18:23 Sat, Oct 26 GB.
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Chapter 3
Lenora picked out a shoulder–revealing, ruffled red dress from her closet, her long brown hair styled into voluminous waves that cascaded lazily down her back. It took her an hour to perfect her makeup, finishing off with a swipe of red lipstick that really made her whole vibe pop.
“Leslie, I’m getting a divorce,” she declared.
“Ms. Maynard, it’s time to say goodbye to what doesn’t work so you can welcome what does,” Leslie advised.
Lenora quirked an eyebrow. “Thanks, Leslie. Catch you later.”
“Take care, Ms. Maynard,” Leslie replied.
Lenora got to the law firm at 8:55, but the doors were still locked. Right then, Cassidy called, “Nora, you at the firm yet?”
“Just got here.”
“Awesome. Good luck ditching the jerk and starting fresh!” Cassidy cheered.
A familiar black limo rolled up nearby. Lenora kept it short. “Harley’s here. Gotta run.”
“Wait till you see what I’ve got planned for you today. It’s going to be epic, a real blow to Harley’s ego!” Cassidy promised.
“Let’s hope it’s not too shocking,” Lenora said before hanging up.
She approached Harley with a cool smile. “Morning, Mr. Brandt. Thanks for your time.”
She handed him the divorce papers. “I know you’re doubting me. But here, it’s just like the last draft. Sign it, and once the firm opens, we’re both free.”
For the first time, Harley seemed to show some emotion. “Are you for real?”
Lenora, halfway between serious and amused, suddenly laughed, “Harley, when am I not serious with you?” He never seemed to get that.
Harley really couldn’t stand that look Lenora gave him. It was a new thing. She hadn’t done it before. “The door’s open.” ‘If she’s gunning for a divorce, might as well just go through with it and avoid the drama later, right?‘ he thought.
At that moment, it felt like Lenora’s heart just clicked. When he asked, “Are you for real?” Lenora kind of hoped he would beg her to stay and that he would say no way to the divorce, but all he did was echo, “Door’s open.”
She had to admit Harley was a decent guy. Lenora pulled herself together, turned, and strutted right into the firm. Here they were, the only duo rocking up for a divorce bright and early.
Funny thing, Lenora didn’t exactly scream ‘divorcee‘ with her outfit today, so when they sat down, the lawyer gave them this really doubtful look and asked, “Have you signed the divorce papers?”
“Yeah.” She pushed forward all the paperwork she’d had ready for ages.
Turns out, getting unhitched was quicker than getting hitched. They had the agreement locked down ages ago. The lawyer would send the papers to the court to make it official.
In under five minutes, they were out of there. Harley took the lead, and since getting his divorce papers, he hadn’t glanced
back at her once.
Lenora paused, watching him disappear into the distance, feeling this heavy drop in her heart.
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Chapter 3
Suddenly, a Maserati rolled up to the curb, sleek and impossible to ignore. Lenora’s usual nostalgia got tossed aside as her gaze was drawn to the flashy car.
The door swung open, and out stepped a man in sunglasses. He looked kind of familiar, and before Lenora could even blink, he called out, “Hey, Lenora.”
It was Aran Wylder, the guy who blew up last year from a teen drama series.
Aran, tall and quick on his feet, caught up to her in no time. “Big congrats on your new chapter! Cassidy sent me to scoop you up.”
+5
Lenora rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. “Cassidy’s lost it, and you’re joining the madness? Weren’t you just wrapping up your movie tour? And here you are, risking scandal by showing up.”
“Hey, don’t get mad. Cassidy mentioned you just split from Harley. The Brandt family is bound to make it public soon. We’ve got to spin this in your favor before they try to turn you into public enemy number one!”
Aran’s outrage seemed so genuine that Lenora couldn’t help but feel a mix of irritation and amusement. “So, I owe you one, is that it?”
Before she could say more, paparazzi swarmed them. Aran was quick to act, pulling her close, but it was a feeble attempt at hiding. Lenora’s face was still in clear view.
A nudge from the crowd sent Lenora tumbling into Aran’s arms. Given Aran’s status as the crush of countless fans and his stunning looks, Lenora found her heart racing uncontrollably.
Being married to Harley for three years, she was still a stranger to intimate embraces. Aran held her close, his unique scent lingering around them, constantly reminding her he was there.
Lenora’s cheeks flushed, and she tried to wiggle out of his hug. But she hadn’t anticipated Aran gently holding her head with one hand, pulling her closer. Surrounded by his arms, she could hear the steady beat of his heart. The paparazzi relentlessly followed them, snapping pictures. Confused, she was half carried and half dragged forward by Aran.
In the back of the sleek black limo, Harley was staring out the window, lost in thought for what seemed like ages.
Matthew, sitting up front, tentatively broke the silence, “Mr. Brandt, do you
think we should help Mrs Ms. Maynard?” ak we should help Mrs – Ms. Maynard?”
The moment Matthew stopped talking, Harley shifted his gaze from the window and shot him a frosty look. “You really enjoy sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong, huh?”
Matthew flinched. “Not at all, Mr. Brandt.”
Finding himself at a loss for words, Matthew quickly instructed the driver, “Alfred, let’s
go.”
Matthew wasn’t sure if it was his imagination playing tricks on him, but he could swear Harley seemed a bit more downcast than a moment ago.
Harley was definitely not in a good mood. His ex–wife had finalized their divorce less than ten minutes ago, and she was already with another guy right outside the city hall. If word got out, people would start thinking she cheated on him, which led to their divorce.
“Pull over!” Harley was fuming. He couldn’t stand the thought of being cheated on, and the rumors flying around were just as nasty. ‘Get her over here!”
For a second, Matthew thought he’d heard wrong. But then he looked back and saw Harley sitting in the car, looking pretty bummed out. He quickly got out and headed over to Lenora and Aran, who were swarmed by a crowd of reporters.
