Chapter 21
Despite the earlier revelations, Rain managed to stay focused and quickly wrapped up her work with time to spare. It was a good thing too. She needed a moment to clear her head, so she decided to use her free time to get some fresh air before her scheduled meeting with Mr. Rock.
Walking out and getting into her car, she drove around until she found a small park nearby where she could rest. As such, she parked her car and took a leisurely walk until she spotted a bench and sat down.
Lost in thought, Rain let herself relax until she was startled by a familiar voice.
“Oh… it’s really you, Attorney Clayton p>
Looking up, she saw Mr. Rock standing before her with a wide smile. For a moment, she was confused.
“Your hair?” she muttered, remembering how he had looked the last time they met.
Back then, he had blonde hair. But at the moment, it was jet-black. In addition, she noticed an uncanny resemblance between him and Alexander Lancaster. It struck her as odd, and she couldn’t help but wonder if there was a connection between them.
“Oh, that… I was wearing a wig last time,” he explained with a grin. “But I guess I don’t need one right now p>
Rain couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy at the explanation despite her curiosity. Why would he wear a wig before? Still, she reminded herself that it wasn’t her place to pry into a client’s private matters unless they offered the information.
Smiling, Mr. Rock sat down beside her. He then glanced at his wristwatch to check the time. “I’m an hour early, so I thought I’d take a walk in the park before heading to the boutique,” he casually remarked. “I guess you had the same idea p>
“Yes. Somehow, being close to nature helps you think more clearly,” Rain replied with a soft smile. “It brings a sense of inner peace, if you will p>
“Hmm… Sounds like something’s weighing on your mind,” he observed. “You know, sometimes the best confessions are made to those who have no stakes in your story p>
Rain chuckled as she turned to him. “Mr. Rock, you’re quite persuasive… but no p>
The man playfully narrowed his eyes at her. “How about this, an open heart often finds comfort in unfamiliar places p>
Rain simply shook her head, though she couldn’t deny that his presence was comforting. For a brief moment, she wished her own father could be as approachable as he seemed to be.
“Sometimes it’s easier to share your burdens with someone who doesn’t carry their weight,” he continued with a kind smile. “You never know, I might be good at giving advice p>
Rain smiled warmly, appreciating the offer, but still hesitant. “Maybe another time, Mr. Rock. But thank you p>
“Alright then. How about we head to the boutique early? I need your help choosing wedding ring gifts for my son and daughter-in-law,” Mr. Rock suggested with a smile. “I’m sorry to impose, but you and my daughter-in-law have similar builds, so I thought her finger size might be close to yours p>
“No worries, Mr. Rock. I’d be happy to help,” Rain replied albeit with a hint of hesitation. “I’m not sure if our tastes are the same though p>
“I’m sure my daughter-in-law will like whatever you choose. Just pick what catches your eye,” Mr. Rock encouraged her. “I won’t keep you long too. After this, we can discuss the winery situation in detail p>
“Alright then,” she agreed.
With that, the two of them walked to the nearest jewelry store. The manager greeted them before leading them inside.
While they waited for the manager to bring out a selection of wedding bands for them to choose from, Mr. Rock asked, “Miss Clayton, are you married p>
“Yes, I am p>
Rain glanced at her hand while answering. She couldn’t help but smile at the irony of her situation. She was married, but she wasn’t wearing a wedding ring at the moment. Absently, she remembered a comment she overheard when Dina announced her marriage:
’Why isn’t she wearing a wedding ring p>
Then, Rain’s eyes suddenly lit up with an idea. ’I should definitely get a wedding ring p>
It wasn’t a bad idea. It might even help deter Paul from harassing her further. Maybe if she showed that she was married, he would finally leave her alone, and they could simply be coworkers moving forward.
“But my marriage is a bit complicated,” she quickly added before Mr. Rock could ask why she wasn’t wearing a ring.
“Complicated?” Mr. Rock inquired.
Rain nodded before proceeding to explain how she discovered that she was married without any prior knowledge or consent. Her client listened intently, his expression shifting the more she spoke.
“It’s quite a situation. I’m having it investigated since it’s a case of fraud,” she firmly concluded.
“I see,” Mr. Rock thoughtfully hummed. “Still, did you not find your unexpected husband to be to your liking p>
Rain chuckled and shook her head. “It’s not about whether I dislike him or not, Mr. Rock. It’s about principle. I didn’t choose to get married, and neither did he, as far as I know,” she explained. “It was done without our consent. That’s not how I wanted my marriage to be p>
Mr. Rock thoughtfully nodded. “I understand. It’s a difficult situation. But maybe things will work out in ways you don’t expect p>
She smiled politely, but she wasn’t really sure how to respond. Before she could think about it further, the manager returned with a selection of wedding bands. Each was beautifully designed, with intricate patterns and small diamonds sparkling in the boutique’s soft lighting.
Doing her best to choose, Rain eventually ended up with a vintage-style ring with delicate details and small diamonds. “I’ll go with this one,” she said while slipping it onto her finger to check the fit.
“That looks perfect!” Mr. Rock smiled, admiring the ring on her finger. “I’ll take it p>
Rain nodded back before returning the ring to the manager, to which the man began to prepare the purchase.
“I’ll get this ready for you, Mr. Lancaster p>
Rain froze at what she just heard, her body tensing up at the name. “Lancaster p>