Countdown to My Divorce

Rachel Lloyd had been by William Lewis' side since she was eighteen. One day, after an accident, she finally regained her hearing, which she had previously lost while saving his life. She couldn't wait to share the good news with him. But when she arrived, she found him holding his first love in his arms and whispering sweet nothings to her. William always knew Rachel loved him deeply—to the point she would give her life for him. She never got angry and never asked for much. But this time, instead of quietly staying by his side, she simply signed a non-disclosure agreement. And when the time came, she completely disappeared from his world. When William first heard that Rachel had vanished, he laughed it off. "She'll be back within a week." But a week passed. Then, a month. Then, three months. And still, Rachel didn't return. Now, as panic set in, William searched for her like a madman. For the first time in his proud, arrogant life, he humbled himself and begged, "Rachel, stop this. It's been long enough." Later, he added, "Come home. I'll give you whatever you want." And finally, he said, "If I were dying… would you at least come say goodbye?" When they met again, he was on his knees. His eyes were red-rimmed as he held out a teacup. "Please have some tea... Aunt Rachel." Chapter 1 "Ms. Lloyd, once you make this decision, you won't be able to return for at least five years, maybe even longer. We'll erase your identity from the public. Because of the sensitive nature of our company's research, no one will be able to find you during this time. I hope you understand this." "I understand." Rachel Lloyd hesitated for just a second before she lowered her head and signed her name at the bottom of the document. "Alright. Everything must be finalized by October 20th. We'll contact you when the time comes." Rachel glanced at her phone. Today was October 1st. That gave her 20 days. As she walked past a shopping mall, something on the big screen outside caught her eye. She stopped to watch footage from a press conference held last week. William Lewis, the CEO of Lewis Enterprise, had spent three years designing a custom wedding dress for his wife. According to him, the breathtaking, one-of-a-kind dress, a gift for their upcoming anniversary, was meant to make up for the regret that she hadn't worn a wedding dress at their wedding ceremony. The moment that dress was revealed, it took the world by storm. Everyone admired Rachel for marrying someone as wealthy and deeply devoted as William. Girls walking by glanced at the screen, their wide eyes full of envy. "Did you know? Their love story is like a fairytale. I heard Mr. Lewis remembers every little thing she likes. Even the tiniest details," one girl whispered to another. "Yeah, and didn't she get into a car accident a while back? The doctors said she might need a cornea transplant. Mr. Lewis signed the papers without a second thought. Luckily, she didn't end up needing it." "No matter how busy he is, he always gets her gifts on every holiday. That alone makes him better than ninety-nine percent of men," the other girl added. Rachel's lips twisted into a bitter smile. How she wished she still couldn't hear. Everything she heard right now only disgusted her. A few years ago, William had gotten into trouble with some classmates. When someone threw a chair during the incident, Rachel had stepped in front of him and taken the hit. As a result, she lost her hearing that day. Afterwards, everyone treated her like a freak. They excluded her from activities, mocked her, and called her names behind her back. "Deaf girl." They said it like a curse. But William had come to her like a ray of light in the darkness, holding her tight while she trembled in silence. "Rachel, you're not deaf. I'll be your ears. I'll never let anyone hurt you again. Anyone who tries—I'll fight them myself!" She thought their love would last forever. But now, it felt like fireworks—bright for a moment, then gone. Just days ago, Rachel had been planning to tell William some good news, wanting to surprise him with the fact that she had regained her hearing. Instead, she found out that the woman he had fallen head over heels for had come back. Rachel's hands were clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. Their love was over. It might still exist on paper, but in her heart, it was already dead. She wasn't going to beg, nor was she going to stay. She was ready to completely disappear from his life. Lowering her head, she carefully placed divorce papers into a small gift box she had prepared long ago. As she wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye, she stepped out onto the curb and reached for her phone to call a ride. But before she could, a familiar black car pulled up beside her. The man who stepped out of it looked as polished as always, dressed in a crisp shirt, tailored trousers, and shiny black derby shoes. When he crossed one leg over the other, the crease in his pants didn't even fold. His sharp features were filled with worry as he walked toward her. "Rachel, I told you to wait for me inside. It's freezing. What if you get sick?" he said, quickly signing with his hands as he spoke, a bit anxious. He reached for her hands and rubbed them gently between his palms, trying to warm her up. There was concern in his dark eyes as he guided her toward the car. Rachel gave a small, bitter smile. Her heart felt like it had been grabbed and twisted tight. It hurt so badly, she could barely breathe. Look at that. Turns out love can be faked too. William buckled her seatbelt for her. Just as he leaned back, his eyes landed on the small box in her lap. He pointed at it, asking, "What's this?" Rachel looked down, hiding the emotions swirling in her eyes. She replied softly, "A gift for our anniversary." William's eyes lit up as he smiled gently. He reached out with the intention of opening the box. However, Rachel quickly pressed his hand down. "Open it on the day of our anniversary." William looked curious, but when she spoke like that, he never pushed. He grinned, then reached out and playfully tapped the tip of her nose. "We'll do it your way. But first, let's retake our wedding photos." William wanted her to wear the custom wedding dress he had designed—something no one else in the world had. He wanted to take photos of it now, to be looked back on when they celebrated their 50th anniversary one day. Only Rachel knew the truth. There would be no fiftieth anniversary—or any future for them. What would William's expression look like when he finally opened that box? Chapter 2 When William and Rachel arrived at the bridal shop, an assistant greeted them warmly and led them to the dressing rooms. William went in to change first. When he stepped out, even the store staff froze for a moment. He was tall and lean, with not an ounce of extra weight on him, thanks to regular workouts. He looked like he'd stepped straight out of a magazine, the kind of man who made anything he wore look better. Then, Rachel walked out in the dress William had designed. She saw him sitting on a bench, looking down at his phone. His tie was neatly knotted, his black suit sharp and clean. As she stood silently behind him, she accidentally caught a glimpse of the text message on his screen. [William, my stomach hurts. Can you come pick me up?] Before he could reply, a second message came through. [Oh, you're doing wedding photos with Rachel today, right? Never mind. I'll just go home on my own.] Then, it disappeared. The sender had deleted it. Rachel sneered inwardly. Who waited a full minute to delete a