The Unacknowledged Wife

Chapter 7 It's a Small World

Nina had just arrived home from work. Hearing that Eric had secured a major project in Portsborough, she had volunteered to assist the team.

"Are you sure, Nina? If you lead this project, you'll have to relocate for a few months. We're a subcontractor for a construction firm there. What about Mr. Joseph?"

"It's alright. Mr. Joseph understands. It will be good experience," Nina tried to persuade her boss.

"But I can't increase your salary, though there will be a bonus upon completion. The cost of living is quite high there."

"It's fine. Trust me."

"Alright then, if you're keen. We'll meet with the holding company next week. Then we'll see if relocation is necessary."

Nina nodded happily.

Being assigned to Portsborough gave her a legitimate reason to leave Henry's house.

Nearly a month after the divorce, Nina was still living there. Leaving was proving difficult, especially since Henry did not yet know.

To him, a marriage was a sacred commitment, not just a formality.

Nina felt it was time to start a new life. The longer she stayed, the more it pained her, as the old man treated her with such affection.

Now, there was only one person she could ask for help. Ben. She couldn't simply use work as an excuse.

Having received Eric's permission, Nina didn't waste time. That evening, she texted Ben, requesting to speak.

Reading her message, Ben quickly returned her call. Nina went straight to the point.

"So, you want my help to be the one who asks you to move. Is that it?" Ben asked after listening.

"Yes. If you could request permission from Henry. He still doesn't know. If I say I'm moving for work, he won't agree, but if you ask, he will."

"When are you moving?"

"I'll go for the meeting next week. If all goes well, I'll move immediately. Even if I'm not assigned there, I still have to leave. The longer I stay, the harder it will be."

There was silence, then Ben's voice came through.

"Alright, I'll contact Grandfather tomorrow. But we can't hide our separation for too long. I also need his blessing to marry Delia."

"I understand. That's why the sooner I leave, the better."

The call ended quickly. Nina put down her phone and left her room to check on Henry, who was reciting his evening prayers. She watched from the doorway, praying for his long life and health.

On a clear Sunday afternoon, Nina was packing when Irene knocked to tell her someone had come. It was Ben.

"Ben?" Nina asked as he entered.

"I came to pick you up," Ben said in a low voice.

"Why did you need to come?" Nina whispered back.

"Grandfather wouldn't agree unless I came myself."

Ben looked uncomfortable. Nina could only lower her head, feeling guilty for troubling him.

"So you're moving today?" Ben asked quickly.

Nina nodded.

"Yes. I've rented a room for a month initially. I can extend it if needed."

"Alright. Where are your bags? Are you ready?" Ben asked, seeming unwilling to waste time.

"I can go by myself. I don't have much."

"It's fine. I'll take you. But we should leave soon. Delia is waiting for me."

Hearing Ben's words, a wave of discomfort washed over Nina. She had no feelings for him, but somehow, this felt awkward.

Nina simply nodded and returned to finish packing. She didn't have many belongings, just two large suitcases.

Nina hugged Henry tightly, trying not to cry as she said goodbye, but tears flowed freely.

"Why are you crying? It's as if you'll never see me again," Henry comforted, which only made Nina sob harder.

If only he knew that after today, she might never be able to see him again.

"Travel safely, Ben. Take care of your wife. She's a good girl," Henry instructed. Hearing this, Ben could only nod.

He thought it would be difficult for Delia to get close to his grandfather, as Nina's impression was too deeply ingrained.

Nina hugged Irene, said goodbye to Rehman, then got into Ben's car. The big house would become a beautiful memory.

Ben took Nina to her rented room.

"I can take these in myself," Nina said quickly, taking her suitcases.

"May I go now?" Ben asked as he closed the trunk. Nina nodded.

"Take care of yourself. If you need anything, let me know," Ben said and drove away without looking back.

Nina let out a long sigh. Her new life had begun.

Nina hurried after Eric into an office building. Her eyes widened as she saw the large logo for BSK Construction Holdings.

"The holding company's office is here?!" Nina asked, shocked.

"Yes. What's the matter? Hurry, our meeting is at ten!" Eric registered at the front desk and strode towards the elevators.

Nina fell silent, her legs feeling weak. Of course she knew who the major shareholder was. Henry. Both Ben and Joe worked there.

Nina swallowed hard, wondering if fate was playing a joke. She could only pray not to run into Ben.

But that day did not go as she hoped. When three men entered the meeting room, one was Ben. She hid behind Eric and her colleagues, Sidney Green and Warner Tylor.

Ben faltered for a second when he saw Nina. She stood up with her head down and shook his hand.

Ben then began the meeting as if he didn't know her. Throughout the session, Nina focused solely on work.

Before she knew it, the three-hour meeting ended at 1:30 PM.

"Starting next week, my team will be here for site surveys," Eric said, stretching.

"No problem. For now, let's have lunch. Sorry for the delay," invited Davies from Ben's team.

They went to the building's fifth-floor dining concourse. It featured various restaurants and a food court.

Ben decided to host the guests at a bistro. They sat in a private booth. Famished, Nina busied herself with lunch while the others discussed work.

Nina noticed Ben watching her eat, which made her choke a little.

Ben immediately called a server for water. Seeing Nina's breathing difficulty, Eric quickly handed her an inhaler.

"Eat slowly," Eric advised worriedly.

"You're acting like you've never eaten before," Warner joked, patting Nina's back.

"Forgive her. Nina is like a little sister at our office. She's the youngest," Eric explained.

Ben nodded with a faint smile, stealing a glance at Nina, who had turned towards the window.

"We'll be back next week," Eric said as they concluded.

"We'll be expecting you. The seventh floor is prepared for your team's office," Davies said.

They parted ways. Nina immediately followed Eric, not daring to look back.

That evening, exhausted, Nina had just finished showering when her phone rang. It was Ben, asking to meet.

Nina gave the hotel name and quickly changed.

"Come down! I'm in the lobby," Ben instructed on his second call.

Nina hurried downstairs. Ben had arrived faster than expected.

He drove her around the central business district.

As Nina expected, Ben asked how she came to be with Eric's team.

"I didn't know... really," Nina answered, a little frightened.

Ben was silent.

"So the project you're moving for is this one?" Ben asked again.

Nina just nodded slightly.

"You don't mind if we maintain a professional attitude at the office?"

Nina nodded again.

"I'm sorry if I seem fussy. I just don't want our past to show. I don't want others to know. If you are moving here, I'll find you an apartment." Ben tried to explain. Nina could sense his anxiety.

Nina remained silent, a flicker of hurt rising in her heart. Did he find her so undesirable that he wanted no association at all?

"You're returning to Riverside tomorrow? Travel safely," Ben said before dropping her off.

Nina nodded and prepared to unbuckle her seatbelt.

"Nina... I'm sorry," Ben suddenly whispered, briefly touching her hand. Nina froze. A warm sensation spread through her. She withdrew her hand without a word and quickly got out of the car.