Chapter 20 I Don't Seem to Love Him That Much Anymore
"Hello."
"I just finished reading the materials you sent me. Your plan is excellent. Although I haven't shown it to the boss yet, based on our last conversation, your ideas are basically in line with what they're thinking. Sophia, I think you're a natural-born lawyer, and our firm is your stage."
Hearing this, I let out a long sigh, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "You're exaggerating again. Well, as long as there are no issues, that's great. But since this is my first time opening a law firm, I'd still like to visit the headquarters when I get the chance to learn more, so I can plan better for the future."
Zachary agreed with my idea. "Once everything is settled, you can come here and check things out."
"Saying 'check things out' sounds too serious. I just want to visit and learn a bit," I couldn't help but smile.
Zachary's tone remained gentle as he chuckled. "There's one more thing - you only need to find the office space. You don't need to worry about the rent or renovation costs."
I was shocked. "Why not?"
"Sophia, you've been away from the workforce for too long, so you might not understand some things. The law firm we're establishing domestically is a branch office. I discussed it with the leadership, and since this is our first branch in the country, the initial investment is quite large. So the leadership decided that headquarters will cover the first year's rent, renovation, and furniture costs for the branch. Of course, after that, it's up to us. Starting the second year, once we have revenue, we'll need to pay the rent ourselves."
At this moment, this news made me so happy I almost jumped up. I'd been worried about the large amount of money needed and not having enough on hand. Zachary's words were like timely help in the snow.
"In that case, that's wonderful! Please thank the leadership for me."
"Absolutely."
Then Zachary asked, "Sophia, how are things at home lately?"
At this topic, the light in my eyes dimmed instantly. I pressed my lips together. "Just letting things take their course."
"Don't you plan to tell him about opening the law firm?"
"Right, I can't tell him until it's up and running. I hope you can keep this confidential for me."
"Don't worry, if you're asking me to, I'll definitely keep it secret."
I breathed a sigh of relief, then heard Zachary continue, "It's just that I think if you told him, maybe you wouldn't have to work so hard. Tyler has power and status. Finding office space, handling renovations, even hiring people - none of that would be difficult for him. I mean, it could lighten your burden."
Hearing this, I let out a self-mocking laugh, my eyes filled with bitterness. "Zachary, you don't really understand my family situation. Why do you think I've been a housewife all these years we've been married?"
There was a moment of silence on the other end, then Zachary said gently, "If there's anything I can help with, just say the word and I'll definitely help you."
I was truly touched that Zachary would say this, but this was between Tyler and me - no one else could help.
"Thank you. My only wish right now is for the branch office to open smoothly. When that happens, I'll finally have the credentials to do things."
Zachary encouraged me, "Of course. Believe in yourself - we all believe in you."
After hanging up, I breathed a sigh of relief. Now I didn't need to worry about funding, but I'd have to personally handle all the paperwork and procedures.
Once the office space was confirmed, everything could begin.
Just as I continued browsing for suitable properties, there was a knock on the door. A servant's voice came from outside: "Mrs. Thompson, your friend is here to see you."
A friend? I was puzzled. Since getting married, I'd rarely kept in touch with friends, and after becoming a housewife, I had even less of a social life.
I got up and opened the door to see Ivy standing at the top of the stairs on the second floor, waving at me.
"Ivy, what brings you here?" I was very surprised.
Ivy walked toward me carrying a cake. "We stayed out too late yesterday, and I slept until now. I was craving cake, so I bought some to share with you."
The servant smiled cheerfully. "I'll go prepare some fruit for you."
"Thank you."
I invited Ivy into the room. The study and my bedroom were connected by a door, so you could enter my bedroom directly from the study. This was how I'd requested the room be designed when we first got married, to make studying more convenient.
Although Tyler never intended for me to study back then, he still listened to me and had the rooms connected.
Ivy sat at the table, opened the small cake box, and cut me a slice first, then cut one for herself.
"Sophia, come try this. This cake is so good - I absolutely love it."
I walked over and sat down. A sweet aroma wafted toward me.
I picked up a piece with my fork and put it in my mouth. Sure enough, desserts are healing - just this one bite made warmth surge through my heart.
"It's delicious."
"I bought a big one, so we can save a piece for Jasper when he gets home from school."
"Then I'll thank you on Jasper's behalf," I said with a smile.
We chatted while eating cake, then Ivy's tone suddenly became somewhat heavy. She lowered her voice: "Sophia, when you got home last night, was Tyler there?"
My hand holding the fork froze, but my expression remained unchanged as I continued to chew that bite of cake.
"He was home. He left right after I got back - probably to see Ava."
Ivy's eyes filled with disbelief. "How... how did you know?"
"I guessed. When he goes out at night, it can only be to see her."
Getting my confirmation, Ivy slapped the table and began her account: "Last night near the end, everyone was gradually leaving. Guess what - Tyler was waiting at the entrance, and that Rolls-Royce was already eye-catching. Plus Tyler is so handsome, it immediately sparked heated discussion among those women. Right in front of all of us, he took Ava's hand and got in the car. I was shocked. I know Tyler used to bring Ava to public events often, but Sophia, you had just left that same party, and Tyler came to pick up another woman from it - it's absolutely ridiculous."
After hearing all this, my expression remained calm. My heart was already full of holes - even if it hurt, I couldn't feel it anymore.
"Let them be. It's a secret everyone knows anyway."
Ivy has a lively, cheerful personality and a quick temper. She urged me, "Sophia, how can you just give them opportunities like this? They're being so blatant - this isn't something decent people do! Do they even consider you at all?"
A self-mocking smile curved my lips. "I guess... I don't love him that much anymore."