Chapter 23
Unaware that her deception was on the verge of being exposed, Victoria had just returned home when she dialed Diana's number, eager to share everything she'd witnessed.
On the way back, she'd already let out most of her frustration. Talking about it now didn't feel as painful.
Diana was quiet for a moment before offering some advice. "Take a bath and get some rest. Tomorrow's a new day."
"Yeah," Victoria replied, grateful for her friend's comforting words. She just needed someone to listen.
After the call, she decided it was time to rest.
The next morning, Victoria received a call from Henry.
She hesitated. It wasn't as if they had divorced yet, so she answered. "Hello?"
His voice was calm, without a trace of emotion. "Aren't you supposed to be waiting for me at the Courthouse? Where are you?"
Victoria's heart skipped. She glanced at the time, and it was already 10 a.m. She had forgotten all about it.
Her pulse quickened, the thought of their divorce suddenly feeling real. She quickly recovered, saying, "I'll be there right now."
"It's too late," Henry replied coolly.
"No, it's not! The Courthouse is still open. I'm on my way!" Victoria hurriedly threw on her shoes, ready to leave.
But Henry's response was unbothered. "I have a meeting. Just go to the Harrison Group and wait for me there."
Before she could argue, he ended the call.
Victoria exhaled sharply, her frustration boiling over at his arrogant tone. She headed straight to the Harrison Group, a place she had visited before.
Back then, she'd been delivering meals to him. Many people still recognized her.
But today was different.
In the past, she'd worn elegant dresses and always seemed demure.
Now, her long hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders, wearing a loose T-shirt and shorts that showcased her long, slender legs. Her lips were painted a bright grapefruit pink, making her skin appear even more delicate, and she radiated energy and vibrancy.
The receptionist did a double-take when she saw her. "Mrs. Harrison?"
"Yes, I'm here to see Henry," Victoria answered calmly, her gaze steady.
The receptionist quickly pressed the elevator button for her, though her curious eyes followed her every move.
Victoria wasn't carrying a lunchbox, and when she mentioned Henry, her voice was composed, nothing like the woman they had known.
Gossip spread like wildfire, and within seconds, the receptionist was texting someone about her unexpected visit. Completely unaware of the attention she was drawing, Victoria made her way to the top floor.
Grace personally greeted her and led her to the guest room, offering her a selection of fruits and snacks, just like the old days.
But as she looked at the spread, her expression soured. Everything was strawberry, strawberries in every fruit bowl, and strawberry-flavored pastries. However, she was allergic to strawberries.
Victoria froze, her breath catching as a wave of unease swept over her.
"Strawberries? Is Henry testing me? Does he suspect I'm faking this? Where did I slip up?"
Her heart raced, but she kept her expression calm and composed.
After dropping off the refreshments, Grace left, leaving Victoria alone in the reception room.
Glancing up casually, she spotted a surveillance camera tucked into the corner of the ceiling.
Her stomach sank, and she was more certain about her guess.
Sure, she'd lost her memory, but only about them. Pretending to have amnesia was the only way to avoid his relentless targeting.
Ignoring the fruit and pastries on the table, she picked up her phone and started playing a game, her fingers moving with forced nonchalance.
Minutes later, the door opened again. Grace returned, this time carrying a glass of strawberry juice. She placed it down with a polite smile. "Mrs. Harrison, your drink."
Victoria barely glanced at it before responding flatly, "I'm allergic to strawberries. Didn't you know that?"
Grace stiffened. "I'm so sorry. That was my mistake. I'll replace it right away."
Victoria said nothing more, her face as calm as ever.
Not long after, the door swung open once again. This time, Henry strode in, his tall, commanding presence filling the room.
He was dressed in a sleek silver-gray suit, his crisp, clean-cut hair and sharp features giving him an air of perfection, except for the icy edge in his eyes as they locked onto her.
"Victoria , you've got some nerve. Trying to play amnesia games with me." He closed the distance between them, looking down at her with cold disdain. "Are you tired of living?"
Victoria tilted her head to meet his gaze, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Why would I fake amnesia? If you're so doubtful, we can go to the hospital for a full check-up."
She paused deliberately, then added, "Besides, it's not like I forgot everything. I just forgot... you."
Her words struck a nerve. Henry's expression darkened, his anger simmering just beneath the surface.
She could remember everything else but had conveniently erased every trace of him and their last five years together.
Without warning, he leaned in, bracing one hand on the back of the sofa, effectively trapping her between his chest and the cushions. His eyes narrowed as he studied her, searching for cracks in her facade.
"Then why were you crying last night?"
His gaze flicked to her lips, soft, full, and infuriatingly tempting.
Victoria froze for a moment, then realized what he meant. Barrett must have told him about her tear-streaked face from the night before. So that was why Henry was suddenly playing detective.
She quickly composed herself. "I hit someone with my car. I was scared. Am I not allowed to cry about that?"
It was a flawless excuse, leaving no room for argument.
Once again, Henry found himself at a dead end, an infuriating sense of helplessness washing over him.
"You told me to wait while you finished your meeting," Victoria continued. "Well, you're done now, aren't you? Let's go get the divorce papers."
Henry's sharp gaze lingered on her, searching for any sign of deceit. But if she was lying, she hid it well.
Straightening up slowly, he said, "Wait here."
With that, he turned and walked out, leaving the door to click shut behind him.
The moment he was gone, Victoria let out a long breath, closing her eyes briefly to steady herself.
That was close.
If he kept this up, she wasn't sure how much longer she could keep the act going. Sooner or later, he'd see through her.
She rubbed her temples in frustration. Who knew getting a divorce would be this hard?
The staff had cleared away the strawberries and replaced them with a glass of plain water. She sat in the reception room, waiting as the clock ticked by. Minutes turned to hours, and before she knew it, it was already 5 PM.
Annoyed, she stormed out of the room, spotting Grace tidying up nearby. "Where's Henry?" she demanded.
Grace looked up, startled. "Oh, Mr. Harrison? He left for the day."