Divorce With Benefits: A Second Chance At Love
Chapter 97: The Surprise Addition

Chapter 97: The Surprise Addition

The whole idea of the trip felt like a bad joke, and Jerica wasn’t laughing. She could only sigh.

Jerica stepped out of the cab, pulling her modest cabin-size trolley bag behind her as the cool morning air brushed against her face. The assembly point buzzed with subdued chatter, and she quickly spotted Regina seated on a bench, surrounded by three nearly identical designer luggage bags. Regina’s perfectly manicured fingers fidgeted with her phone, and her lips pursed when she noticed Jerica approaching.

Jerica couldn’t help but glance at the absurd amount of luggage Regina had brought for what was supposed to be a simple two-day trip. What on earth could she possibly need that wouldn’t fit in one bag? she wondered, shaking her head slightly. Paying the cab driver, Jerica adjusted her sneakers and rolled her lone weatherproof bag over to an empty bench.

Regina shifted in her seat, eyeing Jerica with a mixture of disdain and curiosity. Her gaze flicked to Jerica’s sneakers, then to her bag. Jerica caught the look but couldn’t care less. Of course, Regina had something to say about my "lack of style." she thought, noticing the impractical heeled boots Regina had opted for. Jerica smirked.

If anyone was going to regret their choices on this trip, it wasn’t her.

Jerica chose a spot far from Regina, settling into a bench and letting out a long breath. She casually glanced around as more colleagues trickled in, each wearing heavy-duty trekking boots and carrying large weatherproof backpacks.

Jerica’s brow furrowed slightly. She looked down at her trolley bag and back at the others. Did I miss a memo or something?

She could feel their eyes on her, quiet glances that lingered just a second too long. No one approached her, which was nothing new. Jerica had a reputation for keeping to herself—a reputation that suited her just fine.

She wasn’t here to make friends, and frankly, most of her colleagues weren’t worth the effort.

Then there was Regina, fielding hushed conversations from some of the others about her designer luggage. "You’re seriously going to lug all that up a trail?" someone asked, incredulity coloring their tone. Regina huffed but said nothing, crossing her legs with an air of indifference.

Jerica sighed, leaning back on the bench. She didn’t know which was worse—Regina’s impracticality or the fact that everyone seemed to be questioning her packing choices too.

At least I’ll be able to roll my bag instead of carrying a mountain on my back.

She scanned the group again, looking for Lila. Her absence was unusual. Most of the staff from the Clerk’s office were already here, along with some courthouse employees Jerica hadn’t expected. Why are they here? she wondered, irritated. Did someone think combining departments would be fun?

Jerica’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of boots against the pavement. She turned to see Lila sauntering toward the group, fashionably late as always. Her hair was a mess, and her wrinkled jeans suggested she’d rolled out of bed ten minutes ago. Typical Lila.

"Where’s your tent?" Lila asked, plopping down beside Jerica. Her tone was casual, but the question hit Jerica like a bolt of lightning.

Her stomach sank. Tent?

The realization struck her all at once—she had completely forgotten to pack a tent. Her mind raced as she replayed every packing decision she’d made the night before. In her frustration about being forced on this trip, she had neglected one of the most essential items.

"I’m going back," Jerica said abruptly, standing up and gripping her luggage. This was the perfect excuse. She had tried every way to avoid this miserable trip, but her manager had shut her down at every turn. Now, with no tent, she finally had a valid reason to leave.

Her heart lightened at the thought of going home to her warm bed and bug-free space. There’s no way I’m spending the night in the middle of nowhere with mosquitoes, bears, and tents I don’t even have.

She’d rather deal with her manager’s disappointment than subject herself to this nightmare.

Jerica froze mid-step, her hand gripping the handle of her luggage as her gaze locked onto the cab that had just pulled up. The door opened, and out stepped Jared, followed closely by Nick. Jared was here. Not just dropping something off—he had a backpack. A backpack with a perfectly rolled tent strapped neatly to the top. Beside him, Nick was similarly equipped, his expression unreadable as usual.

Her stomach twisted. No. Absolutely not. He didn’t.

She could feel the scream rising in her head, a silent protest to the universe as she took a hesitant step toward him.

Please tell me you didn’t bring my tent.

She didn’t want it. