost pleading, her eyes uncertain.

I thought for a moment, then looked her dead in the eye. “Don’t tell me you want my blessing. I’m fresh out.”

Rachel was silent, her eyes shining but impossible to read. As I put my hand on the doorknob, she called after me.

“Melissa, in the end, it’s me who hurt you. I’ll always take care of your mom’s medical bills.”