Chapter 3 CHAPTER
CHAPTER 003
Eilidh gripped her phone tightly, staring at it without focus. The words of Callum's mother continued to echo in her mind without causing any shock. Throughout her life, the woman consistently showed her contempt toward Eilidh. Three years ago she failed to prevent their marriage yet she continued to express her contempt whenever Eilidh entered her home.
According to her, a secretary did not belong next to her son.
Eilidh pushed the thoughts from her mind before she continued moving. She performed her morning tasks while attempting to dismiss the dense pressure in her heart.
Mrs. Agnes Sinclair examined Eilidh with worry as she descended the staircase. "You look awful."
Eilidh kept her gaze down as she dismissed the question. "Have you seen Callum?"
"He left early this morning."
A pause. The question came out in a gentler voice: "Did something happen?"
Eilidh swallowed, shaking her head. She remained unable to accept the truth of the situation. Callum wanted a divorce.
She turned toward the stairs.
"What about breakfast?"
"I have an appointment."
Mrs. Sinclair hesitated. "You need to eat. The doctor reminded me that my nutritional needs have changed because I am carrying a baby.
A lie. The weight of the lie increased with each passing moment.
Eilidh walked away because she understood that Mrs. Sinclair would detect the truth if she stayed any longer. She required a confrontation with her husband. She needed answers.
She waited thirty minutes before reaching Fraser Holdings, which dominated the central Inverness district. Callum exercised his authority from the headquarters of Fraser Corporation.
She stood outside the entrance during lunchtime while hesitating to enter. Security was strict. Two security guards stopped her immediately after she entered the front entrance.
"Where are you going, miss?"
She almost groaned. She had forgotten about the strict security measures that existed at this location. She stopped working for Callum after their secret marriage because she dedicated herself to her health. Dr. Lachlan McAllister recommended that she should rest and get her body ready for pregnancy. The entire Fraser Holdings organization remained unaware of her existence.
She spoke with composure while her hands shook as she told them, "I need to see Mr. Fraser."
The guard eyed her. What is the reason behind your meeting with Mr. Fraser?
"I’m his wife."
Silence stretched between them. A dismissive noise came from the direction of the reception area.
Inverness residents consider our boss to be its most desirable single man. Your information about Fraser must be incorrect.
The surrounding chatter filled with laughter made her attempt to ignore it.
"I’m telling the truth!" She spoke with a desperate tone as she insisted on her truth.
The guards remained unmoved. The guards ask me, "Miss, do you understand the number of women who visit here every day to claim they are Mr. Fraser's wife, ex-wife, or mother of his children?" It’s quite the trend."
Eilidh pulled out their marriage certificate from her bag yet a calm voice stopped her before she could show it.
"Hello, gentlemen. I need to meet Mr. Fraser according to my appointment.
The tone exuded polish and confidence. Everyone in the room became silent as they turned their attention toward the new arrival.
Eilidh's body went rigid.
The guards straightened immediately. "Ms. The guards greeted MacDougall with,, "Ms. MacDougall, welcome back. Mr. Fraser has been expecting you."
The woman walked by without acknowledging Eilidh as her heart raced with panic.
The guard asked Eilidh to move out of the way so Ms. MacDougall could pass through.
The employees whispered among themselves while Eilidh stood near the side entrance as they pushed her away from the main entrance.
Our boss deserves a woman who embodies elegance and sophistication just like the one standing beside him.
People used to date each other before she left for Paris to model internationally. She departed for Paris to pursue international modeling opportunities.
The employees believe she has returned to stay permanently. Doubt she’s here for business."
Laughter followed, sharp and mocking. Eilidh wrapped her jacket tightly across her body. The summer heat failed to warm her as she experienced an intense chill.
Callum stepped outside before she realized how much time had passed while she hid in the shadows. His body relaxed as he displayed an expression that differed completely from his behavior during the previous night.
Then, he turned and waited.
Nessa MacDougall walked toward him while placing her arm around his body. Callum's face showed an unreadable expression at that moment. But he didn’t pull away.
Eilidh’s breath caught.
"Callum."
His eyes shifted toward her with a sudden transformation into stone.
"What are you doing here?"
Nessa showed visible interest as she stood next to Callum. "You know her?"
Callum patted her hand reassuringly. "She was my former secretary. Give me a minute."
Nessa left him by squeezing his arm before she walked to the car to wait.
Callum's eyes became frigid as soon as Eilidh vanished from sight. "Did you sign it?"
Her stomach twisted. Of course. The divorce agreement is a crucial document.
She shook her head.
Callum exhaled sharply. We have no basis for discussion if you refuse to sign it.
He walked toward the parking area. Her panic reached a peak so she rushed forward to stop him from passing.
"Don’t make a scene, Eilidh." His voice was taut, controlled. A warning.
Everyone in the restaurant watched her intently while they whispered to each other.
Do you have any way I could persuade you to reconsider?
Callum's silence conveyed a powerful message.
"Is it because of her?" She asked the question, although she already knew the truth.
His jaw tightened. She returned to town to reclaim me. I won’t ruin this chance."
His decisive tone broke something deep within her.
Eilidh managed a nod while she fought to suppress the emotions rising in her throat. "Tomorrow, then. Nine o’clock at the Highland Registry Office."
She left without letting him witness her crying.