Waking up with my nemesis baby novel Chapter 37

“That hit the spot.”

Roderick stood watching her, noticing the disheveled hair

across her forehead. His hand twitched with the instinct to

smooth it back.

He checked the motion, pulling his hand back before it reached her.

His reason stopped him.

“The results will take time. The driver can take you home first.”

“What about you?”

“Office.”

Madeleine nodded, feeling an unexpected emptiness.

Everyone seemed to have a purpose, except her.

“Ricki!” She looked up from her chair, eyes hopeful. “I want to

work too.”

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Roderick seemed momentarily taken aback before responding, “You’d change your mind if you had a job.”

“Why?”

“Only those who’ve worked understand the luxury of not

working.”

Bradley delivered this wisdom as he approached, hands in his white coat pockets, wearing his characteristic smirk.

Madeleine pouted, unconvinced about the supposed bliss of

idleness.

“Doubting me?” Bradley rubbed his chin. “Pity you lack medical

training, or I’d recruit you to share our misery.”

His eyes then brightened as he turned to Roderick.

“Your husband could land you a job at his company. Sample the

taste of unnecessary hardship.”

Madeleine’s face lit up.

“Could you?”

Though she’d trained in dance since childhood, aspiring to

become a ballerina, part of her had always admired office

workers.

Growing up watching television dramas, she’d imagined herself

as a career woman striding through office halls in heels.

Trying it out might be interesting.

Roderick looked genuinely surprised, his brow furrowing.

“You want to work at my company?”

Madeleine offered a weak smile. “Staying home all day must

get tedious.”

Roderick considered this. In recent years, Madeleine hadn’t held

a job, though she’d never lacked for activities.

Most of her time had been dedicated to pursuing Edward or

shopping, fully immersed in leisure.

Now, she actually wanted to have a job.

He didn’t understand it, but he’d honor it.

“Fine.”

After brief consideration, he decided it might be for the best.

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Having her nearby at work was certainly better than her chasing

after Edward around the city.

Madeleine brightened, then had a thought. “Should I use a

cover? So nobody knows I’m your wife?”

Roderick fell silent.

“Has she been watching too many dramas?” he wondered.

“Everyone at the company already knows you.”

Her face fell slightly. So much for her fantasy of going

incognito.

“What would I do there?”

Roderick thought for a moment. “Executive Assistant.”

“Oh, wouldn’t that be taking Gerry’s job?”

“No. Gerry handles business development. You’d manage

administrative matters.”

Her eyes sparkled, imagining herself with Gerry’s efficient

competence.

“What would my specific responsibilities be?”

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Bradley chuckled nearby. Catching Roderick’s cool glance, he

feigned a cough and looked away.

“Your primary duties would include…” Roderick paused briefly.

Then he continued calmly, “Coordinating departmental

workflows, tracking project milestones, and overseeing

important document circulation.”

In simpler terms, it was running errands, delivering papers, and

relaying messages.

Unfortunately, Madeleine, with no office experience, completely

missed the vague nature of these tasks and instead clenched

her fists excitedly.

“That sounds challenging! When can I start?”

“Tomorrow.”

Madeleine nodded, then frowned as another concern surfaced.

“But no overtime or weekend work, please. I have other

commitments.”

Roderick’s eyes darkened.

“Other commitments? What does she need to do? Resume

chasing Edward?” he wondered.

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“I’ve been thinking. While I’m too old to dance professionally now, it was always my dream. I don’t want to abandon it

completely.”

Bradley turned back to her. “You’re returning to dance?”

Roderick’s sharp glance immediately found him again.

Remembering the earlier confession about his schoolboy crush,

Bradley quickly continued.

“I mean, you should start gently after all these years. Avoid

straining your muscles.”

“Don’t worry. I have years of foundation,” Madeleine said

cheerfully, clearly pleased.

Roderick frowned. “Let’s go. Time to leave.”

He turned to Bradley.

“Contact me immediately when the reports are ready this

afternoon.”

“Me too!”

Madeleine raised her phone. “Add me on WhatsApp and send

them to me directly.”

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“Sure!” Bradley began reaching for his phone, but Roderick gently guided Madeleine’s hand down.

“Unnecessary. I’ll forward them to you after I review them.”

With that, he led Madeleine away without looking back.

Bradley stood holding his phone, watching them depart, his mouth twitching slightly.

“After over a decade of friendship, does he really warrant that little trust?” he thought.

***

Madeleine arrived home well past lunch. Learning she hadn’t eaten, Kirsten quickly prepared two dishes and soup within thirty minutes.

As Madeleine picked up her fork, Kirsten stood nearby looking

tense.

“Yes? What is it?”

Madeleine looked up, confused.

Kirsten offered an uneasy smile. “You previously insisted I

stand here during your meals, Mrs. Livingston. To receive

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immediate feedback on any shortcomings.”

Madeleine paused, fork in hand.

She hadn’t realized she’d been so particular.

“That won’t be necessary anymore. I’m not fussy about food.”