Nine months too late: After divorce

Chapter 129 

Astrid’s jaw dropped, her face paling even further than they were supposed to. She staggered on her feet, the ground threatening to meet her. 

For half a minute, stunned gasps filled the room. Galen stared disbelievingly at Sylvie until his eyes darkened. 

“What!?” He turned to Astrid. “What nonsense is this!? What is this madness!?” 

Astrid shivered, taking a step back. 

Sylvie continued. “I didn’t know the book was stolen until today when she needed my help. But I wasn’t dumb to let her steal from me for the second time.” 

“No way!” June’s eyes were filled with so much amusement, her hand flying over her mouth. 

Scarlett rushed into the room, drawn by Galen’s deep roar. 

“Defend this!” Galen snarled. “Tell me she’s saying nonsense!” 

But Astrid was frozen, her face becoming paler. 

Moments passed and the slap came hard on her face. She gasped and stumbled backward, her hand rising to her cheek. 

“Father!” Scarlett flinched, running to hold her daughter. 

But Galen was still in a fit of anger. “How dare you?” He growled. “How dare you reduce yourself to a common thief? Have you no shame?” 

For the first time in years, Astrid shedded tears. Her hand trembled as she supported her cheek, her mother’s arms around her providing little comfort. 

“Is this what you’ve learned all these years? To steal from others? From family!” 

June couldn’t suppress her giggles. God, this was so much fun for her! When she had taken the book, she had no idea the turn of events would be ‘this‘ dramatic. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

“She’s lying!” Astrid half–yelleld, her eyes emitting daggers as she glared at Sylvie. “The book is mine, and she probably stole it to do this to me.” 

Unlocking her phone, Sylvie tapped on the screen several times until she showed it to Galen. On the screen were pictures of the designs she had taken weeks ago when she was still in Australia. 

“You can confirm the dates for yourself, sir. I was still in Australia when I took these. If they’re hers, why do I have them?” 

Astrid’s lips trembled, both from rage and fear. 

Galen’s glare deepened. Before Astrid could avoid it, he slapped her again. 

“That’s enough!” Scarlett cried, pulling Astrid away from him. 

“You’re a disgrace! You hear me? You’re a disgrace!” 

Astrid whimpered, more tears running down. Sylvie had locked her screen, her phone safe in her arms. 

Galen glared hard at Astrid for a long time, then stormed out of the room. 

When Galen was calmer, he arrived at a conclusion. Since Astrid was the one that had signed the deal, Mr. Harry would expect to see her working on the design. If someone else were to show up in Astrid’s place, it might seem suspicions and raise questions. 

Hence, Astrid and Sylvie would be working on the designs with sylvie taking the lead. 

But he told Sylvie that the gift that was meant for Astrid would be given to her instead. He told Astrid that she wasn’t allowed to work on anything else in the company until he said otherwise. 

In other words, Astrid was suspended from the office. 

It was a living nightmare for Astrid who cried her eyes out the whole night. But for Sylvie, she felt accomplished. Fulfilled. 

For the second time in four years, she stood up to someone, and this time, she didn’t let anyone take what was hers. 

As she applied her red lipstick in front of the mirror the next morning, she caught a glimpse of the old Sylvie. It was just a peek, but it was something and she hoped that soon, she’d be completely out of her shell. 

She joined Astrid downstairs and together, they left for Timeless Tale. The drive was eerily quiet. Sylvie would’ve been uncomfortable had they not been someone else in the car with them—the driver. 

Astrid had glasses on, but Sylvie guessed it was to conceal the swelling around her eyes. 

When they reached the entertainment company, they had a meeting with Mr. Harry and other members of the arm where Sylvie was introduced simply as ‘Astrid’s assistant.‘ 

It stung, but Sylvie concluded it was better than being sidelined at home while someone else took the glory. 

And even at that, Mr. Harry complemented how good Sylvie looked, and the rest of the men couldn’t stop staring at her. 

It was as if she was the only one they noticed in the full room. 

The meeting took a long time with Sylvie and Astrid taking the necessary measurements. Mr. Harry was pleased when they finished and watched them leave. 

Astrid had been tensed and forcing smiles. As soon as she and Sylvie emerged from the studio room onto the hallway, someone came up from behind. 

