He Scored My Life A 4 And Hers A 10 Chapter 08

He Scored My Life A 4 And Hers A 10 Chapter 08

Derek eventually signed the investment deal on shockingly generous terms.

Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was an attempt to buy his way back in.

I didn’t think too hard about it.

I poured myself into the research instead, letting my work prove my worth.

Derek showed up at the lab every few days. He kept his distance, never pushing.

But the stalled divorce proceedings told me he hadn’t given up.

We were in a critical phase of the project. I didn’t have the energy to analyze his motives.

The only real change was a new habit I’d picked up.

I’d started scoring his gestures.

Derek was right about one thing-numbers made decisions easier.

When he ordered coffee for the team, I gave it two points.

I tossed my favorite latte in the trash and stuck to water.

When he organized a team bonding event, I scored it three points.!

Kicked it off my schedule and stayed home.

When he tried to take everyone to an upscale restaurant, I gave it a four.

Skipped the forced socializing and went out for hotpot with friends.

Whatever he did, I dismissed it with a low score and moved on.

No lengthy explanations needed.

Just me taking care of my own peace.

He was frustrated, of course.

But there was nothing he could do except watch me shut him out of every corner of my life.

And finally, for the first time, he understood what I’d gone through for six years.

I thought he’d eventually give up.

Then my mom called.

Her voice was hesitant.

“Laurel, did you and Derek have a fight?”

My heart dropped.

Since transferring her to Switzerland, I’d never mentioned the divorce. I’d told her I wanted a

change of scenery for my career.

I was waiting until she was healthier. Until the divorce was finalized.

She shouldn’t have known anything.

“Mom, did Derek contact you?”

She sighed.

“You two are adults. I can’t make this decision for you. But Derek’s been coming by for over a week now, bringing gifts. It doesn’t feel right to keep shutting him out.”

“Laurel, I don’t know what happened between you two, and I won’t tell you what to do.”

“But I just want you to take care of yourself. Say what needs to be said. Put an end to it.”

“I’ll always be on your side.”

My eyes stung.

“Okay,” I said softly. “I’ll settle it.”

Before I could say more, Derek’s voice filtered through the speaker.

“Mom, I’m back.”

I hung up immediately.

I set down my work, told my professor I needed the afternoon off, and caught a cab to the hospital.