I Was The Backup Plan, She Was The Return Chapter 03

I Was The Backup Plan, She Was The Return Chapter 03

Sloane was loud enough to draw attention, especially with everyone heading out for lunch.

Coworkers gathered around us in small groups.

Her expression grew more mocking, as though she’d finally figured it all out.

“No wonder you showed up at every party Julian went to.”

“Unbelievable, Nora. I thought we were friends, and you were trying to steal my boyfriend?”

Someone scoffed.

“‘You’re the one I want but can never have.’ That’s disgusting. Has she looked in a mirror? Why would Mr. Mercer want her?”

“Everyone knows he only came here because of Sloane. Does she have no shame, chasing him just to be his side piece?”

“She always seems so quiet. Who knew she was this sneaky?”

Their voices grew louder.

My hands shook at my sides. Even in the midday sun, I felt chilled to the bone.

I wanted to tell them Julian and I were legally married.

But in three years of marriage, he’d never shown any interest in telling people about us. At work, he even seemed careful to keep his distance.

If I said anything now, they’d think I was making it up out of desperation.

Sloane sighed, suddenly gracious.

“It’s okay, Nora. I don’t blame you.”

“I know Julian’s type. You really aren’t it.”

“But hey, may the best woman win.”

Everyone laughed again.

Julian came over. He looked puzzled when he spotted me in the crowd, but his voice was cool.

“What are you all doing outside the office?”

Then he noticed the book.

He bent down and picked it up, but I snatched it from him before he could open it and threw it into a nearby trash can.

I practically fled.

I couldn’t bear to think what Julian would make of what had happened.

Would he believe them and think I’d schemed my way into his life? Would he find me disgusting too?

I hid in a bathroom stall and cried until my eyes were red.

It wasn’t until everyone had gone back to work that I finally put things in perspective.

I was leaving anyway, so there was no point worrying about the humiliation.

When I returned to my desk, a coworker stopped me.

“Mr. Mercer wants you in his office.”

My heart skipped a beat. What could he possibly want to say to me now?

On my way there, I heard people whispering.

“I’ll bet you a week’s worth of coffee he’s going to fire her.”

“Agreed. How else is he going to smooth things over with Sloane? Besides, Nora’s hardly his best employee…”

I took a breath outside his office, but before I could knock, I heard Sloane inside.

“Julian, when we broke up, I told you your next girlfriend had to be a downgrade.”

“But I only said that because I was mad. Stop trying to get back at me, okay?”

“I regret it now. Can we get back together?”

My hand froze against the door.

I held my breath, waiting for Julian’s answer, but a coworker spoke beside me.

“Nora? Why aren’t you going in?”

The door opened, and I found myself face-to-face with Julian.