Chapter 18
Chapter 18
1/2
After a moment’s thought, I finally said, “Ryan and I got divorced.”
Tania was so shocked that she nearly spat out her water. I quickly grabbed some napkins and handed them to her.
Tania’s expression turned serious as she wiped her mouth and asked, “Wait… Didn’t you two just get married recently? What happened? When did you split?”
I lowered my eyes, fiddling with the amethyst bracelet on my wrist as I replied, “Just a few days ago. We finalized the paperwork at the courthouse.”
Since I didn’t reply, Tania knew better than to press me further.
She sighed sympathetically and said, “You went through all this while I was on a business trip. How did you manage on your own?”
“Where are you living now? If you don’t have a place, you can move in with me. I happen to have a spare room, and it’s usually quiet since no one’s home much.”
Tania knew my situation well. I came from out of town and didn’t have family support here. Buying a place anytime soon was out of the question.
But I couldn’t tell her about Luther or our relationship.
“No need, I’ve already rented a place,” I replied.
She nodded. “If you need anything, just tell me.”
“I’m good. Everything’s fine,” I replied, glancing down the hallway. “Here comes the food.”
We chatted over our food. Then, Tania asked, “What are your plans now?”
I shrugged and said, “What plans could I possibly have? I’ll simply carry on with life. Go to work when needed and earn money when I can.”
“That’s not what I meant,” she said. “I mean, when you find someone new, don’t rush into it like with Ryan. You two were only together a few months before getting married.
“You need more time to really get to know a person. Everyone has flaws. If you don’t see them clearly, you’ll end up wasting time on the wrong one.”
Though I hadn’t shared the reason for the divorce, Tania guessed it had to do with Ryan.
I said, “Honestly, both of us had problems getting to this point.”
She frowned and said, “What problems could you have? You’re honest and steady. I think it’s all on him. And here you are, still defending him after the divorce.”
Tania was upset on my behalf, but I knew her words came from care.
Suddenly, her eyes lit up. “Oh! One of my coworkers just got divorced too. It wasn’t his fault. His wife cheated on him. He’s a really good guy. He’s honest and decent.
“I should introduce you two. He’s also good–looking. His parents are both retired government employees, and he comes from a good family. Here, let me show you his Instagram.”
Before I could say anything, Tania opened Facebook and pulled up his profile.
“Look! He’s pretty handsome, right?” she asked, pointing to his picture.
I glanced at the photo. The man had thick brows and well–defined features. He was wearing a black ski jacket and had a warm, gentle smile.
“He’s very skilled at skiing,” she added proudly. “Just look at his physique. He’s six feet tall. Honestly, I don’t understand his ex.
“She cheated with a middle–aged man we all know, who is the deputy director of a partner firm. It’s baffling what kind of taste that is. She must have a thing for older, less attractive men or something.”
I looked down at my food, not really wanting to comment.
“Hey, what do you think?” she asked.
Looking up, I replied, “Maybe not now. I haven’t even gotten my divorce certificate yet. It’s too soon to jump into something new.”
“What’s wrong with that? If you meet the right person, just get to know them first,” Tania said as she grilled a slice of beef and slowly chewed.
Then she added, “Are you still going to hold on to him like he’s your last option? Honestly, do you like him or not?”
Ishook my head. “It’s not that I don’t like him. It’s that I’m not good enough.”
“You just lack confidence,” Tania teased. “If I had a face as pretty as yours, I’d be strutting everywhere.”
After dinner, Tania offered to give me a ride, but I had driven Luther’s car. If she saw me in that luxury car, she would figure everything out in seconds.
I made an excuse to stop by a nearby supermarket to buy some things and told her to head off first.
When I got home and just finished putting away clothes, I got a friend request on my phone.
I opened it and saw a message that read, “Hi, I’m Xavier Lloyd, Tania’s coworker.”
Chapter 18
Tania acted way too fast.
I hesitated to accept but didn’t want to add him either. Just as I was about to ignore and close the request, the fingerprint lock at the door beeped
I looked up. Luther was back.
Startled, my hand slipped, and I accidentally pressed “Decline.”
