Chapter 9 CHA 9

Pete stopped crying, her eyes full of outrage. "Jack, my emotions for you are genuine."

The thought of her scheming repulsed Jack. "What are your 'true feelings' worth?"

He pulled out a bank card and slapped it on the table, his expression stern. "There's 300,000 dollars on this card. Take the money and get an abortion. Otherwise, I'll have my bodyguards force you to the hospital. You know what to choose."

Pete hesitated for a moment, then accepted the card with trembling hands and wept her way out of the restaurant.

Jack summoned his bodyguards to ensure they took her to the hospital, then slammed down the phone in frustration. When he saw the picture of me on his screensaver, his demeanor softened. He didn't hesitate much before calling me.

It rang for an eternity before I picked it up.

"What do you want?"

My icicle attitude was a bucket of ice water to Jack's already warm heart from recalling me. He clutched his phone hard to stifle his disappointment. "Nothing, just wanted to hear you talk. Have you had lunch?"

My sarcasm glinted in my eyes. Jack was with Pete and was able to find some time to miss me-he was one fine multitasker.

"I'm eating now. If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."

There was silence on the other end before Jack's deep voice came through. "Okay. I won't work late tonight. Let's have dinner together when I get home."

The only response Jack got was the ringing of the call ending.

Zara screamed in the enclosed room after I put down the phone, "He's such a scumbag! Dine with his mistress but call to ask about you!"

She used to believe Jack was special and anticipated that Jack would make me happy.

I picked up the menu, looking downward. "Don't speak of him. It will spoil my appetite. Order some food."

Watching me try to stay calm, Zara empathized. She realized that where matters involve the heart, time is the only remedy. No advice from other people would work.

Luckily, I was sane and never wanted to forgive Jack.

We chatted informally after ordering.

Suddenly Zara recalled something. "By the way, I heard Prospectus Technology is going to invest in Park Pharmaceuticals. If I recall correctly, Prospectus Technology CEO Lyon Summer is

10

I stopped short at Lyon's name, clenching my glass slightly harder as I remembered the warmth of his breath on my ear that night. The intrusive sensation still made me shiver. I pushed the memory aside and answered with a hum.

"Do you feel like considering to work for another firm? It'd be odd to see the Summers if you break up with Jack."

I nodded my head, setting down my glass. "Even if I work at Park Pharmaceuticals, I'll still be a common pharmacist. He wouldn't even notice me. Anyway, Jack and his uncle aren't friends."

In addition, it was Jack who was cheating. If anyone deserved to be let off the hook when it came to embarrassment, it should be the Monroes, not me.

"Considering they don't get along, would you approach his uncle to help finalize the divorce?"

"Even if they do not get along, they are both Monroes. Would he do it for me?"

"Good point." Zara sighed, exhibiting disappointment.

I couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Divorce isn't something one can rush. Right now, all I'm concentrating on is finding a job and moving out. The rest will follow afterwards."

"Fine, I'll take the afternoon off to help you look for a place."

"No, there's no need. I can manage alone."

Zara nodded grudgingly. "Fine, but call me if you need help. Move at a weekend, and I'll help come over."

"Do not worry. I will never fail to call you when I need you."

We parted after lunch at the door of the restaurant.

I called a few agents and viewed some buildings, wanting a one-bedroom apartment that was more than 60 square meters. I loved the furnishings and the area, but the price tag was high. Given my thinning bank account, I opted for an affordable flat further away from city center. Despite that, I didn't sign the lease until waiting to hear back from Park Pharmaceuticals on the interview.

It was past 6:00 p.m. when I returned to the villa.

Jack was in the living room. Upon hearing the door, he looked up and was shocked for a moment.

I was wearing a light green dress and had my hair pulled back into a high ponytail, leaving my thin, pale neck visible. I was neat and vivacious with an air of playfulness.

Since the day we married, I had to go along with him to functions and observe the role of a rich wife even at home. Jack's mother visited one day and scolded me for having a bun and ordinary clothes at home. Jack had to admit that this lively me was much more lovely and exciting than the me that was stilted by the Monroes' norms. But with his plea, restlessness set in, the sense that I could leave him at any moment.

"Where have you been today? Patricia said you were out the instant after breakfast."

I changed shoes as I spoke. "I was seeking employment."

"Which company? Do you wish me to place a call on your behalf?"

I glared at him. "This is none of my business. I do not require your interference."

If he interfered, it would be like being under his scrutiny at Monroe Group.

Registering the obstinacy in my eyes, Jack was wounded. "Sofia, I just want to help."

"Thanks but no thanks." I went up the stairs.

As I passed by the sofa, Jack held on to my wrist.

In the second, a vase of roses was placed in front of me. They were the same Juliet roses that had been presented when he professed love. The flower symbolized a protection, pure, true, selfless, and endless love. With the new roses placed in front of me, nothing but irony remained. My wedding to Jack, which had been marred by his infidelity, did not deserve the words "sincere" and "endless."

When he noticed my silence, Jack's tone softened. "I passed by a florist shop today and thought of picking up some flowers for you."

I pulled my hand back, looking at him. My eyes showed nothing but disgust, impatience, and coldness-no love anymore. "No need. I never liked these flowers."