Chapter 17 Just then , Corbin ended his call and stepped out . He still looked tall and elegant - the same refined man she remembered . " What are you looking at? " Cecily asked curiously . " Nothing ," she said . As Cecily drove out of the underground parking lot , sunlight streamed through the windshield . Clarinda smiled lightly , " What beautiful weather . " " " It really is , " Cecily agreed . " We haven't seen the sun in days . " No one could resist the warmth of a winter sun . Gripping the wheel , Cecily glanced at Clarinda and arched an eyebrow . " You've never been this happy when we traveled abroad before . What's different this time ? " " Ceci , " Clarinda said , rolling down the window . She slid the wedding ring off her finger and tossed it out . " This time is different " Before going abroad this time , she was Corbin's wife - his cover , his fig leaf . Chapter 17 But when she returned , she'd be no one but herself . She'd be Clarinda Whitaker - only and utterly herself . Clarinda walked up to the boarding gate and spotted Rudolf . Dressed casually but sharp , he stood tall and lean , his features striking . He was also searching for her , and their eyes met head - on . Even after all these years , seeing Clarinda bare - faced still startled him with her beauty . He strode over and took her backpack from her shoulder . Then his gaze swept once more across her small face , his professional instincts kicking in . " You haven't been sleeping well at the hospital these last couple of days , have you ? " " A little . " A few days ago , a new patient had been admitted to the ward , an older woman . She was lovely company , except her snoring was thunderous . It wasn't until Clarinda boarded that she realized her seat had been changed to first class . Chapter 17 Rudolf caught the flicker of surprise in her eyes and lifted his brow . " So you can actually get some rest . This trip is unpaid , after all , the least I can do is make sure you're comfortable . " With that , he handed her some calming herbs . Clarinda accepted it with a smile . " And will Clifton reimburse you for this ? " " Don't worry , I can afford it . " " Then , thank you , Rudolf . " Clarinda didn't ask further . Truth be told , Rudolf was hardly strapped for cash . His family owned a renowned pharmaceutical group ; opening a traditional medicine clinic had always been just his personal hobby . Unexpectedly , the patent medicine he and Clarinda had developed together brought the clinic instant fame , and patients came in droves . Veyton was six hours ahead of Veltrana . By the time they landed , the sun was shining bright . The Traditional Medicine Research Institute had arranged a car to pick them up and take them to their hotel . Chapter 17 At her room door , Rudolf noticed her bare ring finger . " Weren't you always so protective of your wedding ring ? Why aren't you wearing it this time ? " " Lost it ." Clarinda shrugged and said plainly , " Rudolf , I'm getting a divorce ." Rudolf froze , then arched a brow in amusement . " So Clifton was right after all . Corby never deserved you ." Seeing the smile in his eyes , Clarinda asked , " Am I supposed to take that as you gloating ? " " Not at all . I'm genuinely happy for you ." He smiled and carried her suitcase inside . " Get some rest . I'll pick you up tonight for dinner . " " Alright ." After a shower , Clarinda pulled out her phone . The moment she powered it on , messages started streaming in . Corby's , in particular , stood out . " Clara, something came up last minute . I can't be there when Chapter 17 you're discharged ." " Be good , I promise I'll be home tonight so we can open gifts together . " Clarinda's lips curved in a mocking smile . Was it that he had plans or Adrienne did ? She couldn't even be bothered to reply , instead opening Cecily's chat to let her know she was safe . After that , with time to spare and having already slept enough on the plane , she decided to go for a walk . Cecily was in a meeting when the message came . Relieved to know Clarinda was safe , she didn't reply right away . It wasn't until she finished working overtime that she called back , cutting straight to the point . " Did Corby see the divorce papers yet ? Has he given you an answer ? " By then , it was already the middle of the night back home . If Corby hadn't gone back on his word , he should have opened the gift by now and seen the divorce papers inside . Or perhaps he was just too used to her waiting quietly in that empty villa , night after night . Chapter 17 Clarinda no longer cared to guess . She stood in Kavren Cathedral , gazing up at the sculptures as she answered unhurriedly , " Don't know . Not yet . " Brief and to the point . She wasn't worried , but Cecily was . " My God , you're really not in a hurry at all , are you ? " " If the outcome won't change no matter what , why rush the process ? " Clarinda's tone was calm . " What's the point of hurrying ? " " Fair enough . " Cecily sighed . " If only my bosses and clients could all be as levelheaded as you , my job would be so much easier ." " That's impossible ." Clarinda teased , " A paycheck is partly just compensation for the mental toll ." By the time she left Kavren Cathedral , the sky had already darkened . Seeing it was nearly time , she took a cab back to the hotel and Chapter 17 bumped into Rudolf at the elevator . Together they headed to the restaurant reserved by the Institute . It was a welcome dinner . Clifton was a legendary figure in the field of traditional medicine . Since they were representing him , the Institute had made sure every detail was handled with extra care . The Institute's host , also Aurivalian , was warm and enthusiastic . " Mr. Archer , Ms. Whitaker , thank you for traveling all this way . Please , sit . " Rudolf was a natural at socializing . Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.