Chapter 13
“Wils that pathetic janitor paycheck of yours, you’re probably struggling to make rent, hub
Adam’s voice softened after a moment of reflection. “Look, a little spat here and there adds spice to a marriage, but overdo it and it just gets boring. I don’t have time for these ridiculous on–again, off–again games. Move back in tonight, and I’ll let your recent antics slide”
Dolores didn’t fully absorb his words, nor did she ponder his mention of “antics“. She only picked up on his digs about her low salary, his insinuations that she couldn’t afford rent, and his calling her move unties.
“Adam, are you fucking kidding me! Even if I have to live off scraps in a bridge underpass, I won’t move back in. Either get
er get serious and finalize this divorce with me, or I’ll see your ass in court!” Fuming, she hung up and blocked his number without a second thought.
She nearly blocked him on WhatsApp too but held back, knowing they needed a way to communicate about the divorce. Dolores swore to herself that once the divorce was through, she would cut all ties with Adam forever.
Her train of thought was interrupted by her colleagues gossiping about a visitor. “Did you see that guy asking about Mary this morning! Drop–dead gorgeous. Is he married, do you know!
Dolores paused, realizing they were talking about Ben. She had seen him that morning but was too busy dealing with a mess to engage. She had simply turned and walked away.
Thinking back, she realized Mary Stark was cleaning her desk at that moment.
The colleagues laughed. “He was asking about Mary’s job here. Isn’t it obvious with her cleaning uniform and mop in hand?”
In all made sense. Dolores figured out why Ben had come by and why Adam had gotten the wrong idea. She didn’t call to clarify things with Adam; after all in her mind, her job was none of his business
She had hoped Adam would quickly agree to the divorce after getting the lawyer’s letter, but a week had passed, and he hadn’t responded. Frustrated but helpless, all she could do was wait,
After work, Gail invited her to a newly popular restaurant. Dolores, who had a more flexible schedule, went early to save them a spot Soon, the restaurant was
was packed, and she was glad she had arrived early.
While texting Call the table number, she heard a somewhat unfamiliar voice above her. “Dolores, are you on your own Mind if I join! I got here late, and the wait is a bitch–two hours, they said.”
Looking up. Dolores saw Alison in elegant attire, her gentle makeup enhancing her natural charm, drawing many eyes to h
“Not convenient, Dolores replied abruptly.
Despite the refusal, Alison sar down, immediately creating an awkward silence.
to her
Dolores’s expression darkened. “Ms.
Jennings,
s, did you not understand met
Alison looked regretful “Are you still angry with me? I didn’t mean to call Adam on your wedding night. I never thought he would…
Cutting her off. Dolores said, “It’s not about anger. I just can’t stand certain behaviors
Their conversation ended there, filled with a finality that left no room for further discussion
Alison Jennings paused, her cyrs swirling with emotions as she looked at Dolores. Hesitantly, she ventured, “Heard through the grapevine–you and
Aranare calling it spuit?”
Tolbors wasn’t shocked that Alison was clued in. Yet, thinking about how Adam was both dragging his feet on the divorce and blabbing about their munital star to anyar who’d listen pissed beroll.
leech, can’t shake him off-
varing Allson’s prying eyes, Dolores grily placed her phase down, a sneer forming on her lips. “Yeah, he’s like a danı it s leraking annoying. I thought he’d be all over the livorce to get with you, Ms. Jennings, Guess you’re not all that, she retorted, her voice tinged
instantly, her hands clenching inan li
lists, nails digging into her palms.
bering Alison’s dismay, Dolores Jelt a twind satisfaction. With a slight smirk, she quipped, “Ms Jennings, why don’t you make room for someone who actually wants to be here? You’re kinda making my stomachı turn
1/2
Chapter lä
Struggling to keep her fury in check, Alison fixed her gaze on Dolores, who was nonchalantly playing with her phone, and snapped, “What’s your angle. Dolores? Playing hard to get, or did Thropopla into the pictured?”
Heanng Theo’s name was like a distant echo smashing against Dolores‘ heart. It had been a lifetime since she had last heard his name, back before she was married.
“When did he come back? she wondered internally. They weren’t exactly buddies, but they had mutual friends, Adam and Theo were thick as thieves. It floored her that she hadn’t heard a prep.
As she caught Dolores’s fluster. Alison’s smirk widened a bit, lightening her mood as she pushed further, “Cut the crap. You’ve been keeping tabs on him. haven’t you? Or did you already slide back to old ways? Don’t forget, you almost fucked him once…“
A slap echoed sharply across the restaurant, turning heads,
Dolores looked at a stunned Alison holding her face, equally shocked at her own quick reaction. The pain in her palm was a testament to the decisiveness of her slap
“Dolores” Adam’s deep, icy voice came from behind her. Before she could turn around. Adam was already standing beside Alison, his stare piercing and his aura commanding “What the fuck was that about?”
As Adam stepped in. Alison’s eyes immediately brimmed with tears. She was looking for solace in him, her feelings of indignation and injustice bubbling over
Facing Adam’s questioning, Dolores kept her cool. She flicked her aching hand and retorted sharply, “Isn’t it damn obvious? I was hitting someone. That’s the whole
Alison clung to Adam, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist. With a voice tinged with grievance and a raw edge, she pleaded, “Adarm, L honestly didn’t mean to make Ms. Sherry mad. Just slipped out Theo Hunter’s name without thinking. I had no idea she would lose it like that… If Id known she still carried a torch for him, I’d never have mentioned him”
Adam’s face instantly turned thunderous, a mocking smirk curling his lips. ‘Guess some things never change; she still can’t forget that man, he thought bitterly
Staring down at Dolores, he commanded in a deep, forceful tone, “Apologize”
Though she’d seen it coming, Adam’s blatant siding with Alison still cut deep. Yet, she refused to show any signs of weakness, Raising her head defiantly, she smiled provocatively, her gaze challenging. “Not in a million years
Inside, she was resolute. Apologize to A
His eyes fla
to Alison? Over my dead body!
flashed dangerously, his fury barely contained. “Tin telling you one last time–apologize,” he spat out, each word laced with venom. Aware that she hard pushed Adain to the brink, yet unaware of the real reason behind his anger, Dolores remained unyielding. “And I’in telling you for the last damun time–no way! Snatching her bag, she turned to leave.
She had barely moved when Adam’s grip tightened fiercely on her arm, his voice seething. “Is this your twisted way of pushing for a divorce! Fine, have it your way City hall, 9AM tomorrow.”
