Chapter 123 - CHAPTER 123: BITTER ENDING

With pain in her eyes, she returned the paper inside the envelope and put it back to where it was originally placed.

For the last time, Jade decided to go to the office that day to collect her personal belongings. She was only informed that Marcus hired a new secretary few days ago. 

Fortunately, she still has her ident with her, thus, she was able to enter without any problem. Good thing Sonny was there to ȧssist her since the new secretary has already occupied her space. He also informed the woman that Marcus wouldn't be back until lunch together with the new secretary since they are currently in a meeting with a very important client from Japan.

Since this is the last day she'll be in the company, she took the chance to roam around the area. Also, she entered Marcus office since she wanted to reminisce the good memories they once had. Most of the good memories they have is inside this office.

She smiled bitterly as she recalls some of the good ol'days. Seeing Marcus' empty table, Jade walks around and sat on it. Ah, so comfortable. She smiled sweetly. Checking her wristwatch, it's almost time for her to go. She was about to stand up when a familiar brown envelope caught her attention. Seems like she saw it before, not sure where.

She reached for it and took out the paper which was inside. What is this? She quivered. Her body trembled as soon as she read the content.

A divorce paper and it was already signed by Marcus!

She froze. She doesn't know what to do, mixed emotion was hurled at her at that very moment. Tears begun to flow from her eyes. Ah, how she wanted to crumple and throw it in the trash can. 

Damn, it hurts so much. Did he plan to get rid of her just like that? So it's finally decided, huh. He wants divorce. He really doesn't want to accept their child. She felt devastated. Her knees trembled that she fell on the floor. 

Damn it! She kept hitting her burning ċhėst. She couldn't breathe properly. Feels like thousands of knives pierced through her heart all at once. It really hurts and it's killing her.

She didn't know how long she's been crying. All she knew was that she lost a lot of strength. She couldn't even lift her body. She's totally drained.

After an hour or so of lying on the carpeted floor, she gathered an amount of strength and slowly pick herself up. Once again, she picked up the divorce paper and with a trembling hand, she took a pen and signed her name on it. 

She has to. She needs to let go of her one-sided love. It will end after a few months anyway. After signing the divorce paper, she put it back to where it was originally placed. Then she picks her gray sling bag and left the office without saying goodbye to Sonny. 

Now her Cinderella love story ended in a bitter way.

She even forgot to take her personal belongings. With the mixed emotions currently swirling within her, she totally forgot the main reason why she went to the company. It was only when she rode a taxi going home that she remembered the things she left in the office.

She didn't bother returning. Those were some of her personal things but most of them were Marcus' gifts to her. Anyway, why take them if she decided to forget about him completely. 

"Miss, where are we heading?" The taxi driver asked the daze woman. 

Yeah, where exactly is she going? She thought to herself as well. Then after a careful thought, she asked the driver to take her to Marcus house. She needs to get some of her things, her passport and cards. 

Tomorrow, she'll live as a different person in a different city---probably in a province so no one would be able to find out about her. She'll soon destroy her cards as soon as she withdraws the amount she'll be needing. 

It was late evening when Marcus returned at his office. The two hours meeting with the Japanese clients turned whole day since Marcus has to join them play golf. He couldn't say no for the first time in his business career since they were one of the most important clients he needs to please. If he wants to expand his business in Japan, then he must concede to whatever they demand---for now. 

He leaned his tired body as soon as he sat on his chair. Dang, this is one of the most boring client meeting he has after a while. 

"Excuse me, Mr. Hanes, but the chairwoman is on the other line." The new secretary informed him. Though he couldn't see her face but base on her tone, he knew she's smiling. Good, he needs a positive vibe these days. 

"Thank you, Zenia." He opened her eyes as he heaves a sigh. "It's end of your shift, you may now go." He uttered before picking up the phone. 

Zenia stepped out, still with a happy face. Yes, it's Zenia, Mr. Black's secret spy is the new secretary of Marcus Yoseph Hanes. However, applying as a secretary isn't part of their plan. She didn't even inform Peter Black nor Zion about it. Well, she'll just update them once they found out about it. For now, all she wanted to do is stay beside Marcus--- the love of her life.

Zenia heard about the rumors the past few weeks. Rachelle's pregnancy and Jade as well. However, something isn't right with Rachelle's pregnancy and she wants to find out what it is. Also, she knew that Marcus' marriage is falling apart, or should she say, it has already ended. With that, she wanted to be close to him. Who knows her original plan might work out? 

Zenia may look like a gentle lamb but the truth is, she's quite canny. From the moment she saw Marcus, she has already fallen in love with him and she's been devising a plan on how to get closer to him. Now that a rare chance appeared, she did her best to sabotage the applicants who wants to be Marcus' secretary. She even paid some of the interviewers but when she was at the final stage, Sonny immediately recognized her. She tried to explain her side and the reason why she wanted to apply. 

At first, Sonny was a bit suspicious but seeing how friendly and kind the woman is, he agreed to give her the position. Besides, Marcus knew her and has a good relationship with Mr. Peter Black therefore, Sonny took it as a blessed chance. 

She succeeded finally and now that she's working with Marcus, she'll definitely do her best to aid him with everything. She'll protect him at the cost of her life, that's for sure.

*****************************

"I understand, grandma." After hearing the chairwoman's plea, Marcus helplessly disconnected the call. She wanted to have dinner with the couple tomorrow evening at her villa.

He doesn't know why the sudden invitation but his gut feeling is telling him that the chairwoman must have heard what happen between the two of them. Perhaps Sonny reported it to her. 

He heaved a sigh and was about to arrange the files on his table when his attention fell on the brown envelope. Weird, the side of it was a bit crumpled and if he was right, a trace of dried liquid was visible in some area. Did someone come to his office without his permission? But who? It couldn't be Sonny since he knew he's not around. 

His curiosity spiked up, someone must have gone to his office without him knowing. Then does that mean whoever that person is saw the divorce paper? He gasped when he thought of the chairwoman. 

He then picks up the brown envelope and took out the paper. To his surprise, the empty space meant for Jade's signature is already filled out!

Jade?! He couldn't believe his eyes, therefore he immediately dialed Sonny's extension number. How he wants to hear his thoughts were wrong. That someone was only pulling a prank on him… however, the signature is perfectly the same as Jade's. 

"I'm sorry I forgot to notify you. But yes, she came by a while ago."

He fell back on his chair. Isn't this what he wants? To get Jade sign the divorce paper? Then why isn't he happy? Why does he feels devastated all of a sudden? A sudden emptiness enveloped his heart that unknowingly, a tear fell from his eyes. 

Is this really the end? Why does it have to be a bitter ending?  Dang! Why does it hurt so bad?!