My Mute Bride

“Hello, miss. Do you have a reservation?” the waltress at the entrance asked.

Rachel communicated in sign language, and the waitress was at a loss of what to do. Thus, she peered into the restaurant, trying to locate Justin.

“Miss Rachel, over here!” A crisp, clear voice came from a table next to the windows, and it was Gloria waving her hand at Rachel. She was dressed in a pale yellow dress with her hair down around her

shoulders, and her smile was refreshing and warm.

Rachel felt her heart drop, and her grip on her handbag tightened without her realizing. The seat was at the table next to the window, and the view outside was the bright lights of the city.

Why are you here?

“Justin is making a call right there,” Gloria explained, pointing to the outdoor dining area.

Through the French windows, Rachel saw his tall figure with his back facing the restaurant while he spoke into the phone, and a complicated look flashed in her eyes.

“What would you like to eat, Miss Rachel? We placed our orders earlier, but you should take a look as well,” Gloria said, pushing the menu to her. Rachel only managed to glance at the menu when Gloria added, “Why don’t you try this, Miss Rachel? I think it’s not bad, and this dessert as well. I ordered one earlier. Would you like one as well?”

Rachel froze for a moment and decided to stop flipping the menu, pushing it away. You can decide.

“I hope you won’t mind that I’m joining you guys for dinner.”

Curling the edge of her lips, Rachel forced a smile. I don’t mind. We’re here to discuss work, anyway.

“Actually, it was only both of you having dinner together tonight, but I asked if I could join when we were getting off from work, and Justin agreed to let me tag along.”

Narrowing her eyes, Rachel could clearly feel a trace of pressure.

“For a business marriage like yours, actually you have no relationship to speak about besides business, right?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not interested in the title of Mrs. Burton, so you don’t have to worry about me as a threat. However, I won’t leave Justin’s side in this lifetime. We’ve known each other for ten years

her fingernails into her palms. Ten years… she repeated in her head. Justin already knew

is your relationship with him? Rachel

“You’re done with your call? I

naturally slid into a seat next to Gloria without hesitation. In comparison, Rachel was the one who seemed

chatting about? You seem

just asked me what’s our relationship, but

that, Justin glanced at Rachel and said, “You didn’t seem like such a

asking casually. Why

eased up, and he changed the topic of conversation. “How are things going with Hudson Pharmaceuticals?” Rachel cast a

Gloria merely chuckled. “I’m not the least Interested in your official business. You guys can continue while

a document to Justin. Just as you expected, Hudson Pharmaceuticals is in a financial crisis after falling out with Pacific Inc. Now, they’re in a desperate need for funding, and Jefferey wants me to ask for help from you. As part of the deal, I requested access to the original accounts, and I’ve already gone through a part

financial situation of Hudson Pharmaceuticals

you plan

Jefferey hoping that I’ll help him out? I’ll

made Rachel’s heart pump faster. She could totally imagine that Jefferey would be so furious when he heard this news, and she was afraid he might even pass out because he couldn’t catch his breath from

doing this?

argument with Pacific Inc. and losing his only backup, where else could he retreat

had played along with her, planning to lure her. Everything was a trap

piano playing came from the stage in the middle of the restaurant, attracting everybody’s attention. Lifting her head to the source, Rachel saw Gloria seated at a white grand plano as her fingers danced across

and it was filled with robust and lively emotions. The notes chasing after each other in the melody was

she finished, the restaurant burst out in a round of

group of children gathered next to the

her fingers, playing a merry

dark eyes across her as he watched Gloria. It was a peaceful look that she

from playing the piano, she asked, “Are you guys finished?

she felt a bitter taste coming from her throat. I’m

saying, Miss Rachel?”