After Divorce

Chapter 23 Discuss about her

“Did she… actually do a lot for me all these years?” Cyril eventually asked quietly.

Unsure how to reply, Barry hesitated briefly. “Well, managing your daily affairs like meals, medications etc, Mrs Tan shouldered most of that. Just indirectly, informing me instead of directly interacting.” 

“Why didn’t you ever notify me then?” Cyril turned to Barry demandingly. What explained Sylvia doing so much without his knowledge? 

Facing Cyril’s intimidating stare, Barry felt utterly wronged. Many times he had nearly spoken out before Cyril’s forbidding expressions halted him whenever Sylvia’s name even crossed his lips.

“I did try bringing it up occasionally but you would scold me not to ever mention Mrs Tan.‘

Cyril fell silent, acknowledging the accuracy. He had explicitly barred such discussions previously.

“I see.” Remorse flooded Cyril realizing his willful blindness had presumed Sylvia acted from self–interest rather than pure devotion out of love for him.

Approaching his staff chatting animatedly, Cyril paused outside the room hearing Sylvia mentioned and signaled Barry to listen with him.

“We haven’t seen the Missus lately. Last visit, she brought treats and reminded us sternly to make meals a priority for the boss yet we failed completely fulfilling her entrustment this time.” One woman sighed.

“The boss looked awfully unwell yesterday too. Hopefully the Missus drops by again soon or at least calls to check on him.” Another worried. “She always knows how to handle

everything.”

Unease gripped Barry, this being the second accidental Sylvia mentioning today that normally roused Cyril’s temper. Yet his impassive reaction now left Barry confused whether anger simmered silently underneath or if sentiments towards her had shifted.

He still lacked clarity on their divorce but Cyril initiating separation was implausible. Perhaps they reconciled? But the odd peace upon hearing Sylvia discussed signaled deeper complications ahead.

Cyril soon departed the area expressionlessly. “No more off topic chats during work hours. Violations mean overtime until fully caught up.”

Chapter 23 Discuss about her

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As the stunned team shuddered in dismay, Barry quickly added: “Boss is aware of what was said. Refrain from ever bringing up…that person…before him. Understood?”

“Why?!” One protested. “We used to get scolded but he had no issues this time. They’re still married anyway so what’s the harm in casual mentions? Things seem different lately…”

“If you wish to remain employed here, mind yourself and stop that line of talk.” Barry interrupted sternly. “There are certain taboos before the boss. Everyone clear on that?”

Sullen acknowledgment followed under Barry’s warning gaze. No further chances remained pushing boundaries still evidently in place somehow. Unease settled around the subdued group anxious they had angered Cyril unknowingly and might face repercussions later.

In his office meanwhile, Cyril ruminated over how even his employees discussed Sylvia freely. Before he could reconsider, he had dialed Sylvia impulsively despite knowing her unlikelihood to answer and surely enough, got redirected to voicemail. Trying messaging next, a red exclamation icon indicated likely blocking.

Since initiating their divorce, interacting with Sylvia hadn’t even crossed Cyril’s mind, presuming she would contact him eventually herself. But clearly she never intended any reconciliatory communications, immediately cutting all accessible channels.

The reality of her resolve struck Cyril profoundly. Marriage had lacked meaning initially yet now severance felt devastating. He smiled bitterly at himself for taking her presence for granted, convinced of her unconditional constancy by his side. Only in loss did the truth emerge of his own delusional hubris.

Setting aside his phone to focus on work and distract himself, Cyril had just regained momentum when Caroline phoned unexpectedly.