When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 71

**Silent Roads Remember by Sawyer**

**Chapter 71**

Paul stood off to the side, his posture relaxed yet alert, as he waited for the next move. The atmosphere in the room was thick with anticipation, punctuated only by the rhythmic tapping of Titus’s pen against the polished surface of the desk. “Do you think I need to sneak around?” Titus asked, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

Paul quickly shook his head, ready to elaborate on his thoughts, but Titus cut him off with a wave of his hand. “Just do as you said,” he instructed, his tone brooking no argument.

After a brief moment of silence, Paul finally replied, “Understood.” The weight of the situation hung between them, unspoken but palpable.

“Since we’re keeping things under wraps, make sure Elaine doesn’t find out either,” Titus added, his gaze sharp and focused.

Paul’s eyes widened momentarily, and he nodded earnestly. “Yes, Mr. Goodman, you really cover all the bases.” His mind raced with implications. *If we only conceal this from Mrs. Goodman and Ms. Jensen slips up later, all this sneaking around would be for nothing. If we’re keeping secrets, it’s best to exclude everyone from the loop,* he thought, determination settling in his chest.

Just then, Lena approached, her eyes immediately landing on Chiara’s desk. A thermos sat there, just as Paul had anticipated.

Upon hearing their voices, Chiara glanced over, a hint of curiosity in her expression. “Did you guys already eat?” she inquired, tilting her head slightly.

Noreen smiled brightly and nodded enthusiastically. “Did you get something to eat?”

Chiara returned the smile, a touch of relief washing over her. “Yeah, I already did.” Thankfully, Queenie had given her a timely heads-up, and Lindsay’s thermos had arrived just in time to save her from hunger.

The two women exchanged a knowing glance, a silent understanding passing between them, their camaraderie evident in that brief moment.

At precisely two o’clock, Titus emerged from his office, and the atmosphere shifted instantly. Everyone stood up, a chorus of “Mr. Goodman” echoing through the room in unison.

Titus’s eyes flicked to Chiara, his tone cool and commanding as he announced, “Meeting.”

“Yes, Mr. Goodman,” Lena responded, quick on her feet, immediately positioning herself beside Titus, while Paul took the spot on the other side.

Queenie rolled her eyes, leaning closer to Chiara and whispering conspiratorially, “Imagine her face when she finally figures out you and Titus are a thing.” The thought made her chuckle; she could hardly contain her amusement at the prospect.

Chiara shot a brief glance at Lena, who was confidently strutting around in her three-inch heels as if she owned the place. *Doesn’t she ever get tired, strutting around in those killer heels every single day?* Chiara mused, a smirk tugging at her lips.

As secretaries, they were expected to maintain a polished appearance at all times; after all, they were the face of the company.

While Queenie opted for comfortable one-inch block heels, Chiara preferred the ease of flats, effortlessly stylish with her height and enviable proportions. She could make anything look good without even trying.

During the meeting, Chiara remained focused, diligently noting down the key points, her pen gliding across the page as she filtered through the information.

An hour later, as the meeting concluded, Titus suddenly paused in front of his office, drawing everyone’s gaze. Chiara included, they waited for his next command.

Titus gestured for her to come over, his expression unreadable.

Chiara felt a flicker of confusion but moved closer as he said, “Bring your notes in.” With that, he retreated into his office, leaving Lena to cast Chiara a look filled with curiosity, her expression inscrutable.

Queenie couldn’t resist teasing. “So, is Titus here to check your homework or something?”

Chiara chuckled, appreciating Queenie’s quick wit. “Well, I am here to study, after all,” she replied, her tone light as she grabbed her laptop.

“Yeah, totally! Go on, don’t keep Mr. Goodman waiting,” Queenie urged, her excitement palpable.

“Alright, I’m heading in,” Chiara said, her heart racing slightly.

“Yep, go on!” Queenie encouraged, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Lena continued to stare as Chiara walked into Titus’s office, an unsettling feeling creeping into her gut. The longer she watched, the more uneasy she felt, prompting her to shoot a curious glance at Queenie.

*I bet she knows way more than she’s letting on. There’s definitely stuff she’s keeping from me,* Lena thought, suspicion bubbling beneath the surface.

Feeling the weight of Lena’s gaze, Queenie shifted uncomfortably. “What? Did I spill something, or is there something weird on my face?” she asked, a hint of defensiveness creeping into her voice.

Lena furrowed her brows but eventually looked away, dismissing the moment.

Queenie blinked, business trips weren’t really her thing, but when she glanced at Chiara—who appeared completely unfazed—she stood up as well. “I can go too.”

Lena frowned, casting a glance at Queenie. *What’s going on? Queenie had never competed with her for a spot like this before.*

Paul observed the two women, then let his gaze drift to Chiara, who was still engrossed in her files. He couldn’t help but purse his lips in contemplation.

These two seemed to be fighting over the opportunity, yet the one who should care the most appeared indifferent.

Queenie and Chiara always shared a close bond, and Paul was certain Queenie had already confided in Chiara about Lena’s feelings for Titus.

Just as Paul was about to suggest Queenie for the trip, Titus emerged from his office, giving everyone a quick once-over before announcing, “Lena, you’re coming with me this time.”

Lena’s lips curled into a triumphant smile. “Yes, Boss.”

Queenie made a face, flopping back into her seat in disappointment.

At that moment, Chiara looked up, her eyes meeting Titus’s. For a fleeting second, he nearly invited her to join him. It struck him—three years had passed, and she had never once accompanied him on any of his business trips.

The thought of having her by his side suddenly felt more appealing than ever. Yet, as his gaze drifted to the thermos on her desk, lingering there for a moment, he quickly looked away. With that, Titus stepped out of their line of sight.

That night, Titus had Chiara pressed against the wall, leaving her with nowhere to escape. He kissed the corner of her lips, his voice low and almost greedy, thick with unfulfilled desire.

“When I get back from this trip, do you think we’ll finally get to have some real fun?” he murmured, hinting at more.

Chiara didn’t respond; instead, she gently pushed him away. “Let me go wash my hands. Move,” she said, a shiver running down her spine from the sticky sensation.

Titus didn’t resist; he simply shifted aside, and Chiara bolted off the bed as if fleeing from disaster, rushing into the bathroom without a backward glance.

Just as Titus was about to light a cigarette, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, dismissing it without a second thought—flipping it to silent, he returned to his thoughts, unbothered.