sent message? That was no accident. William hesitated, his thumbs pausing over the screen before he finally typed: [I'll see how things go. Send me your location.] Rachel's hands tightened around the edge of her dress, her knuckles turning white. It felt like something was being ripped out of her chest, making it hard to breathe. She pressed a hand to her heart. So, William still couldn't say no to that woman. As Rachel slowly crouched down, William finally sensed that something was wrong. When he turned around and saw her pale face, he hurriedly stood. "Rachel? What's wrong? Are you feeling sick? I'll take you to the hospital right now." She looked at his face, and couldn't help but inwardly sneer at how it was so full of worry, just like always. But was he really worried about her, or was he just waiting for an excuse to run back to that woman? Rachel forced herself to stay calm. "I'm okay. Just haven't been sleeping well the past few days. Can you take me home?" she said quietly. William nodded quickly. "Of course. Let's go." He turned to speak with the store staff, then gently helped her outside. Just as they stepped out, his phone buzzed again. He checked it quickly, frowning. Sliding his phone back into his pocket, he turned to Rachel and signed with quick, slightly urgent movements as he spoke. "Rachel, an emergency came up at work. I might not be able to stay with you tonight. Is it okay if I just drop you off?" Rachel looked at his face—still warm, still pretending to care—and her stomach turned. She forced a smile. "It's fine. I feel much better now. I'll take a cab home." But William reached for her hand, holding it gently, like she was the only person in his world. "Work can wait for a bit. Your health matters more." She smiled faintly, lips pale. "Really, it's fine. Go ahead. I'm okay now." William studied her for a moment. Her face wasn't as pale as before, and she seemed steadier. "Alright. Get some rest. I'll try to come home early." Rachel nodded and watched him drive away. As soon as his car disappeared around the corner, she raised her hand and hailed a cab. "Follow that black car," she told the driver. By now, the sky had darkened. After a while, Rachel saw William's car pull over. When he stepped out, a beautiful woman rushed into his arms. Rachel leaned forward in her seat, eyes locked on the scene. When she saw the woman's face, her breath caught. It really was Samantha Judd, William's first love. Back in school, everyone talked about them. They were the kind of couple who turned heads in the hallways, completely wrapped up in each other. But then one day, she left, going abroad for some reason. After that, they lost touch entirely. And now, she was back? Of course she was. Samantha's face was glowing, her big, dark eyes shining like she was on the verge of tears, but in the prettiest way possible. It was the kind of look that made men want to protect her. "I knew you'd come, William. I've been waiting for you," she said. William stepped back just enough to look her over from head to toe, his usually cold eyes full of concern. "Didn't you say your stomach hurt?" Samantha gave him a playful smile and tilted her head. "It stopped hurting the second I saw you." William's tense expression softened instantly. His deep-set eyes and naturally sharp gaze gave him an intense look. But when he smiled, it was strangely captivating. "You little liar. Don't do that again. You scared me," he chided. Samantha pouted, grabbing his hand and swinging it lightly. Her voice turned soft, like she was about to cry again, but in a prettier way. "Okay. I just missed you too much. I didn't mean to mess up your day with Rachel," she said. William reached out and gently brushed her lips with his thumb. "It better not happen again." Samantha giggled. She tugged at his collar, eyes sparkling with mischief and something more. "Come here... I have a surprise for you." Their fingers laced together as they strolled down the beach toward a small wooden cabin near the water. Rachel stood frozen behind the trees, her body pressed against the bark. She didn't even notice the way her nails were digging into her palms as hot tears slid down her cheeks. She thought she could face this calmly, but the moment she saw them together, the pain cut so deep that it felt like her heart was being torn apart. From the beginning of their relationship, William had loved Rachel with everything he had. He cared about how she felt, always making sure she felt safe and valued. Even when things got intimate between them, he would hold himself back with visible effort. She could feel how hard it was for him to restrain himself, and sometimes, her heart softened. But he would just hold her gently and whisper, "I want our first time to be on our wedding night. For you, I can wait." Even on their wedding night, he had been patient. He took his time and never rushed her. He had buried his face in her neck and murmured, "Rachel, promise me you'll never leave. I love you." At that moment, she had truly believed that even losing her hearing for him had been worth it. He was worth it. But now… He had broken the promise he made. He had fallen in love with someone else, and everything they swore to each other had shattered. Chapter 3 William didn't come home that night, simply sending a single message at midnight. [I'm working late at the office. Take care of yourself.] Rachel stared at the message, her lips curling into a bitter smile. However, she wasn't going to waste more time thinking about him or Samantha. Before she left, she had something more important to do. And that was to fulfill her mother's last wish. When she arrived at the office, she noticed her colleagues giving her odd looks. "I heard the Oasis Project was finalized already," someone whispered behind a cubicle. "But Ms. Lloyd isn't the lead anymore." "What? That's been her baby for months. If she finds out about this, it'll probably mean trouble." "Yeah, but word is the board voted this morning. They gave it to someone new. A transfer, I think." As soon as they noticed Rachel at the door, everyone quickly looked away and hurried back to their desks. When she reached her office, she found that everything on her desk had been moved. Before she could say anything, a soft voice behind her called out, "Rachel?" She turned slowly. There, in a snow-white dress that made her look delicate and innocent, stood Samantha. Her long black hair flowed over her shoulders, and her face was flawless, her eyes wide and gentle. She had the kind of look that made men want to protect her without even knowing why. Rachel felt her whole body go cold. Samantha! Samantha smiled, lips tinted pink, her cheeks flushing as she sweetly said, "It's been so long. I guess we'll be coworkers now. I'm really looking forward to working with you." She reached out her hand. Rachel didn't take it. Instead, she looked over at her own desk—now completely cleared out—and tapped her fingers lightly against the surface. "What's going on here?" Samantha looked at her with wide, watery eyes, as if she had been hurt. Her fingers moved awkwardly in the air, making small gestures. "I'm really sorry, Rachel. William knows I'm allergic to dust, so he let me use your office. But if it bothers you, we can switch back. I don't mind. I'll go talk to him right now." Rachel smiled bitterly. What a joke. Allergic to dust? As if Rachel wasn't? She watched Samantha start to turn toward William's office. "No need," Rachel said flatly. She didn't want fake kindness. His heart was no longer with her, so why bother acting like he cared? Samantha turned back, her eyes