THE LETTER

Another Monday morning passed quietly at Sterling Tech. Rachel had spent most of it reviewing financial records and preparing reports that needed to be submitted before the end of the week. The accounting department was unusually busy, and the steady flow of paperwork helped keep her mind occupied. Over the past few days, she had found it easier to focus on her work. The conversation she had shared with Joseph had settled many of the fears that had troubled her. She no longer found herself wondering why he had ignored her message or whether he regretted what had happened between them. She felt as though she could breathe without carrying the weight of uncertainty on her shoulders. She felt like a normal person who was living a normal life. Around midday, she was reviewing a spreadsheet when she noticed someone approaching her desk. At first, she paid little attention because most employees often moved between departments throughout the day. It was only when the woman stopped directly

DINNER

Rachel spent most of the following day trying not to think about the evening. Unfortunately, it was impossible. Every time she completed one task, her thoughts drifted back to the dinner. Every time she looked at the clock, she realised there were still hours left before the workday ended. By lunchtime, she had already checked the time more times than she cared to admit. Cynthia noticed,“You've looked at that clock at least ten times in the last hour."Rachel kept her eyes on the report she was reviewing."No, I haven't.""You have, Rachel.” "I was checking the time.""That's exactly my point."Rachel sighed."I have work to do.""So do I, but I'm not staring at the clock like I'm waiting for exam results."Rachel fought back a smile."You know what?” She gestured with her hand, “I'm going to find out who has been making you happy over the past few days.” Cynthia laughed softly and returned to her desk.The rest of the afternoon moved painfully slowly. By the time the office final

THE SHAPE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS

The drive back from the restaurant was quieter than the journey there. The conversation had flowed so naturally that neither Joseph nor Rachel had noticed how much time had passed. For a long while after leaving the restaurant, Rachel had continued talking about small things she remembered from childhood. A teacher who used to praise her drawings. The first set of paintbrushes her parents bought for her. The excitement she felt whenever she completed a painting and rushed to show it to her father. Joseph had listened to every story without interrupting, occasionally asking questions that encouraged her to continue. When they finally arrived outside her apartment building, Rachel thanked him for dinner. Joseph thanked her for accepting the invitation. It had been a simple exchange. Only when the entrance door closed behind her did Antonio gently start the engine. The city lights stretched across the streets as they pulled away from the curb. Cars moved steadily through the evening traf

DELGADO’S WOMEN

Vanessa arrived at the Delgado estate shortly after noon on Friday. The irritation she had carried for days had not faded. If anything, it had grown worse. Being escorted out of Sterling Tech by security had been humiliating enough. Knowing that dozens of employees had witnessed it only made the memory harder to swallow. She had replayed the incident countless times in her mind, and each time she reached the same conclusion. Something had changed. Joseph had never spoken to her that way before. He had never looked at her with such complete indifference. He never looked at her with affection but it was not as bad as what she experienced the previous week. The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that there was only one explanation. Rachel was the problem. The housekeeper led her into one of the sitting rooms and informed her that Isabel would join her shortly. Vanessa sat elegantly on one of the sofas and crossed her legs, but her impatience was obvious. She had not

Todos los capítulos de Paid To Pretend, Destined To Love: Capítulo 71 - Capítulo 74

THE LETTER

DINNER

THE SHAPE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS

DELGADO’S WOMEN