CHAPTER 121: A WAVE OF BITTERNESS
The door slammed shut behind them, the sound echoing in the quiet hallway. Diana slumped into her seat, her eyes stinging with unshed tears.
She quickly wiped the tears while thinking; 'How many women had he been with before her?' The thought was agonizing, knowing that there had been so many.
A wave of bitterness washed over her, a painful reminder of the women who had come before her.
She took a deep breath and pushed the image of her husband from her mind; forcing herself to focus on work. she had too much to do, too many responsibilities.
* * * * *
It was past 8 p.m. when Diana finally wrapped up her tasks. She gathered her belongings and left her office.
On her way down, she met her secretary, Vanessa, who was waiting for her at the reception, a cheerful smile on her face.
"Ready to go?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Diana nodded, her mood brightening slightly. "Let's go," she replied. And the two left the building together.
Leo was waiting for her at the entrance of the building. Diana turned to her friend and said, "Vani, why don't you come with us? I can ask Leo to drop you off."
"Oh no, you don't have to worry about me, Diana. I have a blind date tonight."
Diana's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Oh, okay!" she laughed, giving Vanessa a playful pinch on the arm.
Vanessa rubbed the spot and chuckled. "At least you get to scout for your own love," Diana said, a touch of wistfulness in her voice. "I'm happy for you, though, beau."
"Thanks, boss." Vanessa smiled, leaning in to give Diana a quick peck on the cheek. "Love you, Diana."
"Love you too, babe," Diana replied warmly, pulling her into a brief hug. After they parted, Vanessa waved and walked off to hail a cab, while Diana turned toward the open car door that Leo held for her.
"Good evening, ma'am," Leo greeted with a bow as she settled into the back seat.
"Evening, Leo," Diana responded in a strained voice, her mind still a whirlwind of thoughts.
Leo shut the door, got into the driver's seat, and drove off from the Dalf Company building.
"Ma'am, your husband called earlier," Leo mentioned after a few moments of silence his eyes fixed on the road.
Diana stiffened. "Oh? What did he want?" she asked, keeping her voice steady, though just hearing his name made her stomach clench. The memory of what Cassandra had told her that afternoon flashed in her mind, and she bit her lip.
"He asked if you could meet him at DeNiro's restaurant," Leo replied cautiously.
Diana glanced out the window, her expression clouded. What could he possibly want now?
"Take me home, Leo," Diana pleaded, her voice weak. "I'm exhausted."
"But ma'am—" Leo began. Diana cut him off sharply.
"Leo, I won't say it again. Just take me home. You can call my husband after that. Technically, you're supposed to be working for me, not him."
Leo nodded reluctantly, understanding her need for rest. "Yes, ma'am."
NOTE: DeNiro's restaurant is one the richest restaurant in London located near Kensington palace.