still soft, but now with a glint she couldn't quite hide. "I knew you'd understand. But please don't get the wrong idea. William only brought me into the company because he sees how tired you've been. He just wanted me to help take the pressure off you." Rachel's fingers curled into her palm, then slowly relaxed. How "considerate" of William. He really did love her deeply—so deeply, in fact, he invited his old flame to help with her workload. "If that's what Mr. Lewis decided, then I hope you won't let him down, Ms. Judd." Having said that, Rachel stepped past Samantha without waiting for a reply and headed straight to William's office. When she pushed the door open and walked in, William heard the sound and looked up. Their eyes met for a few seconds before Rachel's gaze shifted to the papers on his desk. She reached out and picked them up. William stood up. There was a flicker of panic in his eyes. "Rachel—" She didn't look at him. Her eyes were locked on the page. It was the final vote on the Oasis Project: Rachel had received ten votes, while Samantha had twelve. And William had given the most important vote in Samantha's favor. Hah! He actually gave the most important vote to Samantha. Maybe it was how calm Rachel looked that made William uneasy. He stepped closer and gently wrapped his warm hand around her arm. "Rachel, it wasn't just my decision to let Samantha join the company and compete for the project. The board made that call. Even as CEO, I can't override everything. I hope you understand the position I'm in." Rachel tasted bitterness on her tongue, and her lips had gone pale. However, she didn't shout or cry. She was too numb for that now. She forced a small, tired smile and looked up at William. The eyes that used to look at her like she was his whole world… felt like a stranger's now. She drew a steady breath and asked, "What if I insist on leading the Oasis Project?" William's brows lifted just slightly. He took her cold fingers in both hands and held them tight, his thumb gently brushing over her skin like he was trying to calm her down. "I know this project means a lot to you. It was your mom's dream. But if it succeeds, no matter who does it, she'd be proud, right? She'll see it from heaven." Rachel let out a low laugh. He used to give her anything she wanted without question. But now? Now, for another woman, he had excuse after excuse. It wasn't just his body that was no longer hers; his heart was gone too. Rachel sniffled, her voice hoarse as she said, "If it's all the same to my mom up there, then why not let me do it? My proposal was just as strong as Samantha's. You know it was." William's expression tightened, a trace of conflict flickering in his eyes. He didn't let go of Rachel's hand. Instead, he held it tighter, his warm thumb slowly rubbing the back of her hand in a quiet, soothing motion. "Rachel, Samantha just got back to the country. Without something strong on her resume, she won't be able to find good work. Her parents are in poor health—no one knows how much time they have left. She needs this win. Also, we attended the same school. I know you. You've always been kind. You won't hold this against her, right?" Rachel almost laughed at how noble and polished his excuse sounded. However, the bitterness on her tongue said otherwise. It wasn't funny. Not at all. Previously, Rachel had always thought that William's kindness was just for her. Now, she saw the truth—his kindness could be given to anyone. He worried about Samantha's allergies, but had forgotten that Rachel herself could suffer from being around dust too. For her, it could even lead to breathing problems, and at its worst, could be life-threatening. When William saw how calm Rachel was, he felt even more uneasy. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke gently. "Rachel, how about we…" "Forget it," Rachel interrupted. "You just got the promotion. You don't have full control yet. There are too many shareholders, and you can't make all the decisions alone." She pretended to be understanding, gently pulling her hand out of his without making a fuss. Her voice carried a trace of weariness. When someone stopped loving a person, they would find a hundred excuses to convince themselves it was the right thing. Even if she stayed here, begging, she knew he wouldn't give her the project. And if that was the case—why bother forcing it? Thinking he had calmed her down, Wiliam let out a relieved breath. "Okay," he said. "Remember the auction? You were eyeing that necklace, the Eternal Heart, right? It's coming up in a few days. I'll buy it for you." Rachel stiffened, but forced a small smile and met his eyes. "Sure, but I heard it's pretty expensive." She didn't need him, but money still had value. No one was foolish enough to turn down money. "If you want it, no matter how expensive it is, it's worth it," he assured, his eyes lighting up the moment she agreed. A smile played at the corners of his mouth, and with a look full of affection, he reached out to gently pinch her cheek. Just as he began to lean in… The office door swung open. Samantha stood in the doorway and hesitantly said in a soft voice, "Mr. Lewis, the higher-ups are waiting for you. They're asking for you to come up." In the blink of an eye, William's hand, which had been resting on Rachel's shoulder, quickly pulled away. "Got it." Samantha stepped forward timidly, her teeth gently biting her lower lip. Her eyes were red-rimmed in an instant, and she awkwardly used a few basic hand gestures as she spoke. "Mr. Lewis, Rachel, are you two arguing about the Oasis Project? If Rachel really wants it, I don't mind giving it up. I can step aside." Rachel frowned slightly at Samantha's words. She stared at her for a moment, then calmly replied, "No need. I don't like taking things that belong to someone else. Since Mr. Lewis is considering your past connection, you should do your best with the Oasis Project, Ms. Judd." At Rachel's words, Samantha's eyes grew even more teary. She reached out, gently tugging at William's shirt sleeve. "Mr. Lewis, I think Rachel might have some misunderstandings about me. Could you explain it to her? If it's for Rachel, I'm willing to give up the project." Rachel's gaze fell on Samantha's hand, still holding William's sleeve. He had never liked anyone touching him. Samantha seemed to realize it too, quickly letting go as Rachel quietly turned her gaze away. Raising a fist to his lips, William cleared his throat. "Rachel already agreed. She's not the type to hold grudges." He turned to Rachel and signed as he said, "After the meeting, I'll come find you. Tonight, we'll go to that restaurant you love." With that, he stepped past Rachel and followed Samantha to the meeting room. As soon as the office door shut behind them, Rachel picked up Samantha's project proposal on William's desk and glanced at it. A bitter laugh escaped her lips. Samantha hadn't even bothered to correct the typos. Chapter 4 Rachel walked back to her office, holding her project proposal, her face pale. Cecilia Young noticed right away and came over, using simple hand signs as she asked, "Rachel, are you okay? Did that new hire really take the project?" Rachel grabbed Cecilia's wrist. "Come with me." The two of them went to the breakroom. Rachel's face was serious as she said, "I need your help with something important." "Of course, just tell me what you need." "I heard that LS Enterprise wanted to take the Oasis Project too. Since it hasn't started yet, if we come up with a better plan, we can take control of the project. That way, it won't be up to this company to decide how it