<b>Chapter </b><b>317 </b>


    One of the younger girls piped up, “Really? They actually got divorced? So those office rumors were true after all?”


    82%


    “I didn’t believe it at first. All those office flirts are always dressed up, trying to catch his eye. So Mr. Hob is really single now<i>?</i><i>” </i>a woman asked.


    “Oh, Ms. Murphy must be out of her mind. How could she let go of a guy like him?” someone else questioned.


    Another woman snorted and saidzily, “Mr. Hob probably just imed she wanted a divorce to save her pride. Honestly, I bet he was the one who dumped her.”


    “Mr. Hob is such a catch. He’s gentle, talented, and so good–looking. Well, when will a guy like that ever notice me?” the young girl asked.


    “You should go pray for a husband at the church this week. But honestly, women as gorgeous as Ms. Murphy are one in a million. We might as well stop dreaming,” the woman said.


    “Yeah, Ms. Murphy’s got a lot going for her. She’ll definitely find someone great in the future. Let’s not feel sorry for her but for ourselves instead,” the girl added.


    After chatting for a while, they left the restroom. I waited a bit longer before heading out.


    The news of my divorce from Jared wasn’t exactly fresh anymore. Everyone knew about it.


    But now that Jared had confirmed it himself, the whole thing would probably blow over soon. People would gossip about me less, too.


    When I stepped out of the restroom and turned down the hallway, I spotted a group of mening my way.


    My heart skipped a beat when I recognized one of them. It was Nathan. He was walking with a few other guys, all wearing name tags, clearly part of a


    team.


    Nathan noticed me, too, and his face lit up with real happiness. He leaned in and said something to his teammates, who went into their private room first. Only then did Nathan walk over to me.


    “Have you eaten yet?” Nathan asked, his usual kind concern in his voice.


    I nodded. “Yeah, I’m in the middle of lunch. I just stepped out for a breather.”


    “Who made you need a breather?” Nathan joked, raising an eyebrow


    “Jared,” I answered.


    Nathan just stared at me, at a loss for words.


    Seeing his face, like he instantly regretted what he said, I couldn’t help butugh “Rx it’s not just the two of us. There are over twenty people with


    <b>Nathan </b>gave an <i>awkward </i>chuckle. “Alright, so what are you doing after lunch?”


    “Keep working, of course, I replied with a grin


    “Any ns for tonight?” Hathan asked again.


    “Tonight? I’m still figuring it out,” I said, giving him a mysterious amule


    Nathan hesitated, unsure if I was free tonight. He looked a bit nervous but still asked, “How’s Yvonne doing? Is she feeling any better?


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    I froze for a second. Yvonne was sick, and I hadn’t even checked with Jared about her.


    “If you need to be with Yvonne tonight, let’s just meet up another time,” Nathan said softly.


    He really knew how to read the room, never pushy and always respectful. If more guys were like him, women would have it so much easier.


    “Let’s y it by ear. I’m not sure yet,” I smiled, then nodded toward the hallway. “I should finish my lunch first.”


    Nathan looked at me, reluctant to let me go.


    When I got back to the private room, everyone was still eating. I grabbed a fork and joined in.


    Suddenly, as thezy Susan spun around to me, Jared reached out and stopped it. “This knife fish is really fresh. You should try it,” he said.


    I froze for a second, and everyone at the table shot us teasing nces. With no way out, I picked up my fork and took a bite, saying, “Thanks, Mr.


    Hob.”


    AD


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