Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Weight of Pretending
Rachel arrived at work that morning dressed impeccably as always—her hair neat, makeup flawless, outfit crisp. She wore a soft smile on her lips and carried herself with grace and calm. To anyone watching, she looked composed, professional… content.
But inside?
She was unraveling.
Last night’s images still burned in her memory: Nathaniel and Francheska—together, poised, elegant, and intimate. The smile on his face. The way she leaned toward him. The way the world seemed to accept it as truth.
And then there was Rachel.
Alone. Forgotten. Unacknowledged.
But today, she wouldn’t cry. Not here. Not where the walls had ears and the halls whispered gossip.
So she filed his documents, reviewed his schedule, and even answered calls like nothin
