Chapter 25 She had only promised Matilda she wouldn't bring up divorce again , not that she would keep living under the same roof . On the drive back to Veridian Villa . Corbin sat in the back seat , his expression distant , gaze unfocused . Adrienne tugged at his arm . " Corby , what are you thinking about ? " Ever since they got in the car , he'd seemed distracted . Who knew what Clarinda had just said to him ? " Nothing ." Corbin snapped out of it , rubbing his brow . Just then , the car passed the clinic where Clarinda worked . A trace of helplessness flickered across his face . Clarinda seemed to have hit a rebellious streak . Adrienne didn't miss the shift in his expression . Following his gaze , she looked warily toward the clinic . Chapter 25 The clinic ... If she remembered right , Clarinda was practicing there . *** Matilda , worried Clarinda might cause complications , not only gave her the money but also arranged for someone to accompany her to transfer property . By late morning , Clarinda was holding two freshly stamped deeds in her hands . Brenwick Road , prime land in Veyton . Cecily , suspicious of a trick , had even taken the day off to accompany her . But the process and paperwork were flawless , everything completed with surprising ease . As soon as they left the property bureau , Cecily hugged Clarinda's arm . " Can you be my sugar mommy ? " " Sure , sure . " Clarinda ruffled her hair with a grin . " Want to move in with me ? " " Huh ? " Chapter 25 Cecily's eyes lit up , then she chuckled . " Moving in full - time , probably not . My schedule's crazy enough as it is - I'd keep you up at night . But crashing here for a few days to sample the rich life ? That I can do . " The two of them , dragging suitcases , skipped lunch entirely and headed straight for Brenwick Road . Just as they arrived , Clarinda's food delivery was waiting . Cecily ate with relish . " This takeout is still the best . They don't deliver to my neighborhood . I always have to dine in ." " Great . Now I don't want to leave at all . " " Then don't . " Clarinda laughed . " No way ! " Cecily patted her stomach and flopped onto the couch . Clarinda tidied up the containers , then looked at her friend thoughtfully . " Why not ? Are you seeing someone ? " " Hell no . Men only get in the way of making money " Cecily had grown up in a rough household . She'd always been clear on what she wanted . Chapter 25 " Then why not live here with me ? " Clarinda asked . " I'm not dating , but you still are . " Cecily shot her a look , calm as ever . " I just don't think you and Corbin will split that cleanly " " Why not ? " " Woman's intuition ." " Your intuition's off . " Clarinda tore open another box , answering without a pause . " He likes Adrienne , you know that . The only reason he doesn't want a clean break is because of one thing . " " And that is ? " " He can't bear to let Adrienne carry the blame ." But once Matilda delivered the divorce certificate . Whether it was clean or not wouldn't be Corbin's decision . She refused to keep being anyone's pawn in their game . Cecily got up to help her unpack . ) As they worked , Clarinda also ordered a pile of essentials and Chapter 25 kitchen supplies online . Watching the apartment slowly fill with the warmth of daily life , she felt her own heart begin , little by little , to settle . But Clarinda's smooth divorce brought the most joy to someone else entirely . The moment they heard , they rushed straight to the clinic , waiting for her to finish work . Clifton sat in the chair across the desk . Clarinda felt the pressure . Every prescription she wrote still had to pass under Clifton's eyes . The patient , introduced by a friend , joked , " Dr. Whitaker , with all this , I'm starting to think my condition must be serious . " Everyone at the clinic knew Clifton was both her and Rudolf Archer's teacher . Clifton chuckled . " Don't worry . She specializes in tough cases . Yours is child's play to her . She only ever acts like a kid when she's around me . " He gave the prescription a quick glance before handing it back to Clarinda . Chapter 25 Over the years , she was the most gifted student he had encountered in traditional medicine . If not for the suppression from Rowena , Clarinda's career would likely have been much better . She wouldn't still be too wary to even sign her own name on research papers . " The approach is sound , and the dosage is perfect . One set should do the trick ." The patient's colonoscopy had revealed severe colitis . He had tried both herbs and medicine , but his symptoms kept recurring until he finally came to Clarinda . After checking his conditions , she found the root cause was anxiety , not just inflammation . So she took the opposite approach , not fighting the inflammation , but easing the mind instead . The patient had only come with a " might as well try " mindset , but hearing Clifton's reassurance put him at ease . He beamed . " Dr. Whitaker , next time I'll be sure to bring you a thank - you gift . " Clarinda quickly waved her hand . " I'd rather you not have to come back at all . But do keep your spirits up . Nothing is more Chapter 25 important than your health . " By her estimate , seven doses of the herbs should be enough . Still , as a doctor , she didn't dare promise too much . When she finished with her last patient , Clifton stood . " Come on , Juliette's already cooking at home . " " Looks like Rudolf and I are in for a treat . " Juliette was an excellent cook , always thoughtful , preparing dishes tailored to Clarinda's taste whenever she came over . Rudolf was waiting outside in the car . Clifton only visited the clinic once a month . This time , thanks to Clarinda , Rudolf seized the chance to pepper him with questions about cases all the way there . Annoyed , Clifton shot him a look . " Clara never asks me so many questions at a time . " 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.