Beyond the Divorce

Surprise, Surprise

The timing was uncanny as Johnson slowly entered. Immediately after, he exclaimed, “Where is everyone?! Where the hell did they-”

Before he could finish, he became wide–eyed and froze when he saw me sitting on the couch. I smiled and tipped my head at him. “Mr. Hyger.”

It took him a while to close his mouth, and he stammered, “M–Mrs. Murphy!”

“Are you surprised to see me?” I continued smiling at him. “Come and sit down. Don’t worry. I’ve already sent the workers away.”

“Uh… I need to call the foreman to calculate the work hours first,” Johnson excused himself and rushed out.

“Johnson, calling the foreman isn’t that urgent, is it?” I was calm, but my icy tone echoed throughout the spacious room,

Johnson halted, then turned around in panic and confusion. His lips twitched, and his face paled.

“I thought you might want to listen to what I have to say,” I observed the beads of sweat forming on Johnson’s forehead. “Do my words carry no weight to you anymore, John?”

My words dripped with sarcasm. Back then, Johnson used to rush toward me, calling out “Chlo” from a

distance.

He wiped his face. His expression was pale and heavy as he approached the couch hesitantly.

“C–Chlo! How can that be? You’ve always been like a sister to me. Without you, the Johnson of today wouldn’t have existed!” He chuckled awkwardly.

I nodded, gesturing for him to take a seat.

“I think I’ll stand, Chlo. I didn’t expect you to come! Haha!” Johnson tried to hide his unease.

“Is that so?” I looked at him provocatively, saying, “Shouldn’t I have shown up here?”

I raised an eyebrow and looked around the room, pretending to admire it, “Lovely house. It’s just what I

like.”

Johnson’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he clenched his fists. “Y–Yes, it’s good that you like it.”

“Too bad it isn’t for me, right?” I focused on him again. “So, you need to tell me who Mr. Murphy prepared this for.”

Johnson cleared his throat. “W–What are you talking about, Sis? Mr. Murphy did this for you, of course!”

“Is that so?” I replied, pretending to be appreciative. “Matthew’s always full of surprises. Always doing Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

things for me.”

I chuckled as the words left my mouth. I even blushed.

“Of course. You two have been quite the team.” My words were sharp and witty.

Johnson’s lip twitched as he forced a smile. “As we should be. Oh, I mean, it’s not like that. I–I didn’t mean

it that way.

*Johnson, you’ve been at Tanum Corporation for a few years. Things have changed, haven’t they? |

remember when we used to roam the streets, eating buns and pickles by the roadside. Thinking back, it’s

quite different from now.”

I thoughtfully continued, “But I must admit I’m ashamed. Matthew knows how to play the game and treats

you well, right? Hidden bonuses and all. That’s how he gains people’s loyalty.”

“Sis, you shouldn’t say that. I…. Johnson wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“Oh, I haven’t seen your wife in a while. How’s she doing? I should visit her sometime!” I casually changed

the topic, “They say pregnancy clouds the mind for three years. Ava’s already four, and I’m still clueless.

huh? Many people around me have moved on. I guess that’s my fault.”

“My wife’s doing great. She’s pregnant.” Johnson wiped his sweaty face again, flashing a sheepish grin,

Thanks for your concern.” 1

“Oh, she’s pregnant? That’s wonderful news! It must be exciting since you’ll be a dad soon,” I feigned

excitement, “How far along is she?”

“Six months. Haha,” Johnson laughed nervously.

“Great!” I nodded. “Well, you better treasure it.”

My tone carried a suggestive playfulness, the hidden meaning clear in my words. My Intense gaze shook

Johnson as he stammered, “C–Chlo, I…”

I redirected my gaze and asked, “Who’s the new woman in Matthew’s life?”

The sudden question caught Johnson off guard, and he stood up from the couch. “Chlo, I don’t know!”

“You… don’t… know?” I emphasized each word, my expression growing colder.