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Novel Catalog
Chapter 46
“Tell me, Marco,” Jimmie pressed, his tone demanding. “Why are you suddenly helping your ex-wife? You ditched me and Slater at the bar that night to save her, didn’t you? Now you’re helping her solve such a big problem. What’s going on with you?”
Marco was caught off guard by the barrage of questions. He coughed awkwardly, clearly unprepared for this line of interrogation. “Didn’t you say that Loraine had a hard time while she was married to me? I’m just trying to make it up to her,” he muttered.
Jimmie was speechless for a moment, unsure of how to respond to that.
Just then, Marco’s phone rang, the caller ID flashing the name Keely. Marco glanced at it, then quickly looked away with a frown, his mood visibly shifting.
The phone rang for a few more seconds before it stopped. Jimmie couldn’t help but notice the eight missed calls from Keely. His gaze shot back to Marco, disbelief evident on his face.
“You’re telling me,” Jimmie began slowly, “that you’ve been ignoring Keely’s calls? What’s going on, man? You care about her, right?”
Marco snorted, irritation flickering in his eyes. “Mind your own business, pal. Don’t you want your reward?”
Jimmie raised his hands in mock surrender, a teasing smile spreading across his face. “Fine, fine. I won’t ask about it again. But as your best friend, I have to tell you—take some time to think this through. Who do you love, Marco? Loraine or Keely?”
The word “love” struck Marco like a blow. His frown deepened. Where had that come from?
He hadn’t been thinking about love at all. But for some strange reason, when Jimmie asked, Loraine’s face popped into his mind. Her beautiful, defiant face. The way she stood up for herself—how different she had become since their divorce.
But… Keely?
Marco shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Focus, Marco.
Just as he was about to dismiss the thought, his phone buzzed again, another missed call from Keely.
Meanwhile, in the architectural design department, Loraine walked into the tea room, hoping for a quiet moment. But as soon as she entered, she was met with the bright smile of her colleague, Jolie.
“Loraine, you did a great job!” Jolie said, holding out a cup of coffee in one hand. Her enthusiasm was contagious.
Loraine couldn’t help but smile back, feeling a little lighter despite the pressure of the last few days. “Thanks, Jolie. It’s been a tough project, but I got through it.”
Jolie leaned in a little, her voice lowering conspiratorially. “Barry was always harassing the beautiful young ladies in the department. We were all sick of him, honestly. But no one was bold enough to do anything because he was the director.” She paused, then added with a grin, “But now he’s gone, and we all owe you one.”
Loraine smiled again, grateful for the support. She hadn’t expected this kind of reaction from her coworkers, but it felt good to have their backing. She hadn’t been sure how her actions would be received, but now, it seemed like she’d earned their respect.
“So, what’s next for you?” Jolie asked, her voice teasing but curious. “Are you going to take Barry’s spot as director?”
Loraine laughed, shaking her head. “I don’t think I’m ready for that. I still have a lot to prove before I can take on a role like that.”
Jolie nodded, but her smile didn’t fade. “Well, whatever you decide, I’m sure you’ll be great.”
