He Scored My Life A 4 And Hers A 10 Chapter 07

He Scored My Life A 4 And Hers A 10 Chapter 07

While Derek spiraled through his search for me, I’d already started a new life across the ocean

The research position was one my professor had recommended years ago. He’d always said it had to

be me.

But I’d turned it down every time, choosing my marriage over my future.

Borrowing money from her to save my mom was the push I needed.

It showed me who truly cared about me.

And it gave me the courage to leave behind the people who didn’t.

After six years away from the field, my skills were rusty.

But with Professor Grant and the team’s help, everything started falling into place.

I didn’t have to chase anyone’s expectations anymore.

No more fighting for a place on someone else’s scoreboard.

For the first time, I could surround myself with people who valued me for who I was.

My attorney back home kept me updated on the cases.

Sloane’s conviction was solid. She’d been sentenced.

The only thing still hanging was the divorce. Derek kept blocking it.

I wasn’t worried.

The evidence against him was overwhelming. Divorce was inevitable.

What I didn’t expect was him showing up in Switzerland.

Under the guise of an investment evaluation, he inserted himself into my project team.

Three months had aged him. He looked thinner. Gaunt.

When he saw me, his eyes lit up.

He moved to hug me, arms rising.

Then he caught the cold look in my eyes and stopped.

I gestured to a chair.

“Have a seat.”

His lips moved, but no words came out.

He just sat there, watching me present the project with an intensity I’d never seen from him in six years of marriage.

But I didn’t need his attention anymore.

After the meeting, he intercepted me in the hallway.

“Laurel, wait-”

“Mr. Sterling, do you have questions about the details?”

His eyes went red.

“Laurel, do we really have to talk to each other like strangers?”

I looked at him like he’d grown a second head.

“Why wouldn’t we?”

“We’re divorced, Derek.”

“The court hasn’t ruled yet!”

“It’s inevitable.”

“I don’t agree!”

The veins in his eyes stood out starkly.

He looked like he’d fall apart if I said the wrong word.

But I firmly pushed his hand off my arm.

“Derek, no matter how you feel, I’m getting this divorce.”

“Outside of work, we have no relationship anymore.”

“If you want to use your scoring system to kill my project or push me off the team, go ahead.”

“I don’t care about your investment.”

“And I trust my team. They’ll never side with an outsider over someone who’s actually been putting in the work.”

His eyes grew redder. His words tumbled out, broken and frantic.

“I’m sorry, Laurel. I never meant to hurt you.

“Sloane’s my childhood friend. I thought I was being fair-splitting my time so neither of you

ould feel left-out.”

“I didn’t realize how much I was hurting you…”

I shook my head.

“No. You knew.”

“You saw it in every breakdown. Every desperate plea for help. Every moment I fought back.”

“You just didn’t care enough to consider my feelings. You were so sure I’d never leave that you thought you could get away with anything.”

“You’re only upset because I left first.”

Derek stood frozen, tears streaming down his face.

He opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, but no words came.

I walked out without looking back.