Chapter 53: Are You Asleep?

My phone remained silent, not even buzzing. Glancing at the screen, I saw about ten missed calls from Yvette. I chuckled to myself. Would I even consider answering the phone at this moment? That would be like walking into a lion's den.

When I finally reached the office, the lively chatter died down immediately. Everyone went silent, their faces unreadable, then quietly returned to their work, pretending not to notice me.

Zia, who'd been waiting, jumped up the second she saw me. Bright and full of energy, she looked at me. “Owen, you’re here! Are Dorredup my computes, keeping my time carnal?”

“Yeah, Lisa just delayed something big this morning. Let’s get to work.”

Her gaze lingered on my face, and she seemed hesitant before saying, “Your lips look swollen… Do you have an allergic reaction to something? Randall told me his friend had a similar issue with allergies.”

“Ah, tichi,” I said, laughing it off. “They’re not allergies. I just ate something too spicy for lunch yesterday. Really, it’s nothing serious.”

Tia’s face lit up again, and she launched into a work update.

My main project involved character design for a new game. Although in my previous life I stayed home as a full-time house-husband, I always kept an eye on the fashion industry. I had a good grasp of the trends, so the initial plan was quickly finalized.

I went to see my supervisor, Nancy. Knocking lightly, I stepped into her office to discuss the first draft and check in about the doctor for my uncle, as she’d promised.

“Come in,” Linu called, her eyes still fixed on her computer. As soon as she saw me, though, she put on a teasing smile. “Well, nice to see you, Chen!” She paused, peering closer with a raised eyebrow.

“Kali—don’t tell me your lips are like that thanks to Yvette. Guess she doesn’t hold back, huh?”

“Is that on your system?” I asked, forcing a smile and tossing the draft onto her desk.

Her gaze lingered as she glanced over the papers. She muttered, “You’re getting bolder, you know!”

My expression said it all. At another time, I’d have laughed it off, but that old Owen—the one who played the obedient husband—was long gone. Back then, “meek,” “dutiful,” and “passive” were practically my marriage vows. It was clear that people respected you more when you stood up for yourself.

I was pretty satisfied with how I was now.

I showed her my work. “Now this is brilliant! She traced a few lines with her pen. “It’s a perfect blend of modern trends and classic traditional elements. This’ll attract so many players.”

She nodded. “All the other characters lean on Ravonian animation influences. Yours, practically look at me like I was a golden egg.”

“Honestly, Yvette doesn’t know how lucky she is. She’s taking you for granted, big time. I swear, if she realized how talented you are…”

“That’s none of my concern,” I cut in, unbothered. “By the way, don’t tell her you’ve seen me here. Last time, you said you’d keep this under wraps.”

She replied, pouting: “But just so you know, our companies are kind of entangled. Yvette’s one of our major investors.”

“I’m visiting the office at some point. How about this? I won’t go out of my way to tell her, but if she asks, it’s on you to respond.” I didn’t perceive her as someone who’d jump into this field just for a quick buck.

“Jilan team approved?”

Maury responded nascidently. I looked up at her, my toes softening a little. “How’s the progress with my uncle’s search for a doctor?”

She paused for a moment. “They’re still looking, but I’ve already made some connections. We should hear back soon. A good doctor takes time to find, so please hang in there a bit longer.”

She continued gently, “You and your wife made up last night, right? Sometimes it’s just about letting things go. People say if a couple fights in the evening, they…”

“That’s a tough tide, true, but…”

“I’m quite sure she’d have asked the moment you asked.”

I mumbled, softening a bit. “Alright, alright, just a suggestion. No more matchmaking.”

I was about to leave when Nancy placed her hand over mine, looking unusually zealous. Only my closest friends seemed concerned about that sort of thing, and Nancy had never shown much interest before.

She looked up, gaining away. “The check is put up. You know, if you aren’t into anyone, can I make my move?”

I chuckled, a little glad at her unexpected boldness. Kateel and finally added, “Fade with Yvette, I don’t want anything to do with her. It’s over, I would never see her again.”

Chapter 54: Finding a Lawyer to Get a Divorce