Chapter 2 Hot Scoop
1047 Words
Third-person narration:
In the Lamborghini, Adelyn nodded and looked over at her grinning friend.
"Carlee, does your news department need a juicy story? Wanna break the news about me?"
Carlee Hardman was Adelyn's high school friend and bestie. She had founded Flash News, a company now famous for uncovering high society scandals.
Carlee chuckled while asking, "You and Randal had a fight? I know you'd sacrifice a lot for me, but I really can't exploit your personal life for media buzz."
"No... I'm actually filing for divorce," Adelyn said with a faint smile.
After checking Adelyn's forehead in disbelief, Carlee examined her thoroughly and asked, "Seriously?"
"Yep!"
Carlee exclaimed in excitement and hugged Adelyn tightly. "You've finally seen the light? Good for you! What was there to like about that jerk anyway!"
Immediately, she whipped out her phone. "Listen, I'm throwing you a singles party right now to celebrate your escape from that dead marriage!"
Adelyn didn't stop her. She felt that she indeed deserved a celebration.
"Great, and in return, I'll give you another hot scoop next week!"
Carlee was efficient. By the next day, the news of Adelyn and Randal's divorce was all over the media!
As soon as the news broke, the Internet was flooded with criticisms against Adelyn, siding overwhelmingly with Randal!
They painted her as a capricious, gold-digging wife!
Adelyn made no response, knowing the public opinion would soon shift dramatically.
Adelyn had barely stepped onto the City Hall steps when people started to notice her.
After all, the drama between Adelyn and Randal Barnett had been all over the internet recently.
"Hey, isn't that Adelyn? Looks like Randal Barnett is finally ditching her."
"Yeah, she's the one who caused his sister's miscarriage. How can anyone be so cruel?"
"Whoever marries a woman like that is bound for trouble."
The crowd buzzed with gossip.
Adelyn adjusted her sunglasses and smoothed her thick, seaweed-like brown hair. She was naturally beautiful, her striking features enhanced by the black dress she wore, exuding an aura of elegance and strength.
For a moment, even her harshest critics were taken aback by her beauty.
"Seductress! No wonder Mr. Barnett fell for her!" someone spat out.
Adelyn didn't flinch. She turned and said, "I'll take that as a compliment on my looks."
Soon, Randal appeared as well.
"Divorce papers." Adelyn's tone was neutral, her movements deliberate, as she handed him the documents.
Noticing something in the papers, Randal looked slightly startled.
"Give me a few minutes," he said and then crossed the street at the green light.
Adelyn frowned, puzzled by his actions.
What was Randal up to? Was he having second thoughts? That couldn't be it.
Soon, Randal returned, handing Adelyn a tube of ointment.
"Apply this to your hand."
It turned out he had noticed the bruising and swelling on her hand and bought her this ointment. But what was this about?
Adelyn sneered. "I'm truly touched."
Randal seemed slightly affected. "Since you're touched, perhaps reconsider. You might regret it."
Adelyn cut him off. "Thanks, but I don't need your concern!"
Her tone was laced with sarcasm.
The next second, she tossed the ointment into a nearby trash can right in front of Randal.
"What's that supposed to mean, Adelyn?!"
"It slipped!"
Randal's gaze hardened as his expression darkened. "So ungrateful!"
Adelyn scoffed. How could she have mistakenly poured her heart into such a horrible person for five whole years?
"Check the papers. Sign it if there are no issues," Adelyn said, her voice icy.
After scanning the divorce papers, Randal's sharp eyes caught a crucial detail.
"Leaving with nothing?" He couldn't believe Adelyn wasn't after money, considering she had married him for financial reasons.
"What trick are you playing now?" he demanded.
"Is everything I do just a trick in your eyes? Randal, if you keep stalling like this, I might start thinking you've fallen for me."
Randal's face turned gloomy, and he retorted immediately, "Bullshit!"
With that, he signed the agreement, and they walked inside the City Hall.
Randal's stature drew many glances. After all, he was a renowned CEO in Houston, with his looks and family background always attracting attention.
Meanwhile, Adelyn, as Randal's wife, was hardly known. Wearing glasses and a mask, she looked very plain but exuded an indescribable aura of aloofness.
The next second, photos of them at City Hall hit the Internet, confirming the trending topic of their divorce.
The proceedings moved quickly.
Holding the stamped divorce application, Adelyn remembered how thrilled she was five years ago when she got her marriage certificate. Back then, she had never imagined she would divorce Randal.
Although they had never even been intimate or had any deep affection as a couple, holding the divorce certificate now, she still felt an immense sense of relief.
It was always a one-way street with Randal, and she didn't want to waste her time on him anymore.
Randal produced a bank card, his demeanor somewhat patronizing. "Consider it compensation."
Adelyn scoffed and did not take it. "No thanks. I don't need your money."
Then, she handed him a manila envelope with a smile on her lips.
"Here's a parting gift, Mr. Barnett. Hope we never meet again! Consider it the repayment for saving my life when we were kids. I don't owe you anything now," she declared.
Without another glance, Adelyn turned and walked away.
Randal's grip on the envelope tightened suddenly, a heavy feeling settling in his chest...
Randal was puzzled. What did she mean by "when we were kids"?
They had only known each other for six years.
But before he could ask more, Adelyn was already driving away.
Was she really just walking away like that?
Why was his heart aching so fiercely?
Randal looked at the crumpled envelope in his hand, sighing with relief, yet his heart still felt uneasy.
Pondering her words, he pulled out his phone. "I need you to look into something. It's about Adelyn."
Then, he got into his car and left City Hall.
His secretary had already arrived by car. He still had a meeting to preside over at the company.
As the car moved smoothly, Randal opened the envelope Adelyn had given him.
The next second, Randal suddenly sat up straight, his eyes widening in shock!
- Writer
