Beyond the Divorce

The next morning, Lauren's call woke me from my dreams.

After a night of exhaustion with Atlas, I had hoped to sleep a little more, but she had called early.

I groggily reached for the phone, answering without even looking, and heard Lauren's voice on the other end. "Why did it take you so long to answer?"

Yawning, I replied, half-asleep, "I slept late last night."

"I see you're getting very comfortable. Enjoying life a little too much, huh?" Lauren teased.

"You're so disrespectful. How can you say that?" I didn't hold back and ribbed her. "Looks like you're the one with too much free time."

Lauren laughed heartily on the other end, and this banter completely dispelled any lingering sleepiness.

"Hurry and get up. Ivanna's company is going to visit Bourdamun today. They're planning to shoot a special documentary there. Ivanna says it's a great opportunity for our project, since Bourdamun isn't a typical area of focus. They're doing a follow-up, and you know..."

My spirits lifted at the thought of free publicity. I couldn't pass up this chance.

"I'll get up right away. When are we leaving?" I quickly sat up, crawling to the edge of the bed.

"No rush. We don't have to go with them. We just have to get there before noon. Ivanna suggested grabbing a quick lunch together, and we can drive over ourselves later. It'll be like a road trip. After all, it's Saturday, and the traffic should be light. It'll also be a chance to relax."

"Okay, I might be a little late. Rose is coming to Pleca Park, and I want to see her before I leave," I informed Lauren.

Give me a call when you're ready, and I'll come over to meet you." Lauren agreed easily and hung up

up quickly. When I pulled the curtains back, I noticed that the sky outside was heavily overcast. It

small dining room. I wondered where

finish breakfast, Nigel, the housekeeper, came to inform me that Rose

my cutlery, wiped my mouth with a couple of tissues, and

down when

had breakfast,

need that much sleep. I woke up early for

to Bourdamun later," I said truthfully. "There are some things I

construction starting over there?" She had known that I had secured Bourdamun and was well-informed about what was happening. "Soon. Everything's ready, but there are

crucial It's your

details, and don't move too quickly. Take steady steps and do well in every aspect. Once this project succeeds, the road

much smoother."

rigorous, with many layers of scrutiny. After everything

succeeded. Everyone understood this, but it was an unspoken agreement not to mention the underlying

"Go ahead with your business.

talking, my mom hurried downstairs. "You're here, Mrs. Rose. I've been looking forward to Saturday. How long are you

gracefully put down her teacup and smiled at my mom. She pointed to a small suitcase behind

waved at me. "Go on! I don't need