Time is Silent, But True Love Will

Three months after the divorce, I found out I was pregnant.

During a meeting with my new boss, I suddenly felt nauseous and threw up bile. As I turned my head, I caught a glimpse of my exhusband's intense gaze.

I made a quick decision to sell my house and resign from my job, then left town overnight. But my escape plan hit a snag at the airport. "Why the rush? Come on, spill the beans. What's the reason this time for running off?"

.....

The new boss arrived and called for an emergency meeting. Sitting in the conference room, I could hear whispers around me, but my mind was elsewhere.

I didn't care much about the new boss; my focus was on the child growing inside me.

It had been three months since I left Jaxton Munoz, and now I discovered I was pregnant.

I silently cursed him in my mind, "That jerk!"

However, suddenly, the room erupted in applause and gasps.

I looked up and was stunned.

Standing on the stage was a handsome and imposing man—Jaxton?

I thought, "How could a man like him end up in a small place like Olivano?"

I blinked in disbelief, wondering if I was hallucinating.

Our eyes met briefly.

Then, he casually looked away, his gaze cold.

I thought to myself, "Why am I nervous?

I'm just someone he doesn't like, especially since we've been divorced for three months.

But it's been a while, and this guy seems even more handsome now!

More dashing than before."

Feeling a mix of emotions, I absentmindedly placed my hand on my stomach. Jessica Armitage, seated next to me, nudged me with wide eyes, indicating that something was off.

Then I realized that the atmosphere was wrong and everyone's eyes were on me.

Roger Dent cleared his throat, saying, "Ms. Dempsey, Mr. Munoz would like to hear your thoughts on the company's future prospects."

I was speechless.

Jaxton was still staring at me intently.

His eyes were captivating, giving off a sense of deep affection as if they held a vast universe with countless stars inside.

In his magnetic voice, Jaxton remarked, "Ms. Dempsey. Daydreaming during a meeting isn't a good habit."

A wave of nausea hit me, prompting me to cover my mouth and rush towards the restroom hurriedly.

After vomiting everything, including bile, I felt dizzy as I walked out.

I thought to myself, "This baby inside me is going to be a handful!"

I splashed water on my face, rinsed my mouth, and looked up to see Jaxton's face in the mirror.

His face was incredibly handsome.

I choked on my saliva, coughing violently.

Jaxton furrowed his brow, watching me cough for almost a minute without moving.

I composed myself, wiped my hands with a tissue, and swiftly walked past him.

He grabbed my wrist, pulling me into his embrace with force.

The familiar scent of fresh aftershave mixed with tobacco filled my senses.

I took a step back in a hurry, saying, "Mr. Munoz, I have a meeting to attend."

Jaxton squinted at me, his gaze lingering on my stomach.

Every nerve in my body tensed up, and my toes curled.

"Uncomfortable?"

I squeezed my palms, forcing a smile. "Had a bit too much to drink with colleagues yesterday."

His gaze was unwavering. I could feel sweat forming on my forehead.

After a while, he asked again, "Have you seen a doctor?"

"I'll see one after the meeting."

Then, Jaxton glanced at me before finally walking away.

I wiped the sweat off my forehead and took a deep breath in relief.

I thought to myself, "Even though we're divorced and have no ties, hiding a pregnancy for long is just not sustainable.

Jaxton is not just sharp but eagleeyed.

I don't think I can stick around in this company anymore."

Without returning to the meeting room, I swiftly typed a resignation letter.

After a hasty packup of my belongings in the office, I made a beeline for the company's entrance.

With a honk, a sleek black car pulled up beside me.

I quickly stepped aside to make way.

The window rolled down, revealing Jaxton's face.

I was taken aback, thinking, "Is the meeting already over?

Or did my resignation not go through? What new twist is this?"

"Get in," Jaxton stated bluntly.

"No need, Mr. Munoz, I..."

I started to refuse, but he swiftly clicked the door open.

I hesitated, but with his car arrogantly blocking the traffic, I gritted my teeth and hopped into the passenger seat.

His flawlessly chiseled face entered my line of sight, the familiar scent of his cologne lingering around me.

My face started to flush, memories of that fiery night postdivorce flooding my mind.

I turned my head to look out the window, trying to distract myself.

His charm was overpowering.

It had been three months since our divorce, yet here I was, entertaining foolish thoughts.

As the car pulled into the parking lot, I caught sight of the gleaming sign of Central Hospital.

My breath caught in my throat.