moves forward." Cecilia's face went pale. She quickly started to gesture in panic as she exclaimed, "Are you crazy? If you get involved and someone finds out, it's like leaking company secrets. Your career would be over!" She paused, looking at Rachel like she was crazy, then added, "Also, I've heard rumors about the owner of LS Enterprise. His background is complicated, and there isn't much information available online about him. If you go near him, it's like walking straight into a trap. What if he uses it against you?" Rachel knew Cecilia was scared for her. But at this point, there was no turning back. "This is my mom's dying wish. I have to finish it," Rachel said firmly. She didn't have much time left. Cecilia had known Rachel since college, so she knew that once Rachel made up her mind, nothing could change it. After thinking for a moment, she sighed. "Alright, I'm in. But be careful. If word gets out that the wife of Lewis Enterprise's CEO is helping their rival company, it's going to stir up a storm." Rachel's grip tightened around Cecilia's hand. "I'll be careful. Thank you." After leaving the breakroom, Rachel quietly packed up her things. As she was straightening up her desk, something fell and broke. Bending down to pick it up, she realized it was a picture of her and William—one they had taken when they first started dating. Their heads were close together, smiling shyly. Back then, they had been so happy, like nothing could stand in their way as long as they had each other. Now, it all felt like a joke. Rachel picked up the broken frame and tossed it in the trash. As she finished tidying up, Cecilia sent a message. [I used all my connections and got you fifteen minutes.] Rachel texted back: [That's enough.] This was it. Whether she succeeded or failed, it all came down to that moment. With her project proposal in hand, Rachel made her way to LS Enterprise. Cecilia gave her a quick pat on the shoulder. "Use your skills to win him over. If that doesn't work, try using your charm!" Rachel couldn't help but laugh at her friend's silly joke. "What if he's into men?" she teased. Cecilia paused, unsure how to respond. After saying goodbye, Rachel entered the building. But once she got into the elevator, doubt started to creep in. She had heard that the owner of LS Enterprise was notoriously difficult to deal with. He was always hard to reach, but his company's success far outpaced Lewis Enterprise. Rumor had it that the founder, Tyler Hunt, had built the company from scratch in just two or three years, turning it into an industry leader. Because of that, he had become a legendary figure. When Rachel arrived at the office door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking. A cold voice came from inside: "Come in." Rachel took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The moment she entered, she was met with the cold, monochrome tones of black, white, and gray. The man inside had sharp features, giving him an intimidating look that made him seem distant and unapproachable. He was still talking to an employee, but once Rachel's eyes locked onto him, she couldn't look away. He had a presence that was impossible to ignore. Unlike the kind of coldness Willam had, Tyler had a more aggressive edge. His serious expression and strikingly sharp features made him look even more intense. Rachel hadn't expected anyone else to be in the room. She quietly sat down on the couch, watching Tyler. He was focused, his sharp gaze never flickering from the papers in front of him. He didn't notice her presence at all. She wasn't in a hurry, so she waited, letting the silence settle until his subordinate finished reporting. The man, still signing documents, spoke without looking up. "Find out who let her in. Fire the person involved." The subordinate froze for a second, glancing at Rachel sitting on the couch, then nodded. "Understood, Mr. Hunt." Rachel's heart skipped a beat. She had heard rumors that LS Enterprise's CEO was ruthless and quick to act when someone made a mistake. She could see that it was all true. In the time it took him to sign a contract, someone had been fired. Hoping to avoid getting thrown out, Rachel quickly stated her purpose. To her surprise, Tyler didn't even lift his head. Rachel knew he was listening, so she continued explaining her plan. Once she finished speaking, Tyler finally looked up from his papers. His gaze was sharp, almost too intense, his eyes giving off a pressure that made Rachel feel small under his scrutiny. For some reason, even though this was their first meeting, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had seen him before. Ready to make her pitch, she cleared her throat and continued, saying, "Mr. Hunt, if I can help your company secure the rights to the Oasis Project, over the next three years, your company will experience a major breakthrough. Plus, the land near Oasis gives you plenty of room to expand..." He interrupted her: "Mrs. Lewis, did you get into a fight with your husband, or is this just your company's new strategy?" As he spoke, he placed the file aside, but his sharp gaze lingered on her. Rachel was caught off guard. She hadn't expected such a blunt response, but she held her ground. "I know you might have doubts, but I genuinely want to help your company secure the rights. No one knows this project better than I do." Tyler set down his pen and leaned back in his chair, lazily raising an eyebrow. "When gods fight, the mortals suffer?" Rachel pursed her lips, trying to explain herself by saying, "I'm not asking for any money, but I have one condition. If you secure the rights, I get the final say on the design." His piercing gaze didn't leave her. He leaned slightly forward, his voice low and deliberate as he said, "You should understand what coming to me for negotiations means." "I do," Rachel replied, meeting his eyes with steady resolve. "It means I might end up making enemies on both sides. If this gets out, Lewis Enterprise will hold me accountable, and you'll have every reason to think I'm a spy sent from them." Tyler seemed amused. "I'm curious, though. Since the Oasis Project is already under your company, why are you here?" Rachel lowered her gaze, her voice quieter now as she said, "Because of personal reasons that I can't discuss. However, this project is crucial for me." Tyler tapped his finger on the desk. "I heard you're not in charge of the project anymore. A new person was brought in." He paused for a moment, letting the words settle before speaking again. "But that doesn't concern me. I have no reason to wade through your personal drama," he added, his tone cold and deliberate. Chapter 5 Rachel walked downstairs, where Cecilia was still waiting for her. As soon as she appeared, Cecilia rushed up to her. "So, what happened?" she asked eagerly. "It didn't work out. Just like the rumors say, he's impossible to get through to." Not only that, but Rachel had almost exposed herself in the process. As she was about to leave his office, she had heard Tyler's deep voice behind her: "I heard you went deaf because of Mr. Lewis back then, Mrs. Lewis. Looks like you're all better now." Rachel wasn't sure if Tyler would keep her secret, but deep down, she felt that even if she asked him, he wouldn't help. Cecilia looked at her with guilt and said, "I'm so sorry I couldn't help you." "It's fine. Actually, I think I've caused trouble for you." Rachel shivered as she remembered Tyler's words to his subordinate earlier. As she was about to speak again, she noticed Cecilia standing still, frozen in shock. Her eyes were wide open, and she seemed lost in