Scarlett's POV:
I headed over to Charles's office after work, but the receptionist would not let me in and told me that I needed to schedule an appointment to meet with Charles.
I stood my ground and insisted on waiting. I might not have acquaintances or friends in Charles's company that I could sweet talk into letting me see Charles, but I refused to let that stop me. Charles might avoid me, but I would not stop following him like a shadow if that was what it took to get him to agree to the divorce.
"Please have a seat, ma'am. I'll get you a cup of coffee," the receptionist said kindly. I had been coming here for a few days, so I was no longer a stranger to them.
The hall was bustling with people, and I felt a little embarrassed to stand there in their midst, so I took a seat in the waiting area, hoping that Charles would suddenly show up.
"Scarlett? Is that you, my dear?"
I turned around and was surprised at the sight of Alice.
"Mom? What are you doing here?" I quickly got up and walked over to her.
"Oh, I came to bring Charles some food." She raised the lunch box she was holding at me and flashed me a happy smile. Then, she held my arm and asked, "Why are you sitting here by yourself?
If you're here for Charles, you can go to him directly."
I mustered an awkward smile, unsure of how to respond.
Alice rubbed my arm and said, "Oh, dear. You've always been a shy one, haven't you? Come. I'll take you to Charles. He'd be very happy to see you."
I instantly imagined the dissatisfied look on Charles's face. He would be many things when he saw me, but happy was not one of them. I followed Alice into the private elevator to Charles's office.
"Did you know that Charles set the password of this elevator to the date of your wedding anniversary? Isn't that sweet?" she said and flashed me an adorable squinty smile. Then, she added, "Charles values his family and friends a lot. He's been like that since he was a little boy. He's just not used to expressing his feelings openly, but he cares a lot about those he loves, especially you, dear. In fact, all his passwords are related to you."
"Rita's pregnant with Charles's baby, Mom," I said abruptly. I could not take Alice's praises of Charles anymore. He was not the affectionate man she thought he was.
"What? Are you serious?" The happy smile on Alice's face vanished into thin air.
I swallowed the lump that lodged itself in my throat and replied in a broken voice, "Yes, Mom. I found out a few days ago."
Alice hugged me and started comforting me, "Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry. But are you sure? Have you heard Charles's side of the story? Maybe he can explain all this."
"No need, Mom. This is it. I'm done. I want a divorce. This time, I won't let anything stop me," I told her in between small sobs. My relationship with Charles had not only hurt me in unspeakable ways but also robbed me of my pride and dignity. I did not want it anymore.
"Let's not be hasty, Scarlett. You and Charles need to talk this through," Alice sighed after hesitating for a while.
Eventually, the elevator reached Charles's office, and the doors whirred open. Charles's assistant was out in hall waiting for us. "Mr. Moore is in a meeting right now, but he sent me to usher you into his office to wait."
"No, thanks. We'll wait here. You may carry on with your work." Alice waved her hand and sent Charles's assistant away. Then, she pulled me aside and said, "Calm yourself, dear. Things may not be as bad as you think. I know my son very well. Before you make some permanent decisions, you should open a dialogue with him first. I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for all this. I didn't raise my son to treat his wife like this."
Alice's words made me feel a bit better, so I reached out and gave her a hug. "Thank you, Mom. No matter what happens between me and Charles, you'll always be my mother."
As soon as I finished my words, Charles walked out of the meeting room. He glanced at us, pulled a long face, and walked straight into his office. Alice rushed over to him, and I followed suit.
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