I wondered, "Jaxton's capabilities are not to be underestimated, but could he really have found out about my pregnancy so quickly? I myself just knew!"

Seizing the moment as he parked, I dashed towards the back door, taking a taxi to my residence.

When we divorced, I left with just a piece of paper, moving so swiftly that he had no time to react, resulting in no significant property division.

In a thirdtier city like Olivano, my savings were only enough to buy a modest apartment in the suburbs.

I had initially planned to work hard to afford a bigger house, but now it seemed unnecessary.

Regardless of Jaxton's intentions, I knew I had to cut ties swiftly and leave.

I enlisted a real estate agent to sell the apartment at a low price, booked a flight and hotel for the evening, and began tidying up the room.

But it was more like a massive purge.

As I held the glass dome with dried roses, my heart skipped a beat.

I had promised myself to let go after three months of divorce, but when the time came to leave, I still hesitated.

This rose was given to me by Jaxton at a birthday ball hosted for him, where he was the center of attention.

The event was grand, with Jaxton dressed simply in white and black, exuding a nonchalant air as he unwrapped exquisitely packaged gifts.

Even in his simplicity, he remained the most striking figure in the room.

When the music stopped, the room fell silent.

The person whose gift Jaxton opened first would be his dance partner for the opening dance.

My gaze fell on the bottommost black gift box.

I had gifted him a deep blue wristwatch, barely meeting the standards of the other gifts but representing half a year's worth of odd jobs for me.

This was the stark contrast between us.

This unrequited love was destined to remain unfulfilled, a feeling I never harbored expectations for.

Liking him was my own business.

I reached for the champagne, downing several glasses in an attempt to drown my sorrows.

Suddenly, the room erupted in whispers.

Dazed, I turned back to see the deep blue wristwatch in Jaxton's hands, which was gleaming under the lights.

My eyelid twitched abruptly, my heart racing in tandem.

Jaxton rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping across the room.

Perhaps the alcohol had gotten to me, as I instinctively stood up when his eyes landed on me.

"It's my gift," I boldly declared, causing a sudden uproar in the room.

At the door, a slender figure in white stood gracefully.

It was Louisa

Louisa sauntered in my direction, the tassels of her earrings swaying elegantly as she walked.

She positioned herself in front of me, an air of arrogance about her.

"Taylor, really? A watch worth a hundred grand? You dare to stand up?"

"If Louisa hadn't shown up, Taylor would've had a chance with Jaxton!"

"Can you believe it? An orphan with such lofty aspirations!"

The mocking voices around me engulfed me.

For a moment, I contemplated sitting back down. After all, this clandestine crush wasn't meant to be brought into the limelight.

But sitting down would imply that I lied.

Louisa flicked her slightly curled locks, smirking. "Ms. Dempsey, I know the chance to dance with Jaxton is enticing, but your behavior is quite low."

"It truly is my purchase."

"Oh?" Louisa's smile deepened. "Taylor, if you want to dance with Jaxton, just say it. Fabricating such a lie. Do you think anyone would believe it?"

Her taunt ignited a stubborn streak in me. I met her gaze squarely. "I worked hard for half a year to afford this. Any issues? I can provide proof."

I raised my phone, but a large hand quickly pressed it down.

"I believe you."

Jaxton's words reverberated in my ears, his handsome face blurring in my swaying vision.

"Can you still dance?"

His breath brushed against my ear, leaving me dizzy. He steadied my waist, leading me onto the dance floor.

"You like me."

His husky voice thundered into my ear, causing me to misstep and inadvertently stomp on his foot.

I gazed, transfixed, into his eyes, which were vast like the universe, as the world fell silent around me.

As the music ended, I walked to a secluded corner in a daze, absentmindedly picking at a dessert.

Louisa joined me, saying, "It took you half a year of thrift to buy a watch, Taylor. You and Jaxton are worlds apart. Is liking him a joke or not?"

I found it quite absurd as well.

I swallowed a spoonful of pudding, the sweetness turning bitter in my mouth.

"He could never like you, he..."

Before Louisa could finish, a commotion erupted nearby.

Jaxton held a rose, lazily twirling it in his hand.

Suddenly, the rose sprung from his hand, flipping gracefully in the air before landing perfectly in a vase.

Cheers mingled with screams.

"Jaxton is about to confess!"

"Oh my, oh my, who's that lucky girl?"

"No need to ask, it must be Louisa!"

The bitterness in my mouth intensified, my mind growing more blank.

I reached for an elegant glass nearby.

"Don't drink."