thought. Rachel waved her hand in front of her. "What's going on? Are you okay?" Cecilia slowly turned her head, her face full of disbelief. "I… I didn't sign to you just now, but... you could hear me?" Rachel quickly covered her mouth. "Keep it down. Come here." Once they were out of earshot, Rachel explained what had happened. Cecilia's reaction was pure excitement. "That's amazing! Why didn't you tell me earlier? I was over here looking like a fool, clumsily signing to you." Cecilia wasn't great at sign language, but luckily, Rachel was smart. Even if the person Rachel was talking to wasn't fluent in sign language, she could roughly tell what they were saying from the shape of their mouth. "But you need to keep this secret for me. Not even William knows. And tell your friend who helped set this meeting that there's a good chance they might lose their job over it." Rachel's voice grew softer as she repeated Tyler's words to Cecilia. Cecilia hung her head, clearly upset. "This is bad. Tyler really is as ruthless as they say. It looks like your plan is going to fall apart." - When Rachel got home, she sold the custom wedding dress William designed for her. She had finally come to a decision. Whether or not she got the Oasis Project, she needed money for the future. She wasn't the rich daughter of the Lloyd family anymore; she was just an ordinary person now, and to survive, she needed money. She thought it would take days for anyone to buy the dress, but to her surprise, within three minutes, someone paid an unbelievable price for it. Five million. She stared at the deposit notification on her phone, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction. She was already thinking about what to do with the money. Just then, the door burst open. William walked in, sweat beading on his forehead. He knelt down in front of Rachel, looking desperate, his hands moving quickly as he signed. "I saw you sold the wedding dress online. I designed that myself. Did I do something wrong? Are you mad at me?" Rachel could see nothing but worry in William's eyes. She had always believed she understood him completely. From his gaze, she could read him like an open book. But now, as she looked into those same eyes, all she saw was insincerity. She forced a smile, trying to sound calm as she replied, "No, I just think the dress is a material item. Remember that orphanage I told you about? It's in really bad shape; I want to donate money to them." William looked at her with doubt in his eyes. "Really? It's not because you're mad that Samantha got the Oasis Project?" Rachel pretended to be unaffected, patting his hand lightly. "Of course not. We're all alumni of the same school. Helping each other is the right thing to do. Don't overthink it." After he heard that, William's tense face softened, his sharp features relaxing into a smile. "That's a relief. I knew you weren't that petty. Don't worry, I'll make sure everything goes smoothly with the project. I won't let anything go wrong." Rachel almost laughed out loud. In William's eyes, he was being generous enough by giving away the most important thing to him. She knew now that getting him to give her the project was impossible. Her only chance was with Tyler. Just as she was thinking that, William's phone rang. He glanced at it quickly, about to ignore it, but Rachel had already seen the name on the screen. It was Samantha. A bright, radiant smile crossed Rachel's face. "Who's calling? Why aren't you answering?" William hesitated for a moment, then slipped the phone back into his pocket, forcing a smile. "It's just the company. But right now, I need to focus on you. You're much more important than work." He spoke softly, a trace of affection in his eyes as he gently pinched Rachel's cheek. However, she said, "Go ahead, take the call. It might be something important." William didn't want to answer, but Samantha kept calling. He ruffled Rachel's hair, nodding toward the door to let her know he needed to take the call. She quietly watched as he walked out, the light in her eyes dimming little by little. What she had once considered so important seemed to mean nothing to him, as it left his lips so casually. Had he forgotten what he had told her before? That as long as he was around, the project would be hers, no matter the cost? Now, he had casually handed it over to Samantha with just the excuse of it being the higher-ups' decision. The vibration of her phone pulled Rachel back to reality. It was a message from Cecilia. [I heard that Tyler will be attending the charity auction tonight. Not sure if he'll actually go, though. I heard he rarely attends events like this. You'll have to take a chance.] Rachel wasn't sure if Tyler would actually be there, but she had to go. Maybe she would get lucky. She quickly typed a reply: [Thanks.] As soon as she sent the message, William came back into the room after his phone call. He crouched down in front of her, looking anxious. "Hey, I've got to meet a business partner, so I might not be able to have dinner with you. But I'll come back as soon as I can." Rachel quickly replied, "Don't worry about it. You go ahead. We can eat together another time." She was actually glad he wouldn't be around tonight. She wasn't sure how to turn him down if he insisted on taking her out. William couldn't help but kiss her forehead. "You're the best. When I get back, I'll buy that bracelet you liked at the auction." "Alright. Go ahead," Rachel replied, playing the part of the understanding wife. She turned her head, avoiding his kiss. Just the thought of those hands, that mouth, having touched Samantha made her feel utterly disgusted. William didn't notice that something was off with Rachel. She could see how he was almost about to float off the ground with excitement. She knew she didn't want this forced relationship anymore, and couldn't bring herself to care about a love that didn't feel real. Once William left, Rachel quickly grabbed some clothes from the closet and put on light makeup before rushing out the door. When she arrived at the charity auction, she took out the invitation. The brand had invited Lewis Enterprise, so it wouldn't be too hard to get in. Inside, she searched the room but couldn't find Tyler. Instead, she saw two familiar faces—William and Samantha. Samantha was adjusting William's tie, looking at him with eyes full of affection. Rachel couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. This was his idea of meeting a business partner? But that wasn't the worst of it. What happened next left her stunned. A staff member came over and handed William a beautiful red velvet box. Slowly, he opened it, took out a bracelet, and gently placed it on Samantha's wrist. Rachel's heart skipped a beat, and her legs felt heavy as she stood frozen. The bracelet meant so much to her—it was the first piece of jewelry she ever designed. Back when her mother couldn't afford treatment, Rachel had sold it. William had promised he would buy it back once it was up for auction. But now, seeing this, she realized that his promises meant nothing. For a man, what he said one moment could mean nothing the next. He could be loving and caring, always saying he loved her, but then turn around and act the same way with another woman. Rachel bit her lip hard, trying to steady her breathing. She didn't even notice the small trickle of blood from where her teeth pierced her skin. She watched as Samantha smiled brightly and threw herself into William's arms. "William, you're the best!" Then, with worry-filled eyes, she added, "But if Rachel finds out, do you think she'll be upset?" Chapter 