<h4>Chapter 322: Chapter 322 Restless</h4>


    Though I waspletely at home in Yvaine’s house, I couldn’t sleep.


    Without Ashton’s strong, warm arms around me, I felt strangely restless. I’d grown used to his warmth, the familiar scent of him, that unique presence that was just his.


    I missed him.


    When I woke the next morning, my head was throbbing, but I still dragged myself to work.


    ‘You look terrible. Why not just rest at home? You’re the boss, after all.’ Yvaine watched me with concern.


    I forced a smile and shook my head. ‘No, it’s fine.’


    Work was better. Sitting around with nothing to do would just leave me brooding.


    ‘Alright then, I’lle to Sugar & Whim too. It’s right across from your studio, so I’ll be nearby if you need me.’


    I raised an eyebrow at her. ‘You actually remember you own a cake shop?’


    It was a miracle her ce was still in business, let alone thriving, given how often she left it to run itself.


    ‘Of course I do. But I’ve got a manager who handles the day-to-day. I don’t need to be there every single day. Consider this a special exception, for you.’


    I hugged her. ‘Thanks.’


    She patted my back. ‘What are best friends for? Or have you reced me with this new Naomi?’


    Iughed softly. ‘Don’t be jealous. She’s lovely. I’ll introduce you sometime.’


    Yvaine sniffed. ‘Well, since she helped you out, I suppose I can ept her as a friend.’


    Then she flopped back onto the bed.


    I stared at her. ‘I thought you wereing with me?’


    She yawned and rolled over. ‘I am. But I didn’t say now. It’s too early. I need more sleep.’


    I checked my phone. ‘It’s almost nine.’


    Her voice was muffled by the pillow. ‘That’s practically midnight for me.’


    I shook my head in amusement. ‘Fine. I’m heading to the studio. See youter.’


    When I got in, I made myself a very strong coffee. No sugar. It was bitter and exactly what I needed to wake up.


    ‘Mirabelle, are you alright? You look like you didn’t sleep at allst night,’ Priya asked,ing over with a concerned look.


    She’d insisted oning in to help, even though I’d given her the month off.


    ‘Can’t let you be the only one getting yelled at by clients, can I?’ she’d said.


    She’d even taken a voluntary pay cut, insisting she should bear part of the responsibility.


    I forced a smile. ‘Yeah, didn’t sleep well. I’ve been thinking about the database. From now on, we need backups for our backups—not just digital, but hard copies of everything.’


    She nodded. ‘Makes sense.’


    ‘Could you check the website, see if there are any new orders?’ Though it was pretty unlikely.


    She went back to her workstation, and I returned to my own work.


    I sent emails to clients, chased the OEM factory for updates on production orders, and sketched out new designs even though it was doubtful we’dnd any new clients soon.


    I had to keep my mindpletely upied. It was the only way to stop thinking about Ashton and Genevieve.


    Byte morning, my head was fuzzy. I hadn’t slept properly, and it showed.


    ‘Lunch time! Let’s go eat.’ Priya stopped by my desk.


    ‘Alright.’ I was hungry, and feeling a bit lightheaded. Probably low blood sugar, since I’d skipped breakfast.


    As we stepped out of the studio, I saw Genevieve getting out of a car and walking straight toward us.


    She smiled, a look of pure satisfaction on her face. ‘Let’s have lunch together.’


    ‘I’m not interested in having lunch with you. Besides, I’ve already made ns with my colleague,’ I said coldly.


    <fn2d63> Fresh chapters posted on find?novel</fn2d63>


    ‘I have something important to tell you. Something I think you’ll want to hear. We really need to talk.’


    ‘I have nothing to say to you.’ I turned to Priya. ‘Let’s go.’


    ‘Then I’lle find you tonight. If you’re busy then, I’ll try again tomorrow. I’ll keep trying until you make time,’ Genevieve said smoothly, stepping in front of me with a faint, superior smile.


    ‘What do you actually want?’ I asked, my voice tight with anger.


    ‘I just think we should talk. Don’t you agree?’


    Priya leaned in and whispered, ‘Maybe you should just hear her out. She doesn’t look like she’s going to give up. I’lle with you. If she tries anything, I’ll step in.’


    I let out a tense breath and looked at Genevieve’s smug expression. ‘Fine. Let’s go.’


    She nced at Priya. ‘Are you sure you want an audience?’


    I turned to Priya. ‘You should go ahead without me.’


    ‘Are you sure?’ Priya still looked worried.


    I nodded.


    She reluctantly agreed. ‘Fine, but I’ll be nearby. Call me if you need anything.’


    ‘I will.’ I watched her leave.


    Genevieve’s smile widened triumphantly as she followed me to a nearby restaurant, and I chose a table by the window.


    I fixed her with an icy stare. ‘You can spit it out now.’


    ‘Let’s order first,’ she said breezily, picking up the menu. She selected a few dishes while I sat there, expressionless.


    After she was done, she looked at me. ‘Aren’t you going to choose anything?’


    ‘Just get on with it. I don’t want to waste any more time on you than I have to.’


    She gave a soft, mockingugh. ‘Mirabelle, don’t you find your life... painful these days? It must be. Marrying Ashton hasn’t made you happy, has it?’


    A cold knot of pain twisted in my stomach, but I kept my expression carefully nk.


    ‘Like I said, he only married you out of gratitude. What he feels for you isn’t love. Why cling to a man who doesn’t truly love you?’ She looked at me with an air of superiority. ‘My advice? Divorce him.’