No Wife, No Life Chapter 58

Afterward, Harper went through the financial reports with a fine-tooth comb, her eyes getting more tired by the minute. She finally turned off the screen, closed her eyes, and rubbed her temples.

Right then, her phone rang.

She opened her eyes and saw it was a video call from Molly.

A small smile tugged at Harper's lips.

She picked up her phone and hit the answer button.

Molly's lively face popped up on the screen.

With her round face, short hair, and big glasses, she looked both sharp and smart.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Molly asked with a grin.

Harper raised her phone to show her office setup and smirked. "What else? Just working."

Molly pouted. "How about a drink tonight to celebrate your return to singlehood?"

Is being single really something to celebrate?

A pang of bitterness hit Harper's heart.

If she had a choice, she wouldn't be single. All she wanted back then was to marry Alex and spend their lives together.

But life rarely went as planned. Some things couldn't be achieved just by trying hard enough.

"Come on, we haven't hung out in a while. Let's do it tonight."

Harper thought for a moment. She didn't have any plans for the evening, so she nodded. "Alright, since you suggested it, I'll be there."

Molly's smile widened. "Great! Let's meet at Charming Bites Bistro at seven PM."

Charming Bites Bistro was their old hangout from school days. They still went there occasionally to catch up.

After hanging up, Harper checked the time. It was already past 5:30. She could tidy up and head straight there.

She went to the inner office, changed into casual clothes, slipped on some comfy shoes, and put on light makeup.

The reflection in the mirror showed her striking features, radiant and beautiful.

She smiled at herself. Harper, right now, you're just Harper. Not Harper from the Lavien Group, not Alex's wife. Just uniquely Harper.

It was a little past six. It would take about half an hour to get to Charming Bites Bistro from the office, but longer if there was traffic.

Harper left the office, exited the building, and hailed a cab straight to Charming Bites Bistro. Luckily, there was no traffic, and she arrived smoothly.

As soon as she walked in, she heard someone call out, "Harper, over here."

Following the voice, she saw Molly sitting at their usual spot, waving with a bright smile.

Harper couldn't help but smile back, feeling a surge of joy.

"Come on over, the food's already here."

Harper walked over and saw the table was set with all their favorite dishes.

Molly, ever straightforward, asked, "What are we drinking tonight? Beer, wine?"

Instinctively, Harper touched her stomach and said softly, "Not tonight, just juice."

Molly immediately pouted, looking displeased.

"What's the point of meeting up if we don't drink? I thought we were going to drink until we drop tonight."

Harper poured herself a glass of water and took a small sip, her expression steady.

"Molly, I'm pregnant."

Molly had just opened a bottle of beer and froze for a moment.

"Pregnant?"

Molly was shocked.

Harper was pregnant? But she had just divorced Alex. Was she planning to be a single mom?

As she thought about it, she shook her head repeatedly.

"No, no, Harper, I don't get it. Is the baby Alex's?"

Harper's face remained calm as she nodded.

"And you're still going through with the divorce?"

Molly couldn't wrap her head around the idea of raising a kid alone.

Harper's mom had passed away early, and her dad was... well, her dad. Raising a kid would mean giving up so much.

"Get rid of it. You have to."

Molly said it like it was the only option.

Harper's face stayed calm. She kept eating like she hadn't heard Molly.

Molly knew how stubborn Harper could be. Once she made up her mind, it was nearly impossible to change it.

"You're so foolish!"

Finally, Molly sighed, feeling helpless.

Harper smiled faintly.

"I'm keeping this baby, no matter how hard it gets."

Suddenly, Molly looked at her like she could see right through her.

"After everything he's done, you still love him."

If it wasn't love, why would she insist on keeping the baby?

Molly, knowing Harper for so many years, understood her well.

Harper stayed silent.

"Harper, what are you planning? Do you want to get back with Alex?"

With a baby, getting back together seemed like the best option.

Or maybe Harper wanted to use the baby to force Alex to reconcile.

Harper laughed, a light, carefree laugh.

"No, I won't get back with him. That's not going to happen."

"That's good. I never thought your marriage with Alex would work. He doesn't love you. Why put yourself through that? Harper, you need to find someone who loves you. Someone who cares for you, cherishes you, understands you, and always thinks of you."

Harper's eyes sparkled, and she laughed freely.

"Molly, I don't want to talk about love anymore. Love is a luxury for me, and I'm too tired. Now, I just want to focus on my work and take care of myself and the baby. You once said that a person must love themselves first before they can love others. And if I don't love myself, how can I love anyone else?"

Her life had changed completely when she was eight.

Her mom passed away, and she had to take on the responsibility of caring for her brother.

Caden was right; they were the same, surviving in the cracks.

They had no choice.

Molly sighed softly, her tone sincere.

"Harper, it's good that you think this way. I really hope that no matter who you're with, even if you're alone, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

Saying this, Molly reached over and grabbed Harper's hand, her eyes glistening.

"Don't worry, I'll always be on your side, supporting you unconditionally."

Palm to palm, the warmth of their touch conveyed a unique bond.

They smiled at each other.

"Come on, let's toast."

Harper playfully glared at her.

Molly poured a glass of water for her. "Water instead of wine."

She poured herself a beer, sipped the foam off the rim, and clinked her glass with Harper's.

"Here's to you."

"Here's to you."

They said in unison.

After downing their drinks, Harper and Molly raised their empty glasses and laughed.

Maybe it was the chat with Molly, but Harper felt particularly good. When she got back to her apartment, she quickly fell into a deep, sweet sleep.

The next morning, Harper was the first to arrive at the office as usual. Just as she entered her office, Travis followed her in.

He handed her a contract, looking serious.

"Take a look at this contract."

Harper took the contract and read it carefully.

Travis didn't rush her, sitting on the couch and rubbing his temples with his long fingers.

"Who signed this? What an idiot!"

Finally, Harper looked up and said firmly.