6 "It's fine. She's generous and not that petty. Think of it as a welcome gift from me. Rachel is really good at what she does. If you work with her, you'll learn a lot," William said, his voice full of concern for Samantha. From a distance, Rachel overheard his words, and her heart sank. Generous? In William's eyes, she could give up everything—the project, her design work, even her mother's last wish. And now, she was even giving up her husband. She could feel the weight of her own humiliation, even without looking in the mirror. "Rachel Lloyd, how did you end up like this?" she asked herself quietly. Just then, a teasing voice interrupted her thoughts: "I wondered why you suddenly wanted to work with me. Turns out, your husband has found someone new." Rachel jumped back in shock. Her heel slipped, making her lose her balance and start to fall backwards. Her mind raced, fearing the worst. But in the next moment, steady hands gripped her waist. For a moment, she was relieved that Tyler at least seemed a bit compassionate. But then, she saw the mocking smile at the corner of his lips, and his hands suddenly left her waist. Rachel couldn't believe it—he was playing with her. In that split second, a burst of strength flowed through her. Just as she was about to hit the ground, she grabbed onto the edge of Tyler's suit jacket. His deep eyes showed a flicker of surprise before he reluctantly caught her again, pulling her back. She stumbled into his hard, firm chest. Looking up with a frown, she was met with his intense, unreadable gaze. "Are you trying to use me as a cushion?" he teased. Rachel couldn't stand this man, especially after the way he had played with her. She pushed against his chest, trying to create some distance between them. She couldn't admit it was intentional, so she muttered, "It was just a reflex. I'm sorry, Mr. Hunt." If it weren't for him messing with her, this near-disaster wouldn't have happened. Rachel clenched her fists, trying to stay calm. She still needed him for the Oasis Project. For now, he was like her only lifeline! She took a deep breath, letting the tension leave her body, and forced a smile back onto her face. "Mr. Hunt, you must believe me now, right? I'm not a spy sent by Lewis Enterprise. I really want to work with you." Tyler tucked his hands casually into his pockets as he lazily replied, "Who knows? Maybe you and your husband are just playing me." Rachel pursed her lips tightly. This man had a trust issue the size of a mountain. She imagined any woman who married him might never even get a chance to talk to another man. She smiled wider, trying to stay patient. "Why would I bother? Besides, we both know you could uncover the truth with one phone call. You've got that kind of reach." Everyone at Nevalis University knew about Samantha and William's past relationship. After a moment, Tyler spoke again, his tone reluctantly serious. "If you're determined to work with us, let me make one thing clear. Once this project is under LS Enterprise, William will eventually find out about you. Once that gets out, it will cause a scandal for us at LS Enterprise. Who knows..." He paused, leaning slightly closer to her. His warm breath brushed against her ear as he whispered, a dark chuckle escaping his lips. "People might say you and I are in this together. Do you think you can handle that kind of accusation, Mrs. Lewis?" Rachel stiffened, the weight of his words hitting her hard. She understood exactly what he was saying. If she pushed too hard now, she could burn everything down. But as long as she could finish the project before leaving, the gossip wouldn't matter. Slowly, the tension in Rachel's face began to fade. She knew what she had to do. "That's hardly your concern, Mr. Hunt. You're a businessman. As long as this project turns pure profit, nothing else should matter," she said. She could tell Tyler wasn't the type to fear William's wrath. The man had an air of confidence that made him seem unafraid of anything or anyone. With a faint smirk, he dropped his scrutinizing gaze and slumped back into his signature lazy posture. "Hey," he called out to her. Rachel looked up at him. "Yeah?" His eyes moved past her, landing on the other side of the room. His voice took on a playful tone as he added, "Your husband seems to be staring right at us." Rachel froze. She quickly turned her head, and sure enough, William was looking straight at her. The moment their eyes met, they both froze. William's face showed a flicker of surprise when he saw Rachel, but when his gaze landed on Tyler next to her, his expression darkened. Samantha completely missed the odd look on William's face as she cheerfully came over to greet Rachel. "Rachel, what a coincidence! If I had known you were coming, I wouldn't have joined William. Oh, but don't misunderstand. I just came along as a favor because he didn't have a plus-one." Samantha seemed a little flustered as she gestured toward Rachel, her face turning pink as she nervously stole a glance at her. Her eyes showed signs of discomfort, and Rachel couldn't help but feel like some kind of a wicked stepmother, as if she had been deliberately bullying Samantha. Just then, William seemed to snap out of his thoughts. He walked over and took Rachel's hand. "I thought I told you to rest at home. Why did you come out on your own?" For a moment, Rachel couldn't tell if he was concerned or blaming her. She kept her face neutral and said, "Remember I told you about the bracelet I designed for my graduation project? I heard it's being auctioned off today. Since you're busy with work, I decided to just take a cab and come." When Samantha heard that, she instinctively tried to hide her wrist. However, Rachel's eyes landed on her wrist. "Ms. Judd, how did you end up with that bracelet?" she exclaimed in surprise. Samantha tried to hide it, but Rachel grabbed her wrist, revealing the soft blue bracelet to everyone. Tyler had taken a seat when William and Samantha came over. He leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed, clearly enjoying the scene unfolding. The atmosphere grew tense. Rachel then looked directly at William, raising her voice as she said, "I get it now. You secretly bought it and wanted to surprise me, right?" William was momentarily stunned, but then nodded along with her. "Yeah, I thought I'd swing by after my meeting and pick it up for you. That bracelet's been sitting around for so long, so I thought I'd have Samantha try it on for you." Rachel smiled widely, her eyes sparkling. "I knew it! You really went through all that trouble, huh? But since I'm right here, I can try it on myself." Samantha's face turned pale with a mix of anger and embarrassment. Though she was clearly fuming inside, she couldn't say anything. Rachel extended her hand, and Samantha reluctantly removed the bracelet and gave it to her. Rachel put it on her wrist, making sure to flaunt it in front of William and Samantha. She shook her wrist slightly. "How does it look?" "It looks great," William replied patiently, as he always did. Then, Samantha suddenly spoke up, her voice soft and sweet as she asked, "Wait, isn't this man Mr. Hunt? How did you end up with him, Rachel? I thought our company wasn't working with LS Enterprise." Chapter 7 Everything had seemed to be going fine, but things had now taken a turn. Suddenly, the spotlight was on Rachel and Tyler, making Rachel's heart skip a beat. Everyone in the industry knew that Lewis Enterprise and LS Enterprise were rivals. In Yurelia City, only those two companies had the strength to compete head-to-head. Getting too close to the