Chapter 25 Joke


    Chapter 25 Joke


    s


    “If I were this pretty, I wouldn’t even bother closing the bathroom door when I shower.”


    “I’d be such a tease! God, please let me look like this in my next life-I want a husband as handsome and capable as Mr. Hartwell.”


    “Are you sure? What if you end up with a strong rival like Ms. Tackman?”


    “I don’t care, as long as I’ve got money to spend. That’s all that matters to me.”


    “Enough chatter, let’s go.”


    I waited until the group of women finished gossiping before stepping out. So, it was no secret in the office that Queena and Shawn were involved. How shameless.


    Honestly, knowing my husband was being shared with another woman infuriated me. But at the same time, what could I do? I had no power. All I could do was stew in my anger.


    I closed my eyes. Even though I had been given a second chance, I knew that changing my circumstances, getting my hands on the money, and reiming my life wouldn’t be easy. There was still a long road ahead.


    The Hartwells weren’t just any family. Shawn wasn’t just any man. And Queena—she was a rich girl with cunning, patience, and an iron grip. In my past life, she managed to turn the role of the mistress into that of a wife in everything but name. She had Shawn’s love, his career, and his undivided attention. The only thing shecked was the title of Mrs. Hartwell, but she still lived the kind of life any woman would envy.


    [ leaned against the sink, listening to the steady flow of water. My next step was clear-I needed to divorce him, get my share of the assets, and walk away. I didn’t want Yuna. I didn’t want Shawn. What I wanted was my career and my freedom.


    The weather was strange today. By four in the afternoon, thick clouds had gathered over the city, and thunder rumbled ominously. Standing by the window, I felt even heavier than the storm clouds above.


    I was finally beginning to understand just how much effort it took to run a business. Compared to Shawn and Queena, I was nothing. Their capabilities far outmatched mine.


    A deep rumble of thunder rolled through the sky, followed by a sudden downpour, raindrops pelting against the ss like tiny pebbles.


    Shawn suddenly walked in. “I asked Ms. Tackman to pick up Yuna. You don’t mind, do you?”


    I turned to look at the impably dressed, handsome man behind me and almostughed. So now he was making decisions without consulting me, too? He never cared about my opinion.


    “Ms. Tackman is already so busy, and now you’re making her run errands? That’s too much trouble for her.” I forced down the bitterness in my heart and smiled politely.


    Shawn studied me with aplicated expression. “Have you heard any rumors at the officetely?”


    The wind howled outside,shing the rain against the windows. His question sent a jolt through me.


    3:46 pm


    Chapter 25 Joke


    s


    Why was he suddenly bringing this up? Was he worried I had found out something, or was he about to confess?


    In my past life, this was around the time he hadid everything out on the table, treating his rtionship with Queena like a business negotiation. Back then, I had been so stubborn, clinging to our marriage certificate like a lifeline, refusing to let go no matter what.


    If this time around he wanted to offer me a deal, I would dly take it. I’d walk away with the money and leave without looking back.


    “What’s wrong? Feeling guilty about something?” I teased, watching his reaction.


    Shawn was a man who never wore his emotions on his face. Even when furious, he had a way of keeping his temper in check, only to strike when his target least expected it.


    I couldn’t afford to provoke him. If he decided to throw away whatever was left of our marriage, I’d end up in a far worse position. The best thing I could do was leave quietly-take the money and go. I already knew he wouldn’t give me custody of Yuna. That much was certain.


    Shawn’s gaze lingered on my face for a moment before he finally spoke. “Whatever you’ve heard, don’t believe it. It’s all baseless rumors. Yuna is still young-we should put her first.”


    I stared at him in disbelief.


    So he wasn’t ready to admit it yet. He was still trying to keep up the charade.


    Men were such a joke. They were brave enough to cheat but too cowardly to own up to it. They’d rather gaslight their wives than take responsibility.


    But if a rumor was making the rounds, it was probably true.


    “Okay, Hubby. Don’t worry, I believe you.” I walked up to him, putting on my best look of sincerity.


    His expression softened, and he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Have you been adjusting well to work? You seem focused. Are you serious about building a career?”


    “Of course I am.” I turned toward the window, watching the rain streak down the ss. “Hubby, I think I’ll stayte at the office tonight. You should head home first. Yuna and I are still at odds, and she probably doesn’t want to see me anyway.”