Scarlett's POV:
I got up early.
The door of the guest room was closed, so I guessed that Charles had not gotten up yet.
I took some bread and eggs out of the fridge and made breakfast for us.
After finishing my meal, I left Charles's on the table.
Charles's apartment was located in the heart of the business district, surrounded by skyscrapers and
many establishments.
The location of his home was ideal.
The only disadvantage was the traffic jam.
I had to leave his place early if I wanted to make it to work on time.
As soon as I arrived at the office, I was as busy as a bee.I was thankful for all the work because it
allowed me to forget about Charles.
At noon, Abner walked up to me and handed me a cup of coffee.
"I have good news, Scarlett.The company will choose two employees to send abroad to study.If you're
interested, I can talk you up."
"Really? But how long will I be away if I'm picked?"
"A year."
Abner paused and then continued, "This is an amazing opportunity.You could learn many things that
would help advance your career.I really hope you seize it."
I was a little hesitant.
A lot could change in a year.
"I'll think about it and give you an answer as soon as possible."
"I suppose Charles is the main reason for your hesitation."
Once again, Abner hit the nail on the head.
I averted my gaze and took a sip of my coffee.
"No, I'm just worried about my family."
"Onlookers see more clearly.I know you're indecisive because you can't let go of some things, but I
sincerely hope that this time around, you'll put yourself first."
After that, Abner left.Abner was a very rational man.And he was right.
When it came to Charles, I still deceived myself.As soon as Abner left, Linda walked over to me.
She took my hand, pulled me into an empty meeting room, and shut the door.
"What happened to Charles and Rita's father last night?" she asked curiously.
I thought for a while and then told her that 1! did not know.
There was no need to explain that matter to outsiders.
It was simply one of the things that were better left unsaid.
Linda seemed a little disappointed that she could not get the information she wanted, so she changed
the subject.
"What about you and Charles? Are you two really together? "Charles and I..."
"You know what, forget it.It doesn't matter.Mr.Valdez regrets the advances he made toward you.He said
that if he had known that you and Charles were a thing, he wouldn't have made a move on you.He
wants to apologize to you."
Linda waved her hand and continued, "Well, let's just let bygones be bygones.I don't want to hold onto
what happened last night anymore.I'm sorry for the trouble I have caused you."
I was stunned.I did not expect the course our conversation took.
To some extent, Charles had helped me solve the problem.
Because of him, I did not need to wine and dine with the business partners anymore to get a
sponsorship.I smiled at Linda.I understood her helplessness.
After leaving the meeting room, I went to the studio.
After the show, one of my colleagues told me that an old lady was waiting for me in the reception room.
The old lady said that she wanted to see her granddaughter-in-law.I immediately realized that it was
Christine.
I thanked my colleague before rushing to the reception room with my phone in my hand.
As soon as I arrived there, Christine's hearty laughter filled my ears.
She was sitting there surrounded by many of the station's staff who were serving her some tea and
snacks.
Everyone around the office was hospitable, and Christine was a ray of sunshine that drew people.
I politely dispersed the crowd, closed the door of the reception room, and sat beside Christine.
"What are you doing here, Grandma?"
She smiled and gently patted me on the hand.
"I'm here to tell everyone that you're Charles's wife.I don't want to see you get bullied again."
I choked on my words for a bit.I did not want to blurt them out in a way that would hurt one of the most
important women in my life.
"I appreciate your concern, Grandma, but I can take care of myself.Besides, Charles and I are getting
divorced soon."
"But you haven't yet.You're still my granddaughter-in- law.And even if you and Charles get divorced, I
still won't allow anyone to give you a hard time,"
Christine replied with conviction.
I felt moved and helpless at the same time.
"Grandma, I may no longer be your granddaughter-in-law soon, but I will always be your
granddaughter, right?"
"I suppose we'll always be family.A marriage certificate can't change that."
Christine flashed me a perfunctory smile.
I took her hands in mine and squeezed them.
"Thank you, Grandma.I think the divorce will be good for me and for Charles, but no matter what
happens between us, I will always be your granddaughter."
"All right, my dear."
Christine smiled back at me and squeezed my hands as well.