Sylvie stiffened, recognizing him immediately. He was Machai – Harry’s son. And not just that. 

For the first time since they arrived, Astrid tried on a real smile. Machai was good–looking and charming. He had his own company which was even more famous than his father’s. 

Based on the story, Machai was never interested in Entertainment from young but preferred Cyber Security. He had a scuffle with his father over the decision, but in the end, he won and started his own company which had become a big success. 

No doubt, Astrid must’ve thought Machai was calling for her since he uttered an “excuse me.” 

“Yes?” Her tone was warmer. 

Sylvie stayed behind, about to turn around and leave when Machai’s voice reached her ears. “Hi, Sylvie. I wanted to talk to -you.” 

Her heart skipped a beat, a cold coursing through her. 

Astrid’s smile faded, disappointment crossing her face. She glanced at Sylvie, then at Machai who wore a smile while staring at Sylvie. Then, she walked away. 

“Hi.” Sylvie mumbled, alone with Machai in the passage now. 

He stepped closer, his hands in his suit pockets, appearing naturally domineering. 

“How have you been? You… remember me, don’t you?” He narrowed his eyes. 

Sylvie forced a nod. “Of course.” 

He was Kage’s friend. He’d been present during the surprise birthday party she’d held for Kage four years ago. It was the first time she was getting to meet him. Back then, it’d been one of Kage’s friends whom she had planned the party with that invited him–among other of their friends–to the party. 

Machai had been very quiet during the party, and there were a few times Sylvie had caught him staring at her. but Sylvie had waved it off as nothing as she thought it’d be the last time they’d be seeing each other. 

There was just something unsettling about him… Something dark and cold. Even now, as he smiled at her, she couldn’t help but feel that chill in her spine. 

“It’s been quite some time,” he nodded. “I uh… heard that you and Kage got separated. That is quite sad, though, considering you two were my favorite couple back then.” 

Sylvie shifted uncomfortably, her throat running dry in an instant. 

“I’m sorry if that unnerved you,” Machai said, noticing her displeasure. “It’s just good to see you again, anyway. Awas visiting my dad and was a little surprised when I saw you with the Cheng girl.” 

Sylvie forced a smile. 

“Take care of yourself, then. It’s nice meeting you again.” He said 

“Same here.” With a bob, she hurriedly left, grateful she didn’t have to stay around much longer. 

She hastened her steps to catch up with Astrid who was already waiting in the car. But when she tried to open the backdoor, to join her, she discovered it was locked from within. 

Astrid rolled down the glass so she could talk to her. “Tell me, Sylvie, how does it feel?” The glum look had returned to her face. “Was this what you wanted? To please grandpa, get everyone’s attention and admiration? Was it worth it?” 

Sylvie said nothing, tucking some strands of hair behind her ear 

“You’re evil, you know that? I swallowed my pride and begged you to help me! For the first time, I begged you as a sister! But you didn’t just trample on my pride, you ratted me out as well. How could you!?” 

“Sisters don’t steal from each other,” Sylvie pointed out, although her voice was calmer. 

Astrid scoffed. Sylvie tugged at the handle of the door again, but the door still wouldn’t open. 

“It was suffocating having to share the car with you.” Astrid said coldly. “Now, I need some space. So, find your way home.” 

She ordered the driver to move, and even though the man hesitated at first, he eventually did. 

Sylvie gasped, utterly amused. What in the name of God!? 

She hadn’t come with her own car. How could Astrid leave her stranded!? 

Timeless Tale was in a location where cabs didn’t ply. Sylvie would have to walk a long way down the street to get the major road where she could see a cab. Astrid was unbelievable. 

Accepting that she had no other choice, she started the walk, thankful that she was wearing flat shoes, not heels. 

She kept her mind busy with positive thoughts, and after a while she could finally see the major road. 

Just then, she spotted a young child carelessly in the middle of the street. She flinched. 

The street wasn’t very busy, but it was still dangerous as a car could show up at anytime, and God forbid it was a reckless driver. 

He seemed distracted, operating a tablet he had in his hands and Sylvie had no doubt it was a game he was playing. 

She rushed over to his side. 

“Hey! This is careless! You don’t stand in the middle of the road so distracted.” She scolded gently.