Divorce To Restart: Vengeful Ex-Wife Strikes Back!

Chapter 55 The Topic

X&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK. Nina glanced tiredly at the building. Her hands shook hard as she held on tightly to the steering wheel. The last two weeks have been nothing short of hellish. Dawn stuck to her decision to cut their budget short, and Nina had to work twice as hard, especially with the marketing team. Her heart raced in anxiety as she stepped out of the car and made her way to the building. The weekend would be all about paperwork and work and nothing more. Her meals were only on time due to Carla’s presence. She is the one thing from Xander. Nina can’t cut off knowing how good she is at what she does. Stepping into the elevator, she mumbled a good morning to the three ladies, but they appeared to be busy whispering in each other’s ears. Nina stood with her back to them, and even at that, she could tell their whispers might have something to do with her. It prompted her to check her back in case there might be any embarrassing stain. Sure that she wasn’t looking out of place. She continued her walk. “Is that true?” Nina heard Matilda’s question as she attempted to open the office door. Carlos snorted. “You know ladies of today will go to any length just to get what they want. Not to forget, the big boss is a nice man. He wouldn’t want to turn her down due to her condition.” “Nina doesn’t seem like someone who would try to seduce a man just to get to the top. She is brilliant enough.” Joshua defended. Matilda scoffed. “Don’t be fooled. You never know what-” Her words trailed off when Nina made her way in and mumbled a greeting to them. They all scampered back to their various seats, looking scared. “Are-Are you okay, Nina?” Dani asked. Nina grunted in response. “Can we get to the meeting today, please?” She said. By lunchtime, Nina seemed to have forgotten the gossip she had heard her assistants discussing. They are undoubtedly bored and looking for something to say about her bulging belly. Everyone will be curious. Hunger had driven her to the cafeteria. She couldn’t eat what Carla had packed due to her cravings that shifted occasionally. Excited to dig into the plate in front of her, Nina was halfway through it when she noticed the mumbles around her and those who kept stealing glances at her. She stiffened at the not-so-much-of-a-whisper conversation going on behind her. “I am surprised, though; what would the CEO want with a pregnant woman?” One of them asked. Another hissed spitefully. “You never can tell with all of these men. They have the weirdest desires.” Nina shut her eyes tightly and got up to head to the restroom. She inhaled sharply, leaning against the toilet door when she entered. Her thoughts sifted through the discussions all morning. She couldn’t help but ask what gave them the impression that she and Xander were together. She heard some ladies talking by the sink. “That must be why Miss Baker had their budget cut off.” One that brayed like a horse said. Nina heard one snicker. “If I were the one, I would do the same. No wonder she keeps working so hard. All to get the boss’s approval. Head of research, my foot!” “She probably was cheating with the boss on Miss Baker.” “Oh, that is so true. The CEO and Miss Baker have always been close. I feel so sorry for her that she has to see her man’s side chick every day.” “I won’t be surprised if she had an affair with a married man and tried to pin the pregnancy on the boss.” “She is so pathetic. I don’t want to be like that.” “Me neither.” They cackled, rounded up their business, and left the restroom. Nina’s lips quivered as she struggled to stand up straight. They didn’t need to mention her name to let her know she was the topic of gossip at the company. Nothing had prepared her for this day. She had always loved being in the background, so she didn’t think hard of it too much when Asher wouldn’t show them off as couples when the chance presented itself. Now, her name is on everybody’s lips, and she can’t escape what will come. She stepped out of the toilet and turned on the faucet. It ran aimlessly while she stared at her puffy face in the mirror. The pregnancy was taking a toll on how she appeared. Nina glanced down pitifully at her bulging belly. Is it better to run away from all the troubles, at least for her innocent child? But then her survival will be in jeopardy. The money she makes monthly, especially without having to pay a dime for house bills, will never be gotten for a full-time year’s pay at a grocery store. Her eyes laced with tears, and a knot settled in her chest. Instead, Nina washed up her face, ready to face the crowd of hypocrites head-on. Dani made her way in at the same time. She furrowed her brows at Nina’s blotchy face. “Haven’t you been sleeping well, Nina? You look stressed. Was the weekend not so great?” She asked with concern on her face. Nina sucked her teeth and glared at her. “The week would have probably started well if you chose to keep to yourself.” “What do you mean by that?” “I mean to say that I know what you did. The gossip that has been running around all morning. You must have started it. You had seen just enough to talk for as long as you chose. It’s what you take delight in any way.” Dani looked genuinely confused. “I swear, Nina. I have no idea about what you are talking about.” Nina straightened her hair. “I don’t expect you to admit to the truth. It won’t be so easy to admit to something like that. But let me tell you.” She gritted, taking intimidating steps towards her. “If you think I am going to let this get to me. Then you’re mistaken. I will never quit like you all want me to. Before that happens, you must do better than just gossip.” Dani jolted when Nina slammed the door in her face. The day went by just as fast as Nina hoped it would. Even though, at a point, it felt like it was unmoving. As soon as she got into the safe confines of her home, she leaned against the wall and let loose the waterworks.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.