time in two years of marriage that Walt

o snap out of her daze and pick up. With

. He

nd's deep voice reson

thed, her heart pounding

ever you were doing abroad?" Walt

id in my message, I finishe

he care at all? Nicole's heart plummeted-so this wasn't

ay after tomorrow... I have to

n..." Walter interrupted again, cold as

ut what?" Nicole

r signature. I refuse to keep up this farce any longer..." W

ole expression chan

spered, noticing the shock et

e, you'll just sign-no drama, a

" Nicole's ey

sic-and a lot of men talking..." In the background, the shouts

"I'm with a friend. We're celebrating my graduatio

ke that before. He had never shown the

ter muttered sarcastically. His teeth clenched audibly a

A wave of dizziness washed over her. Was i

shook her gently, forcing her to snap out of it. Nicole

ggled to speak. The words came out broken and uneven. She reached

er the phone? That miserable, heartl

I always believed that one day you would fall in love with me. I tried everything, Brenda, I swear I did, and he never believed me... Maybe... maybe I understand him. Look at me, Br

softly, reaching for h

Her lament deepened. "What am I supposed to do now, Brenda? Tell me, what should I do? Our families' companies are merged, and after his father's death, Walter took charge of everything. He handed my father the full share owed

oken. "That's why you studied so hard, Nicole! Isn't that right?" She gripped Nicole's shoul

guard; Brenda had never yel

y nod, tears brimming in her eyes. At that moment, thinking for herself felt impossible. "You're going to sign those damn divorce papers, and then you'll demand a managerial position at the company. They can't deny you that-it's still your family's business

stared at her

h this," Brenda insisted. "You need to ma

and..." Nicole murmure

our soon-to-be ex-husband will be green with regret the mom

?" Nicole stammered, even

ute who turns heads when he walks in a room. Just wait-Walter will regret ever letting you g

.

he bar's entrance every few minutes. She still couldn't

ng! You're making me anxious," Brend

can't..." Nicole muttered, stealing

n. It's a shame I won't be there, but just picturing it..."

pping her gaze. "I'm not someone who ta

as she considered how best to ease her friend's worries. "Just treat it as a harmless li

ks reddening. The idea of Walter being even a little jea

ettled!" Bre

ole said, leaning closer. "How d

independent woman who isn't interested in falling in love, but

andalized, her entire face

rched online. It was easy..." She checked her watch and her eyes went w

Nicole asked, comp

still hasn't shown up. Ugh-how irresponsible!" B

ou have

sorry, s

offered, starting to rise, but Br

y minute," Brenda explained, tapping quickly on her phone. She fished a thick envelope from her purse

s, Brenda. How could I ever repay you?" Nicole stammered, s

he juicy details-or, better yet, when you're running the company better than your future ex-husband eve

rves. Brenda turned back, expectant. "I... How am I suppo

tallest, most muscular, and downright attracti