Chapter 15

Rachel's POV

Rachel's satisfaction grew with each passing day. Her plan to drive a wedge between Nate and Allyson was working perfectly. The cold distance between them was evident, and Nate was seeking her company more frequently. But she knew she needed to cement her position and ensure Allyson was completely gone so that she could have him all to herself.

She hired a private photographer to follow Allyson, anticipating she would provide more ammunition against her. When she learned Allyson was attending a private function at a five-star hotel, she saw her opportunity to implicate her, since she would definitely be meeting with the richest men in the city at the occasion.

The photographer captured numerous pictures of Allyson entering the hotel, talking closely with her uncle, and even a few candid shots that looked more intimate than they were.

With the photos in hand, Rachel knew she had what she needed to further her deception. She waited for the right moment to approach Nate.

Nate's POV

Nate's mind was a whirling in confusion and pain. Allyson's attempts to bridge the gap between them only made him retreat further. His thoughts were plagued by doubts about her fidelity and the lingering images of the photos Rachel had shown him.

One afternoon, as he was about to leave his spacious office, Rachel intercepted him.

"Nate, sorry to bother you this afternoon" Rachel smiled.

"Oh! Not a problem. What brings you to my office this afternoon" Nate said as he glanced at his Rolex watch.

"I need to show you something," she said, her voice laced with concern.

He pulled a chair reluctantly and asked Rachel to seat down. Rachel pulled out a folder and handed it to him.

"These are photos of Allyson at a five-star hotel last night. Look at how close she is with this man," she said, pointing to the pictures.

Nate's heart sank as he flipped through the images. He recognized Allyson, and although he didn't recognize the man she was with, their body language seemed too familiar. Rachel's words cut through his thoughts like a knife.

"Wait!! How did you get them? You know what never mind. Thank you for this information" He said sadly.

"That man is the CEO of Spark Empire," she whispered. "People are saying they're having an affair. You deserve better than this, Nate. You should think about divorcing her."

Nate's world felt like it was collapsing. He couldn't focus on work, his thoughts consumed by the betrayal he felt. His productivity plummeted, and his mood became increasingly volatile.

Rachel's POV

Rachel watched with satisfaction as Nate's distress deepened. Her plan was almost complete. Nate was now spending more time with her, leaning on her for emotional support. She kept up her act, comforting him and feeding his doubts about Allyson.

One evening, as they sat together in a quiet corner of a café, Rachel played her final card.

"Nate, you need to take care of yourself. This is affecting your work. Maybe you should consider taking some time off to clear your head," she suggested, her voice soothing.

"Here are the keys to my apartment, you are free to come around and clear your head" Rachel added as she fumbled for a spare in her bag and handed it to Nate.

Nate reluctantly accepted the key from her. "Thank you Rachel, you're truly a life saver".

Nate's POV

The next day, Nate's boss called him into his office.

"Nate, what's going on? Your performance has taken a nosedive. Is there something you need to talk about?" his boss asked, his tone firm yet concerned.

Nate sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's personal issues, sir. My marriage... it's falling apart."

His boss nodded understandingly. "I see. Listen, Nate, I think you need to take a few days off. Sort things out, get your head straight. We need you back at your best."

Nate nodded, feeling both relief and despair. He knew he needed to confront Allyson, to finally uncover the truth. As he packed up his things and left the office, his mind was a tangled mess of emotions.

Allyson's POV

Allyson could sense the growing distance between her and Nate, and it broke her heart. She knew she had to tell him the truth about her background, but every time she tried, something held her back.

One night, after another cold interaction with Nate, she called her uncle again.

"Uncle Richard, I need to talk to you," she said, her voice strained with emotion.

"Allyson, you have to make a decision. Your marriage or your duty to the family," her uncle replied sternly.

"I can't choose between them," she whispered, tears in her eyes.

As she hung up, she resolved to find a way to make things right with Nate. She couldn't lose him, not now.

Nate's POV

Nate arrived home earlier than usual, determined to confront Allyson. As he walked in, he found her sitting on the couch, her face pale and tired.

"Allyson, we need to talk," he said, his voice heavy with emotion.

She looked up, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and hope. "Yes, we do."

"Let's file for a divorce" Nate said without remorse.