Then, she cocked her head to the side and asked, "Do you really only have familial affection for
Charles? I remember when you told him you wanted him to be your brother.He pouted so much that I
thought he was going to break his face.
Thinking of Charles's boyish, angry look, Christine and I burst into laughter.
Only the members of the Moore family and the people closest to them knew of Charles's childish side.
"I just want to focus on my career now, Grandma.I don't want to think about other things for the time
being."
"Your career will only affect your marriage and relationships if you let it."
I kept silent for a few seconds and then said softly, "We want to divorce not only because of personal
reasons but also because of Rita."
"That damn woman! She really is desperate to marry into the Moore family! Well, she can forget it!"
Christine always got angry every time Rita was mentioned.
She put down her teacup and put on a serious face.
She was also a big shot in the business world during her prime.
When she was serious, she exuded an intimidating aura.
I immediately comforted her, "I'm sure Charles will try his best to do right by our family.We just have to
let him make his own decisions, and one of them is us getting a divorce.Please don't tell everyone that
I am your granddaughter-in-law from now on.I don't want the embarrassment when Charles and I finally
finish the process."
I looked into Christine's eyes, hoping she would grant my small request.
Slowly but surely, her eyes softened, and a sympathetic smile curled her lips.
She leaned over and gave me a hug.
"Okay, dear.I'll take back what I said to everyone."
Christine had always been a decisive person.
As soon as she finished her words, she rose from her seat and walked toward the door, but I stopped
her before she could reach for the doorknob.
"You don't need to explain anything to my colleagues now, Grandma.Just stop telling them about me
being your granddaughter- in-law.By the way, there's a great coffee shop nearby.How about we go
there? I have no work to do this afternoon.I can have coffee with you and go shopping with you if you
like."
Christine gladly agreed to my suggestion. As we made our way out of the reception room, everyone
turned to look at us with curiosity in their eyes.
"Scarlett is not my granddaughter-in-law.Stop staring at her.You're making her self-conscious,"
Christine blurted out without hesitation.
She even turned around and winked at me like she was asking for some credit.
I kept my gaze ahead and led her out of the station.
As I expected, things got worse after she cleared things up about our relationship.
The coffee shop was not that far from the station.
It was well-decorated, and it offered many different kinds of coffee.
It was always filled with people because it was so welcoming and cozy.
It was a great place for both those who wanted to enjoy some time with company and those who
wanted some time alone with their thoughts.
Christine and I sat there and enjoyed our cups of coffee.
We talked like we had not seen each other in a long time.
Finally, Christine glanced at her watch and gasped, "Oh, my, look at the time.We've been talking
forever.I have to get home now, dear.Your grandfather must already be looking for me.We'll go
shopping next time, okay?"
"Okay, Grandma.Let's take a rain check for now."
"Good girl.The coffee here is really good.I'll bring a cup home to your grandfather."
Christine nodded and called the waiter over.
Hearing her mention Michael, I could not help sighing, "You and Grandpa really love each other so
much, don't you?"
She teased me with a smile, "You and Charles are perfectly capable of doing the same."
As soon as she finished her words, Charles walked into the coffee shop.
Speaking of the devil.
"Why are you popping up wherever I am like a mushroom?"
I could not help sniping at him.
He had no business showing up here because this coffee shop was too far away from his office.
Charles did not answer my question.
Instead, he walked up to me.
He was wearing his usual all-black suit jacket, and heads turned toward him as he made his way to me.
"Damn, why does he always have to look this good?"
I cursed under my breath.
He raised his eyebrows as if he heard what I just mumbled.Then, he leaned in and planted a soft kiss
on my cheek.
"I've missed you today, my dear wife.I swung by your office to pick you up, and one of your colleagues
told me that you left a long time ago with a woman who referred to you as her granddaughter-in- law.Hi,
Grandma."
"Would you keep your voice down?"
I snapped at him in a low voice.
When I heard the words "wife" and "granddaughter-in-law', I felt my cheeks and ears burn.I had no
doubt that I had just turned as red as a tomato.
"What? Why should picking my wife up from work be a secret? Anyway, let's give Grandma a ride
home first"
Charles replied as he held Christine's arm.
"Oh, no.I won't be the third wheel here.I'll ask the driver to pick me up,"
Christine beamed and shook her head.
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