Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire-Chapter 44: Some Pauper

Rain arrived at the office with a calm demeanor, as if nothing had happened to her the night before. It was crucial to maintain her composure, ensuring that Paul wouldn’t suspect anything was amiss.

As soon as she entered their shared workspace, Megan was at her side. "What happened? You just went missing last night?"

Rain smiled slightly, keeping her tone casual. "I wasn’t feeling well, so I left early." She then gestured for Megan to follow her into her private office. Once inside, Rain closed the door, locking it behind them, and pulled Megan to sit down.

"Megan, I’ve decided to resign," Rain announced, her voice steady but resolute. "I’m accepting the job offer from the National Capital Region Prosecution Office. I plan to inform Director Aileen right after this."

Megan’s eyes widened in shock. "What? But the pay and benefits here are way better! Plus, you’ll be swamped with work over there!"

Rain chuckled softly. "Do you really think I joined Smith Law Firm just for the perks?" she asked with a teasing pout.

Megan shrugged, realization dawning on her. "Right, I forgot. You accepted the job here because of Paul."

Rain nodded, her expression turning somber. Paul had indeed been the main reason she had joined the firm. He had convinced her to stay, promising that they’d have more time together if she did. But now, things had changed.

Taking a deep breath, Rain began to recount the events leading up to her decision. She told Megan everything, leaving nothing out.

"That scumbag!" Megan fumed, her nostrils flaring in anger. "You need to leave this firm immediately. It’s not safe for you here anymore!"

Rain nodded, grateful for Megan’s support. "We’ll still have coffee and meals together from time to time. The Prosecution Office is just a short walk away."

After their conversation, Rain didn’t waste any time. She went straight to Director Aileen’s office and handed in her resignation letter, explaining her reasons for leaving.

Director Aileen sighed deeply, her expression one of understanding. "Rain, I wish you could stay, but if I were in your position, I’d make the same decision. You’re doing what’s best for you."

She paused, then offered a reassuring smile. "I’ll take care of everything on this end, including informing HR. You can clear out your office whenever you’re ready. And remember, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call me. I’ll also reach out to some friends at the Prosecution Office. They’re lucky to have you, and I’ll make sure they know it."

Rain chuckled, appreciating Director Aileen’s warmth. The Prosecution Office had a reputation for being a tough environment, but she was actually looking forward to it. After all, she was no stranger to challenging situations.

"Thank you so much, Director Aileen. I promise I’ll bug you often. Also, I’m planning to clear out my office this morning!" she added with a playful wink.

Aileen clicked her tongue, shaking her head. "In a hurry, aren’t we?"

Rain shrugged. "I don’t have any pending cases, so a turnover won’t be needed."

It was bittersweet, but she knew it was the best decision. Paul had crossed too many lines, and she couldn’t risk staying where he could continue harassing her.

With Megan’s help, Rain moved quickly, gathering her belongings. She could feel the eyes of her colleagues on her, and the low murmur of whispers filled the office. But she paid them no mind; all she wanted was to get out before crossing paths with Paul.

God knows, if she did, she might just end up beating him up so badly that the whole firm would never forget it.

Rain drove straight to her apartment to drop off her things, still having a few hours left before her meeting with her father-in-law. A smile crept onto her face as she thought of him—his warm, bubbly personality was such a contrast to the icy demeanor of his son, Alexander.

"Right, my ring!" she muttered, glancing down at her ring finger. It seemed like Alexander hadn’t even noticed she was wearing their wedding ring. She wondered if Mr. Rock had already given Alexander the wedding band, or if it was still sitting in some drawer. "Would he even wear it if he had it?" she mused, a mix of curiosity and doubt swirling in her mind.

Her phone rang, breaking her thoughts. Seeing the caller ID, her expression shifted to a frown. It was her father. She hesitated for a moment before deciding to answer.

"Aren’t you going to visit? Your Aunt Melanie will be happy to see you. Didn’t Dina tell you that I’ve already given in and agreed to meet your husband?" His voice was unusually calm and soft, which immediately put Rain on edge. ’What is he up to now?’ she wondered. This wasn’t like him at all.

"I’ll try to visit this week, but I can’t promise I’ll bring him. He’s a busy man," she replied, her tone guarded. Despite her reservations, she couldn’t deny that she missed Aunt Melanie and would love to see her again.

"Alright, but make sure he finds the time to meet your family. I can’t believe you married someone who can’t even show his face to us!" Her father’s tone shifted back to its usual sternness, his disapproval clear.

’That’s more like it,’ Rain thought, listening to his familiar scolding.

"I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything. Let me see Aunt Melanie alone first. Besides, I’m not confident bringing him to meet you, knowing you’ll bring up the topic of divorce again," she challenged her voice steady but laced with underlying tension.

There was a terse silence on the other end before her father finally spoke. "Do as you please, Rain. But I expect you to bring him and let him formally introduce himself to your family!" he demanded, his tone brokering no argument before abruptly ending the call.

"Family..." Rain muttered wryly, staring at her phone. The word felt heavy, almost foreign. The idea of a "family" was something she had always longed for.

***

"What did she say?" Dina asked her father as soon as he ended the call.

Tim’s dark expression said it all. "That bitch! Paul mentioned she brought the man to the gala last night, so why can’t she bring him here?" Dina snapped, clearly irritated.

"Tim, didn’t you see her marriage certificate? Who is she married to?" Sylvia asked, her curiosity piqued.

Tim’s face remained grim as he replied, "Alexander Lancaster."

Dina scoffed in disbelief. "What? That has to be a joke. Maybe it’s some pauper version of Alexander Lancaster, right? There’s no way it’s the same Alexander Lancaster we’re thinking of," she mocked.