Boss, Your Ex-Wife is Unreachable Now! novel Chapter 163

Juliette was up early that morning, though not by choice. Lionel's phone call jolted her awake, and after that, sleep was out of the question—her jet lag had only just started to fade, after all.

Lionel wanted her to be his date for a charity ball that evening. He barely let her answer before launching into a rambling plea. Juliette didn't hesitate, shooting him down without a second thought. Of course, Lionel wouldn't let her off so easily; he gave her an earful about loyalty, called her a traitor, and even accused her of sabotaging his chance at true love.

By the time she met Willow at the Chronos Art Museum around nine, her nerves were already frayed. She couldn't help but vent as soon as she saw her friend.

Chronos was more than an art museum to them—it was where Juliette and Willow had unexpectedly reunited after college, when Juliette had just moved back to Kingston. Over the years, it had become their spot for catching up and wandering among the exhibits, losing track of time.

Willow listened to Juliette's complaints with a small, knowing smile. "Mr. Scott hasn't changed one bit. Still missing a few screws, that one."

They were sitting on a bench in the museum's open-air courtyard, the morning light soft around them. Juliette held a slice of marbled chiffon cake Willow had brought—a little tradition between them—and nodded vigorously, utterly agreeing. "Exactly! No matter how many times I tell him, it never gets through. He's hopeless."

Willow glanced sideways at Juliette, taking in her bright, lively profile. Watching her eat cake and vent her frustrations, Willow thought she looked almost endearing in her indignation.

"Seems like you've let go," Willow remarked suddenly, her tone casual but loaded with meaning.

Let go? Juliette blinked, caught off guard. She turned to Willow, still chewing the fluffy, sweet cake, her words muffled but unmistakably shocked. "You too? What do you mean?"

Did Beasley really cheat on her?

Willow nodded, her eyes steady and calm. "Yeah. I don't love him anymore."

Juliette swallowed the bite in her mouth, startled. "Is it because of that actress? But I thought you were planning to have a baby with him?"

They'd been friends since the first grade. Juliette knew better than anyone how much Willow had loved Beasley. All these years, all those admirers—and only Beasley had ever caught her eye. The betrayal must have been devastating.

"Lettie," Willow said quietly, her tone measured and calm again.

Juliette blinked at the gentle shift in Willow's demeanor. "I'm here," she replied instinctively.

Willow smiled a little, finally relaxing her clenched fist. "Let's not mention him anymore. He's just a stranger to me now."

Juliette nodded. "Agreed. No more Beasley talk."

She took a breath, and then steered the conversation back to herself.