Chapter 45

"Becky, would you like to be the spokesperson for our Carter family jewelry store?" Patrick asked Rebecca that evening, after dinner, his gaze expectant. Rebecca was surprised. "Spokesperson?"

Debra's eyes lit up. "Yes! Perfect! Becky and Chuck should be the faces of our store. What a brilliant idea!" She studied her daughter, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. "Becky looks so beautiful, she's more than qualified to be the spokesperson for our jewelry store!"

"But...can I really pull it off?" Rebecca fidgeted, worried.

Charlie grinned. "Of course you can! Didn't you ace it on that reality show?"

"Don't worry, Becky. I've got your back. Nobody's gonna mess with you," Charlie reassured her confidently.

Rebecca hesitated, then agreed. "Okay."

The family exchanged relieved smiles.

"Oh, and Becky," Debra added, her tone serious, "we need to speed up your divorce from Theodore. Whether he likes it or not, we're pushing this through."

Rebecca nodded. "Sure."

After dinner, Rebecca fed the babies. The little ones were still so tiny and needed their mother's care.

While Rebecca was caring for the babies, Theodore, absent for a long time, pulled up to the neighboring villa in a sleek black Rolls-Royce. He headed towards the villa, but the front door was locked. He frowned, pressed the doorbell, but received no answer. Frustrated, he kicked the door. A moment later, he called Rebecca.

Meanwhile, Rebecca was feeding the babies when her phone buzzed. Carefully cradling them, she answered, seeing Theodore's name on the screen. Her mom was right. She needed to finalize the divorce.

"I'm home. Open the door!" Theodore demanded impatiently.

Rebecca was surprised. "Home? Open the door? He's back?" she murmured, then explained, "I'm not at home."

Outside Edwards Villa, Theodore froze. "You're not at home? Where did you go?" he demanded loudly, his voice fierce. "Are you still with that Charlie? Living with him? Rebecca, have you forgotten you're married? We just had babies, my babies! Do you have any shame?!" He raged. Rebecca, fed up, hung up.

They had been married for three years; she had cared for him for two, knowing his every whim. Yet, he never understood her. He had absolutely no trust in her.

The phone rang again. It was Theodore.

Rebecca answered. "Theodore, I've told you, Charlie and I are not what you think..." she began. "And besides, you have a child with Janet. You have no right to judge me." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Theodore, if you're free tomorrow, let's meet at the courthouse. We're getting a divorce, so let's do it quickly and get this over with." Theodore smashed a flowerpot in anger, laughing furiously. "Divorce? Rebecca, stop playing hard to get. Keep this up, and you'll be divorced for real! You have one hour. Get back here now!" He hung up.

Rebecca stared at her phone. "Playing hard to get? When have I ever done that? Heh..."

Soon, Theodore called again. Rebecca answered.

"One hour, Rebecca. That's all you get. One minute late, and I'll see you in the Courthouse tomorrow!" Theodore's voice was venomous.

Rebecca checked the time. It was 7 PM. An hour later it would be 8 PM! The houses were close. Just one more hour, then she could file for divorce tomorrow. Awesome! She set an alarm for 8:01 PM.

By then, the twins had almost finished their bottles. Rebecca carefully held them. The little ones gazed at their mother with bright, glistening eyes.

A knock came. Debra entered with two nannies, who quickly took the babies. Debra sat down. "Becky, I think Theodore is back." She had seen him from the master bedroom window, upset at the gate.

Rebecca nodded. "I know, he just called me."

"What?" Debra was surprised, becoming anxious. "What did he say? Did he...? Becky, don't be afraid. If he dares to mess with you, I'll fight back. I've trained in combat skills. I'm not scared of him!"

Rebecca laughed. "Okay... By the way, he seems to have misunderstood my relationship with Charlie. He thinks that Charlie and I are..." she trailed off. Debra frowned, then relaxed. "Relax. You know that's not true, so there's nothing to be afraid of."

Rebecca nodded. "Okay."

She waited until the alarm rang. Exceeding the agreed-upon time, she quickly got ready and went out.

Next door, Theodore had already entered the villa with his key. The usually cozy villa felt eerily clean and empty. He showered, then waited in the living room, smirking, certain Rebecca would arrive within the hour.

Over an hour passed. Theodore's face darkened. He stood, pulling out his phone, ready to call Rebecca.