Chapter 6
Richard was David’s junior colleague, another partner at the firm, and my childhood friend.]
Richard and I were chatting in the conference room when the door suddenly burst open.]
David stormed in.]]
“Claire, why didn’t you tell me you were here?”
Richard shot to his feet, his long legs easily positioning him between David and me. 0
“David, Claire came to see me today.“]
David’s eyes narrowed as he swept Richard with a cold glance, his tone mocking:
“You’re going to represent her in the divorce?“]
“You actually think you can beat me in court?“]
Richard’s lips curved slightly:]
“We’ll see about that.”
David ignored him, frowning as he looked at me:[]
“Claire, this isn’t as simple as you think. Even with Richard’s help, the court won’t easily grant a divorce–especially considering our relationship.“]]
“Stop making a scene. Come home and let’s talk properly.“[]
David reached for my wrist, but Richard blocked him without hesitation.]
“David, Claire didn’t say she was going home with you.“]]
David’s eyes turned cold, barely suppressed hostility in his voice:[]
“Move aside, or I’ll make you.“[]
Richard raised an eyebrow, drawling:
“Looks like David’s prepared to let everyone in the firm hear about your kept woman.“[]
David froze, his expression darkening.
I looked at him quietly:
“David, if you don’t want to go to court, we can do this the simple file
s.“1
“A clean break. Easier for both of us.‘
for
no–fault divorce.”
At my words, David’s eyes reddened as he stared at me intently.
“A clean break?”
“How can you say that! Don’t you know how much this hurts me?”
“After everything we’ve been through together, you want to just end it?”
Richard’s gaze never left me.]
Hearing David’s words, he suddenly laughed softly:]
“David, you’re asking how she can say such things–maybe first ask yourself why you could do such things.”
34M Bet
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David’s expression changed. After a few seconds of silence, he said with difficulty:]
“Claire, this is between us. We don’t need others interfering. Let’s go home and talk it through.“[]
Richard stiffened for a moment]
As David reached to take my hand, Richard stepped forward first, pulling me behind him.
“Claire, could you… give me a chance?“]
I froze. Richard had already gripped my hand tightly.[]
7 like you. I have for a long time.” His voice trembled slightly as he spoke.
“Richard!”
David roared, his eyes blazing with fury:
“Let go of my wife!“]]
Richard met his gaze:
“She became your wife because she loved you, not because I didn’t love her.”
“But what about now? The moment you brought someone else into your bed, you lost her.“]
“I won’t let go again!“]]
My heart lurched.[]
Richard liked me? All this time?
Memories flashed through my mind.
- me.
He’d always been there behind me–quiet, loyal, always helping David, helping me.
But I’d never noticed, putting all my heart into David instead.[]
I’d forgotten about confronting David.]]
I looked at Richard in confusion, panic in my eyes.[]
“Thank you… I’ll prepare the materials and schedule another meeting.“[]
I spoke quietly, not daring to look at him again before turning and hurrying away.
-0
To get our marriage certificate and related documents, I had to return to the home David and I once shared.
The room had been cleaned and organized.
No trace remained of that night’s chaotic debauchery.
But in my eyes, this home was completely tainted.[]
After getting what I needed, I was about to leave when
e when my gaze fell on the nightstand. Following an impuls, I walked over and opened the drawer.]
The number of condoms inside was clearly half what it had been when I left.
I knew what this meant.[]
I thought I’d prepared myself for this.
Even so, a dense web of pain spread through my chest.
I don’t know how long I stood there until I heard the front door open []
Thinking David had returned, I walked out to find Lena instead []
Seeing me emerge from the bedroom, her expression instantly changed. She rushed into the bedroom to check, only relaxing after confirming I was alone.
She leaned against the bedroom doorframe, arms crossed, watching me warily:]
“Didn’t you say you wanted to divorce David? What are you doing back here?”
“I knew you never really planned to let go.“]
“David’s so outstanding–how could you possibly give him up?”
With David absent, she no longer maintained her “sweet girl next door” act.]
Leaning against the doorframe with arms crossed, she admired her fresh manicure smugly, a contemptuous smile playing at her lips.[]
“I know you look down on me, probably calling me cheap in your head. But you know what? In your husband’s eyes, you’re not even worth being called cheap.“[]
She laughed lightly, as if sharing amusing gossip.[]
“Want to hear how David describes you? He says you’re disgusting when you have emotional breakdowns and lose control of your bodily functions. He says I’m the best–sweet and soft, clean and beautiful.”
Her words drifted over casually, but they landed on me like massive stones, crushing the breath from my lungs.[]
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