Chapter 0006

Rachel's breath hitched. Bryce wanted to drop her off? It sounded so unusual and unlike him. Did he say it just to mock her? Or to make her regret the decision of accepting the divorce.

She let out a bitter laugh, “That would be so kind of you. But you needn't to worry, I'll tell Alton to drop me. Thank you.”

Bryce squinted before letting out an amused laughter. “Worry? I did not say I was worried, Rachel. I only said I want to drop you at your destination, and I will.”

Rachel's chest twisted painfully. He had a way to say things that always hurt her, but he never cared. She swallowed hard as her hands clenched into fist to keep herself steady.

“Bryce…” She was just about to speak when Bryce walked up to her and slid a hand on her waist. He raised her chin to meet his gaze as he stared into her chestnut eyes.

“Come wife, let me drop you off. Wouldn't it be rude for a wife to turn down the request of her beloved husband?” He stared, waiting for a reply.

Rachel stared into his eyes, tears welling up in hers. When they both got married, Rachel would have melted into Bryce's arms the moment he slid his hands on her waist, but now— everything was different.

His touch did not have an effect on her anymore.

She clenched her jaw and gave a small nod. “Yes, it would be rude.” She responded.

Bryce smiled, “Now, let us go wife, in order not to be late to our various destinations.”

He released her and began to walk away. Rachel exhaled slowly and carefully followed him behind.

Something was wrong. Rachel could sense that. The last time she entered the same car with Bryce was on their first anniversary, which was almost two years ago.

The car was silent, save for the hum of the car engine engine as it drove down the pebbled path.

Rachel stared out of the window, her hands fumbling in her laps. She had missed this moment, she had missed it so much but she was very aware that this was the last time.

“You look beautiful,” Bryce says casually. “Especially with those necklaces, I like the way it adorned your neck.”

Rachel turns and gapes at him. His words made her chest warm even though her mind told her not to fall for it.

She clears her throat, “Thank you.”

Bryce shifted closer to her, his cologne almost choking her breath. She glared at him, refusing to show how much his nearness made her warm.

“So…” he drawls. “Where do you plan to go?”

“That wouldn't be necessary.” Rachel replied curtly.

Bryce let out a scoff laced with disdain. “Is this how you talk to your husband?” He said, eyes fixed on her. “Even after all the years of being distant? I thought you wanted fourteen days, as my wife.”

“I did. I wanted to repay you for accommodating me, I did not say you would flirt with me. How do you think Marissa would feel seeing us this close?” Rachel's voice was clear.

Bryce pulled back slightly, his eyes still fixed on her. “I want to ask you a question, and I need an honest answer.”

Rachel's heart skipped a beat. “What?”

Bryce did not answer right away. He only stared at her, making her uncomfortable.

“We have reached your destination, Mrs Voss.” Alton reminded them

Rachel made to open the door and come out…but then, Bryce's hand stopped her. He placed his hands on hers, making her jolt.

“What is your problem?” She whispered, eyes widening.

“Shhhh… I'm not done talking,” he warned. “How did Elara Anderson know about the divorce? You know very much how I hate her, so tell me wife, did you tell her?”

Rachel gulped down nothing and her heart pounded. How did he know she told Elara? Was that the reason he proposed a drive?

“Well…” he continued. “Just tell her to keep running, because if I lay my eyes on her again…she would live her remaining days in jail.”

He opened the door. “Have fun, wife. It has been a nice drive with you.”

Rachel stepped down from the car. She was terrified. He wanted to put Elara in jail— for what reason? She watched the car drive off, though she could barely see through the tinted glass.

“Babe!” Elara said from behind, she was already prepared. “Why are you standing there like a stranger? Come on in.”

Rachel smiled faintly, “How did you know I was here?”

“I saw when the Rolls Royce car pulled up, so I decided to stay and wait to confirm it's you. Come on, birthday girl. We don't have much time left.”

A few minutes later, Rachel was dressed in the clothes Elara had bought. A short, black, velvet gown that fitted her body perfectly. Luckily, the jewelry she had chosen matched with the outfit.

“Isn't it too short?” Rachel asked worriedly because the gown exposed her thighs slightly.

“No, it's not.” Elara said. “It suits you. And also, remove that ring from your finger, you're no longer married.”

Rachel wanted to protest but kept her mouth shut. As she stared at herself in the mirror, Rachel couldn't stop feeling uncomfortable in the dress.

“Elara.” She called out.

“Yes.”

“Did you confront Bryce about the divorce?” Rachel asked, her voice low.

“What did he tell you?” Elara asked, ignoring Rachel's question.

“He said the next time he sees you, he was going to make you spend your remaining days in jail.” Rachel said, her voice laced with concern. “Tell me, what did you tell him?”

Elara laughed hard. “What the heck? He was going to make me spend my days in jail? God, that man doesn't seem to stop amazing me!” She laughed. “Oh, yes. I confronted him and threatened him. Nothing much though.”

“Elara, you shouldn't have—” Rachel was cut off sharply.

“As much as I talked to him, I wanted to kick him at his balls and teach him what pain looked like, but I considered you. Don't worry, Rachel. His threat is empty.”

Rachel stared at her blankly.

“Well, come on girl. Our reservation would expire at dusk, I want us to enjoy it to the fullest.”