In my tipsy haze, I belatedly realized the room had eerily quieted down.

I turned, Jaxton's face bursting into view, his beauty undiminished despite the overlapping images.

He took my glass from me, the hand that held the rose.

I stared at my empty palm, dumbfounded.

"Taylor, move aside, blocking the way!"

It dawned on me that Louisa was right beside me.

I quickly got up to give Jaxton space.

But his large hand pressed on my shoulder. I gazed blankly as Jaxton crouched down to meet my eyes.

"Taylor, be my girlfriend, date me, hmm?"

His magnetic voice surprised me as I lifted my gaze.

His lips touched my forehead, cool and soft.

It felt like my mind exploded into a blank slate.

The ringing of my phone snapped me back to reality.

The ridehailing driver was waiting downstairs.

I hurriedly packed my bags, carefully placing the dried rose in the suitcase.

It was 9 p.m. when I reached the airport.

With an hour left before boarding, I found a dessert shop and ordered a cup of hot milk.

The warm sensation eased my stomach a bit.

As I left the dessert shop, the boarding gate was within reach.

I hurried forward but bumped into someone.

When I looked up, my throat tightened, the apologies stuck in my throat.

I took a few steps back almost involuntarily.

Jaxton was dressed in a white shirt and black pants, his gaze fixed on my face.

It was a look demanding an explanation.

My slow reaction brought back the fact that we were divorced, and I had already resigned.

So, straightening my back, I said, "Excuse me, Mr. Munoz, I am boarding now."

But before I could move, Jaxton stopped me.

"Where to?" He advanced towards the corner, his towering figure casting a powerful presence.

"Jaxton." I took a deep breath, meeting his gaze with a deliberate calmness. "Privately, we are divorced; publicly, I have resigned. So, I don't need to report my whereabouts to you."

"Oh?" He lowered his head further, his scent enveloping me. "Even as your exhusband, I have the right to know why you keep disappearing without a word."

I was speechless.

He softly nibbled on my ear, whispering, "Taylor, selling the apartment overnight, resigning, and buying a flight ticket. What are you fleeing from?"

Like a cat with its tail stepped on, I pushed him away forcefully. "What do you mean by fleeing? I am free, I can go wherever I want. Move, I am boarding!"

"You might not be able to leave."

He didn't budge, his deep gaze locked on me. With a gesture from him, Roger walked over.

"Mrs. Munoz. You still owe the company a billion dollars in breach of contract, you cannot resign."

I looked at the glistening gold card in his hand and almost burst out laughing in anger. "Roger, are you kidding? Am I some kind of highend talent? Sign such a contract with the company? A billion? That can buy this rotten company!"

"If you can't make up that money, Mrs. Munoz, you can't leave Olivano.

"This is a contract, with your signature."

"Are you stupid, signing such a slave contract?" Jaxton's fingers grazed over the signature on the contract. "Taylor, be careful with the contracts in the future, lest you get sold and have to count coins for the seller."

"You!" I took a deep breath, thinking, "Those are just excuses! Contracts or no contracts, Jaxton could toy with me with one finger!"

"I don't like unclear situations." Jaxton squinted at me as if searching for something on my face. "Tell me the answer. If the answer satisfies me, I'll tear up this contract."

My heart skipped a beat. A dull pain in my chest made it hard to breathe.

I thought, "The answer.

What is the answer?

My answer will never satisfy him."

"Dumbstruck?" Jaxton grabbed my chin, his intense gaze piercing. "Why divorce? Give me a reason."

I wanted to speak, but my throat felt blocked.

"Taylor, think clearly before you speak. You don't always get a chance."

"I've already explained. It's just that the high life is boring, the pressure is immense, and I don't love you as before. I don't want to continue. I've thought this through for a long time!"

I finished my sentence in one go, fearing I would break down in tears.

"Jaxton, I don't love you anymore. You're not so hung up to keep pestering, are you?"

Of course, Jaxton wasn't one to hold on.

He stared at me intensely for half a minute, then turned and walked away.

Watching his retreating figure, I felt drained, leaning against a marble pillar, holding back tears.

I don't know how I made it back to my room. I just felt my shattered life collapse once more.

I stayed awake from dusk till dawn, mechanically getting ready.

I worked all day without sleep or hunger.

I felt like I was turning into a hermit.

As the workday ended, Logan clapped his hands. "Today, our team is hosting Mr. Munoz, with a lavish seafood feast and KTV..."

My temples throbbed. I was about to excuse myself for tonight's event, but team leader Logan Perez said, "Who leaves early buys the bill."

