When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 56

**Silent Roads Remember by Sawyer**
**Chapter 56**

A firm knock echoed through the room, and Heather stepped inside, carefully shutting the door behind her as if to seal away the outside world.

“Hey, Heather! How did your conversation with Titus go?” Chiara inquired, her eyes bright with anticipation as she looked up from her spot on the couch.

Heather approached, her footsteps steady yet hesitant. “Chiara, I spoke with Titus. He mentioned that he’s not going to dictate where you go or what you do anymore, but there’s a condition attached to that freedom,” she said, her voice measured.

Chiara’s heart raced at the implication. “What kind of condition?” she pressed, her curiosity piqued.

Heather took a deep breath, her gaze shifting between the two friends. “He wants you to stop entertaining the idea of splitting up.”

Eunice’s expression morphed into one of disbelief, her brows furrowing in outrage. “What? How can he even dare to say that? I’m going to confront him right this moment!” she declared, her voice rising with indignation.

Heather quickly reached for Eunice’s arm, her grip firm yet gentle. “Eunice, please, just take a moment to breathe. Don’t rush off just yet—let me explain. Right now, Chiara wants a divorce, but as long as Titus remains obstinate, that just isn’t going to happen. We need to strategize.”

“And what strategy do you propose?” Eunice shot back, frustration evident in her tone. “Honestly, what can we do? If I’d known about that prenup back then, I would’ve stopped Chiara from marrying him, no matter what it took.”

Heather glanced at both women, her eyes softening as they finally landed on Chiara. “Chiara, are you absolutely certain about this decision?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Chiara hesitated, her mind racing. After a brief moment, she nodded subtly, her resolve hardening. “Yes, there’s no point in continuing to live like this. It’s just not sustainable anymore.”

Heather nodded in understanding. “Alright then. But even if you’re determined to pursue a divorce, we can’t act hastily. Titus is a formidable opponent. If we tip him off, we risk getting stuck in this same quagmire.”

Eunice’s jaw clenched. “You mean like being trapped in a cage?”

Heather affirmed her statement with a solemn nod. “Exactly. Provoking him won’t yield any positive outcomes.”

Eunice leaned forward, frustration boiling over. “So what are we supposed to do? He’s clearly involved with Elaine. They’re not just friends. Why should Chiara have to endure this?”

Heather turned her gaze back to Chiara, her expression serious. “Do you recall what the lawyer advised you during your last meeting?”

Chiara paused, exchanging a knowing look with Heather. Suddenly, a realization dawned on her, and she gasped softly. “Heather, are you suggesting that I should…”

Heather nodded affirmatively. “Precisely. Even if it gets complicated, at least we’ll be in the right position to dissolve this marriage fairly.”

Eunice looked utterly perplexed. “What are you two talking about? I feel completely lost here.”

Chiara’s eyes flickered with uncertainty. “But how am I supposed to…”

Heather interjected, her tone calm and reassuring. “I told him you want to be independent, that you refuse to be just a trophy wife stuck at home. So, I suggested you work at his company to gain some experience.”

Chiara’s breath hitched, her eyes widening with astonishment. “At the Goodman Group? And he actually agreed to that?”

Heather’s lips curled into a sly smile, her expression revealing a hint of mischief. “Of course he did. He believes it’s better to keep you close rather than risk you being at the Lynch Group.”

Chiara quickly grasped Heather’s intentions, her understanding dawning. “Heather…”

“So, before you pursue what you want, it’s crucial to maintain a cordial relationship, uphold appearances, and avoid any confrontations with him,” Heather advised sagely.

Chiara nodded, her determination solidifying. “I understand. I know exactly what I need to do now.”

Eunice observed the two women, confusion etched across her face. “What’s happening? I’m still not following.”

Heather squeezed Chiara’s hand gently, her voice softening. “As long as you’ve figured it out, that’s what matters. I have to leave now; work is waiting for me at the office.”

Chiara noticed the flicker of guilt in Heather’s eyes and offered her a reassuring smile. “Go ahead. I’ve matured enough to handle things on my own. You don’t need to worry about me anymore.”

With a tender stroke of Chiara’s hair, Heather nodded. “Alright, I’ll be on my way then.”

“Let me walk you out,” Chiara offered, not wanting her friend to leave alone.

“No need for that; you two continue your conversation,” Heather replied, her tone dismissive yet kind.

Chiara studied him quietly, letting out a soft laugh. “Do you truly believe there’s anything you can’t accomplish? Do you even know how to doubt yourself for a moment?”

Titus raised an eyebrow, remaining silent. But his fierce gaze revealed that his pride was far from mere posturing.

Clenching her fists, Chiara nodded resolutely. “Alright, I’ll join the Goodman Group, but only if you agree to my terms.”

Titus lifted his chin, intrigued. “Let’s hear them.”

“I want to be your secretary,” she announced, her voice steady.

Titus narrowed his eyes, skepticism etched across his features. “Why my secretary?”

Chiara maintained her composure, her gaze unwavering. “I can only truly learn what I need if I’m working closely with you.”

She wasn’t mistaken—if she ever wanted to take the reins of the Lynch Group, there was no better mentor than Titus when it came to managing a company.

A faint smirk danced on Titus’s lips, that familiar half-smile playing at the corners. “Honestly, I thought you were just itching to be by my side twenty-four-seven,” he teased.

Chiara remained unfazed by his provocation, meeting his eyes with unwavering confidence. “If it had been before…”

Titus studied her in silence, fully aware that she hadn’t finished her thought, but he understood where she was headed.

“Right now, my only goal is to acquire practical skills for managing a company—nothing more. But you can trust me, Titus. If I take on this role, I will ensure that I perform my duties impeccably,” Chiara replied, her voice calm and composed.

Titus’s eyes narrowed, surprise flickering across his features. “I expected you to decline.”

After all, Chiara’s main objective these days was to break free from his grip and secure that divorce. If she became his secretary, they would be forced to work side by side continuously.

Not wanting to linger on that topic, Chiara shifted gears. “So, can I start tomorrow? I’m already familiar with the basics.”