competition was bound to raise suspicion. But as long as her acting was good enough, it wouldn't be a problem. Rachel kept her calm and smoothly replied, "I accidentally stepped on Mr. Hunt's shoe earlier. I figured I should apologize. That's not too much, is it?" Tyler casually responded, "That's right. Mrs. Lewis was about to apologize to me, but then you showed up, Mr. Lewis." William glared at Tyler, his brow furrowing in frustration as his expression darkened. "You—" "Mr. Lewis," Tyler interrupted before William could continue. "Since you're here, you apologize on your wife's behalf. I don't usually like to make things difficult for women." Rachel stared at Tyler in disbelief. Did this man not have any shame? He nearly made her fall earlier, and now had the nerve to say he didn't like making things hard for women—with a straight face no less! William stayed silent, his expression dark. Rachel felt something was off with him tonight, especially after meeting Tyler. He seemed more restless than usual. A few moments later, Tyler rubbed his forehead and spoke again in a clearly impatient manner: "I thought the rumors said you treat your wife like a precious treasure. Were those lies?" The words were casual, but the pressure in Tyler's voice was unmistakable. There was a time when Rachel would've immediately stepped in to defend William. She hated seeing people push her loved ones around. People could mess with her, but she wouldn't let anyone mess with the ones she cared about. But tonight, she just wanted to see what William would do. She knew him well. He was an extremely prideful man who wouldn't just apologize to the competition. Plus, there were so many people watching. If word got out, it would be all over the news by tomorrow. The tension in the air grew thicker. "Mr. Hunt, it's not that big of a deal. It's just a pair of shoes, right? We can pay for them if you'd like," Samantha cautiously spoke up. Tyler raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Is this young lady perhaps your next wife, Mr. Lewis?" The words stung, and Samantha's face turned pale. William quickly pulled her behind him. "I forgot to introduce her to you, Mr. Hunt. This is our new colleague, Samantha Judd." Tyler glanced at Samantha briefly, then looked down at his watch with disinterest. "I see. Never heard of her." Samantha's eyes filled with hurt, her cheeks flushed red. She clutched William's jacket, her voice thick with emotion, calling out, "William..." William's jaw tightened, his fists clenching and unclenching as he took a deep breath. "My wife made a mistake. As her husband, I should be the one to take responsibility. What do you want, Mr. Hunt?" he finally said, his voice low and strained. Just then, a waiter passed by, and Tyler raised his hand to signal for him to stop. "If you drink this bottle of champagne, I'll consider this matter settled." Samantha quickly reached out to stop him. "That won't do. William can't hold his liquor. I'll drink in his place, Mr. Hunt." As she spoke, she reached for the champagne, ready to down it. However, William snatched it away before it touched her lips, his brows furrowed tightly. "Don't be ridiculous! You're allergic to alcohol." Rachel swayed where she stood, the words hitting her like a punch to the chest. She stumbled back two steps, her throat tightening. He remembered Samantha was allergic to alcohol, but forgot that Rachel was allergic to dust. Her fingers clutched the back of the nearest chair, knuckles turning white. William drank the champagne in one go, while Samantha's eyes were filled with concern, watching him with evident worry. Tyler looked like he was watching a show as he leaned casually against a nearby chair, his eyes never leaving William as he finished the bottle of champagne. Then, he clapped slowly, as if impressed. "You truly have a remarkable tolerance for alcohol, Mr. Lewis." After saying that, Tyler waved a hand carelessly, slipped his hands back into his pockets, and walked out of the auction hall. William's stomach churned, the alcohol hitting him harder than he expected. However, he kept his composure and looked at Rachel with a pale face. He staggered over to her, grabbing her hand and trying to steady himself as he raised his hand to sign to her. "Tyler isn't someone who should be messed with. Stay away from him." Noticing how unstable William was, Rachel instinctively reached out to hold his arm. "You need to go home and take some medicine for this." He nodded slowly, then turned to Samantha. "Take a cab home. Let me know when you arrive." Samantha smiled sweetly and nodded. "Okay." Then, she turned to Rachel and signed awkwardly, saying, "Rachel, please take care of William. His stomach is usually sensitive after drinking, and he gets severe stomach pains the next day. Also, can you make him some chicken soup?" Rachel's breath hitched at Samantha's words. She didn't respond directly but gave a pointed reminder instead. "Be careful on your way back, Ms. Judd. And from now on, call him Mr. Lewis in public. If someone overhears and thinks you're... something else, it could cause problems." Without giving Samantha a chance to argue, Rachel guided William out of the room. Samantha stood there, staring at their retreating backs. She pursed her lips tightly together, eyes full of frustration. As Rachel helped William toward the exit, she caught a glimpse of Tyler in the distance, casually leaning against his Bugatti. He had a cigarette between his lips, his head slightly lowered as he spoke into his phone. When he turned his head slightly, his cold, dark eyes met Rachel's. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away. As she opened the car door and helped William inside, Tyler's car drove past them, the two vehicles mere inches apart. As Rachel got into the backseat, a strange, uncomfortable sensation crept over her. It felt like needles pricking at her back, like someone was watching her. She couldn't shake the feeling. She didn't understand why Tyler acted that way toward William. It was clear to anyone that it was a deliberate attack. William had been in the business world for so many years, and she had never seen him act so uneasy around anyone. It made her wonder if something had happened between William and Tyler that she wasn't aware of. William looked miserable. After downing an entire bottle of champagne, it was no surprise that he wasn't doing well. The strong smell of alcohol filled the car, making Rachel wrinkle her nose. She fought the urge to gag and rolled down the window to let the air circulate, and the feeling of unease gradually subsided. When they got home, Rachel and Arsen Smith helped William to his room. Arsen noticed how drunk William was and said, "Madam, I'll prepare some hangover remedy. You take care of Mr. Lewis." "Go ahead," Rachel replied, glancing at William. She saw how cracked and dry his lips were, and was about to get up to pour him some water when she heard him mumbling something. "Don't go… Don't leave me… Once I'm rich, I'll marry you, Samantha…" Rachel felt her heart, which had been adrift all evening, plummet into an abyss. She had always believed that William's drive to inherit the company, to earn his grandfather's approval, was for her. She thought he was working so hard to give her a better life, to make up for the pain she had suffered as a child. Through his toughest times, she had stayed by his side. She had been there through every all-nighter, every brutal negotiation. Even that time she landed in the hospital with alcohol poisoning after attending a social event with him, she hadn't voiced a single