I could only shut my mouth.

The office girls buzzed like energized bees, planning beauty and clothing store visits. By the time we reached the dinner venue, it had turned into a mini banquet.

Looking down at my plain dress and flats, I felt out of place.

Rebecca Hansen, "the Company Beauty", stood in front of me. "Taylor, could you respect the Colorlight Restaurant's standards? If you can't afford a dress, you can rent one."

Glancing at her exposed bosoms, I retorted, "What? Does your nightclub outfit match this restaurant's standards?"

Rebecca, the daughter of Olivano's richest man, was always arrogant. She seethed with anger and was about to slap me. I braced for a slap, but she just smiled, moving her hand behind her back.

"Mr. Munoz."

Her cloying voice made me stiffen, the familiar scent filling the air. With a glance catching Jaxton's shiny shoes and trousers, I instinctively clenched my fists.

Jaxton sat amidst adoring gazes. Rebecca immediately sat by his side, adjusting her clothes to reveal more skin.

"Mr. Munoz, what would you like? Spicy or mild? Any allergies? Seasonings..."

"Ms. Dempsey is from Anderlin?"

Suddenly singled out, I fumbled with my fruit fork, a melon falling onto the table.

Jaxton's gaze met mine, calm but deep as the vast cosmos.

"I've read up, Ms. Dempsey and I are from the same place. Season it as per our hometown taste."

I sat there in silence.

The taste of Anderlin people leaned towards spiciness, yet Jaxton's palate preferred mild flavors, steering clear of anything too stimulating.

I had barely finished seasoning when Rebecca swiftly swiped the condiments from my hands, placing them with a smile on Jaxton's seat.

Seated, I gazed at the seafood feast before me, only belatedly realizing my allergic reaction to seafood. I couldn't touch a single bite of it.

As I prodded at the fruit in front of me, Rebecca's cloying voice kept intruding, making this meal even more unbearable.

"I heard Ms. Dempsey used to be a crab shucker?"

Jaxton's voice created an eerie silence at the table, all eyes inexplicably fixated on me.

It was true; I had been a crab shucker, all because of that expensive deep blue wristwatch.

"Then thank you, Ms. Dempsey."

Jaxton wiped his hands with a towel and sipped his red wine, every move exuding elegance and sophistication.

Rebecca's gaze could have drilled a hole through my face, but she graciously rose, giving me her seat.

So, under the watchful eyes of everyone, I began shucking crabs.

The crabshucking skills were actually learned for Jaxton.

In that short gig, crab shucking was the most lucrative.

Yet, postmarriage, it was hardly useful since I couldn't eat seafood, barely seeing it on our table.

If there was fish, Jaxton would patiently remove the bones for me.

I was distracted for a moment. A sharp crab leg pierced my finger, drawing blood.

I bit my lip to suppress a gasp.

Jaxton rolled up his sleeves, revealing his elegantly toned forearm, beckoning the waiter over. "Waiter, cancel the crab feast."

I tightened my grip, thinking, "Jaxton hasn't even glanced at me.

He probably won't notice this tiny injury."

"Sir, is there an issue with the dishes?"

"Not fresh enough. Find your head chef, prepare signature dishes without seafood ingredients, and bill accordingly."

I thought, "Indeed... perhaps the ingredients weren't fresh enough? After all, he's quite particular about taste."

He will no longer do anything for me.

I have severed the last chance.

I am not the one he loves, yet ironically, I have developed this selfdelusional habit.

Just like now, I subconsciously think he canceled the crab feast for me.

How absurd."

I picked up a nearby cup and took a sip.

"Get this lady's wound taken care of."

His words almost made me choke on the drink in my mouth.

For the third time, all eyes at the table converged on me.

By the time I finished tending to my wound, Rebecca had already returned to Jaxton's side.

I sighed in relief. With the seafood removed, the new dishes sparked my appetite.

As everyone began toasting in turn, I buried my head in my meal, ignoring Logan's meaningful glances.

Rebecca's voice rang out. "Taylor, we've all made toasts. It wouldn't be right if you didn't raise a glass."

She had a point.

So, I lifted the glass of water in front of me. "Mr. Munoz, I don't drink alcohol. Here's a toast with water instead."

The water was downed with the swagger of a drink.

Jaxton lightly tapped his glass, staring at me for a few seconds before finishing his wine.

The table erupted in murmurs.

The table was filled with people offering him toast with drinks, but he chose to respond to me solely.