Sweet Divorce

“Come see me at my office.”

Jacob’s voice rang again on the phone, Rita frowned.

Bewildered, Rita asked, “Why?”

“It’s about the authorization and copyright of your design work.” Jacob took a look at Rolex as he explained. “See you in three minutes.”

“I…”

Jacob hung up before she finished.

Holding her phone, Rita shook her head.

Like attracts like. Jacob became domineering by association with Liam.

She put her phone aside and resumed her packing. It’s not until when she finished packing that she set out to Jacob’s office.

Right now in Jacob’ office, Liam sat on the couch cross-legged, his fingers tapping on the armrest. He took a glance outside the office.

One minute.

Two minutes.

Three minutes. And the hallway was still empty.

Liam’s face darkened for an instant.

He stared at Jacob, “Where is she?”

His voice, solemn, gave Jacob chills and had him sweat over his back. “Be patient, Liam, haste makes waste.’

Liam responded him curtly with an “Oh”. He shifted his position on the couch. “Just so you know, there’s only one hour left before you can punch out.”

Jacob’s mouth twitched at his “friendly” reminder.

Why are you always dragging me into your love drama with Rita?

I want no part of this?

Damn you, Liam.

Jacob cursed, but only inside himself.

Jacob kept his eyes at the door apprehensively, praying: Rita, come on, my life is in your hands now.

The clock kept ticking.

Another ten minutes passed, and Rita still hadn’t showed up.

Jacob’s palms sweat at a glance at Liam.

He reached his phone out stealthily, trying to call Rita. The door was pushed open as he tried to dial.

“Sorry, I’m late.”

Rita’s arrival relieved Jacob. “It’s ok, you came, and that’s enough.”

“Let’s get straight into it now that you’re here.” Sitting on the couch, Liam handed a contract to Rita. “This is the labor contract I asked my layer to draft. Take a look, and sign it if you find it acceptable.”

“Labor contract?” wasn’t it just about buying the copyright?

took the

quality. We will buy the copyright, but still, we need you, the designer, to select the textile and mount of the ring. So by common consent, the board decided that we’ll

His explanation sounded reasonable.

Jacob twitched

Common consent?

it

but continued her reading of

was thinking, he said, “if you have any objection,

supple Jacob like

were a

the fairness thatthe Wilson Group

What? Was Rita off-limit?

be any problem. After all, it’s your lawyer who drafted it. But I have on more condition.” Rita put down

is it?”He raised his

my college yet, so, I can only be in my post after school.” She wouldn’t let anything hold up her

was partly due to her effort, partly luck, and partly that fact

she still

“No problem.”

agreed without hesitation, which surprise

It’s that easy?

she found his forthrightness somehow kind

couldn’t tell what was

Maybe she’s just overthinking.

She must be overthinking.

a normal business collaboration, it had

Rita signed

on Liam’s face when he saw Rita finally signed her name. The smile lasted only a second before he suppressed

“Done.”

the contract

out his hand. “Look forward to

withdrew instantly. “Is there anything else that I need to know? If not, I should

to punch in at 2 P.M.” Liam said, his eyes

instant, Rita

“Is there a problem?”

have to check if I have any

for your schedule earlier. It seemed like you’re

schedule towards her before

the schedule, Rita frowned

she

she thinking

the company.” Liam

his head forward to Rita as she raised her

so close, gave

What is he doing?

stiffened on an

the blink of an

It’s even closer now.

she could count

be late, Rita.” abruptly,

puzzlement in her

at her interestedly. “What did you

had something more important to say. Excuse me to leave if you don’t.”She smiled,

she just left the

Liam’s eye faded as he watch Rita limped

had no

lowered his eyes,