complaint. But now, he was telling her that his true motivation had been Samantha. It had been that woman all along. Then, what about Rachel? What did that make her? Chapter 8 William had a terrible night. Unable to sleep well, he woke up with a pounding headache and a heavy, uncomfortable feeling all over his body. When he opened his eyes, his stomach was empty and aching. He turned over, but the space next to him was empty. He rubbed his temples, trying to ease the pressure in his head. "Rachel…" he murmured softly. The door creaked open, revealing Arsen in the doorway. "Mr. Lewis, you're awake." William pushed the covers off and sat up. "Where's Rachel?" "She left early for the office, sir," Arsen answered. William got out of bed, got dressed, and walked into the dining room. The table was set, but there was only some bread and milk served. "Where's the chicken soup?" he asked with a frown. Arsen lowered his head. "Sorry, Mr. Lewis, I don't know how to make chicken soup. Mrs. Lewis said she was busy with work and didn't have time to make it. She said you could just eat whatever's here." William felt a wave of frustration he couldn't explain. Whenever he had a hangover, Rachel always made sure he had his favorite chicken soup. It didn't matter how busy she was, or even if it meant waking up at four or five in the morning to cook it for him. This was the first time he had woken up to find the table empty, without her there. His stomach hurt again, sharper this time. He hunched over, instinctively pressing his hand to his stomach. "Get me my stomach medicine," he said. Arsen began looking around, clearly flustered. "Mr. Lewis, where do you keep your stomach medicine?" William realized suddenly that Rachel was always the one who placed the medicine on the table for him whenever he had stomach issues. He raised his hand. "Text Rachel. Ask her where it is." Arsen sent Rachel a message, but there was no reply. He tried several more times, but there was still no response. After a few moments, he put the phone down, unsure of what to do next. "Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Lewis didn't reply," Arsen said. The pain in William's stomach only made his mood worse. Add to that the fact that the house felt cold and empty, and he couldn't shake off his growing irritation. "Forget it. Just go out and get me some stomach medicine and chicken soup," he snapped. "Yes, sir," Arsen replied quickly. But the chicken soup from the restaurant was nothing compared to the one Rachel usually made for him. He wouldn't know, but she always considered his weak stomach. She would wake up at three in the morning to prepare it for him. It would simmer for hours, turning thick and fragrant, just the way he liked it. The chicken soup Arsen had bought was from the most expensive restaurant in Yurelia City, and was nothing like Rachel's. William took two sips, then put his spoon down in disgust. "It's awful," he muttered. - Meanwhile, Rachel was sitting calmly in a café, sipping coffee and enjoying breakfast. When she saw the name flashing on her phone screen, a cold smile tugged at her lips. Her love for William had always come with one condition—he had to be just as devoted to her. But clearly, that wasn't the case anymore. He wasn't just physically with someone else, his heart had left her a long time ago too. She wasn't foolish enough to keep holding on. In less than ten days, she would finally be free from this broken relationship. But she still had one last obstacle to overcome. She needed to convince Tyler, who was as tough as concrete. He didn't care about anything but results, and he never let personal feelings get in the way. The only way to get through to him was to offer terms he would find acceptable. No matter what, she couldn't give up until the last moment. Rachel checked her watch, finished her coffee, and stood up to head to the office. As soon as she walked in, she saw a crowd gathered around Samantha, all of them looking at her with admiration. "Samantha, that necklace is beautiful! I remember seeing it at the auction; it's one-of-a-kind, right? Must be really expensive." Samantha was smiling brightly, her clear, fair face glowing with happiness. Gone was the awkwardness on her face at the auction the night before. She was gently touching the necklace around her neck, clearly proud of it. "You're right. My boyfriend bought it for me," Samantha said. "He said if others have it, his little princess should have it too." The other women gasped, their eyes wide with admiration. "Your boyfriend really loves you," one of them said, a dreamy look on her face. Samantha's eyes lit up with a shy, girlish gleam. "My boyfriend said that when I get pregnant, he'll get an even bigger gift for me." Rachel, standing a little further away, froze. It felt like her whole body had gone stiff, like rust was creeping over her. A sharp-eyed colleague spotted Rachel and quickly walked over with a slight sense of panic. "Good morning, Ms. Lloyd." Rachel snapped back to reality, her expression neutral. "Good morning." One of the employees hurried over and started signing, saying, "Ms. Lloyd, look at that necklace on Samantha's neck. Isn't it gorgeous?" Rachel's gaze followed, landing on the silver necklace around Samantha's neck. A small, tight smile tugged at her lips. Wasn't that the Eternal Heart necklace from the auction? William really was playing both sides, trying to please everyone. On top of managing the complex issues with Lewis Enterprise, how did he keep up? Rachel's voice was calm and measured as she replied, "It's very beautiful. But I noticed that your boyfriend wasn't at the auction yesterday, Ms. Judd. Maybe next time, you can bring him along so we can meet him." Samantha grinned brightly and said, "I'll introduce him to you when I get the chance, Rachel." Rachel's gaze stayed fixed on the necklace, and she reached out to lightly run her fingers over the cool chain. "This necklace must've cost quite a bit. I'm guessing your boyfriend is someone well-known in the industry. Would it be alright to know his last name? Maybe I know him." The surrounding colleagues leaned in, their curiosity piqued. "Yeah, if he's someone in the industry, Ms. Lloyd would definitely know him! Come on, tell us about him!" "That's right, tell us!" Samantha, who had been smiling just moments ago, felt her smile slowly fade when Rachel asked about her boyfriend's name. Rachel's sharp eyes watched closely as Samantha's face tightened, just a little. "What's wrong? Not comfortable saying his name... or is there something else going on?" Rachel's question was enough to make everyone pause. After all, if Samantha's boyfriend was so well-known, why would she be shy about mentioning his name? Unless, of course… there was something she didn't want anyone to know. Nobody here was an idiot; it wasn't hard for them to guess what might be going on. Suddenly, a voice broke the tension from behind: "Why are you all gathered here? Don't you have work to do?" "It's Mr. Lewis!" Everyone quickly straightened up and returned to their seats. William's hands were in his pockets, and even though he still looked a little tired from the hangover, he couldn't hide the sharp, striking features of his face. His eyes were as intense as an eagle's gaze. He walked up to them, eyes landing on Rachel as he lifted his phone slightly. "Why didn't you text me back?" Rachel instinctively glanced at Samantha before responding, her voice calm. "I didn't notice. We were just talking about the Eternal Heart necklace Ms. Judd is wearing. She said it was a gift from her boyfriend. Do you know him?"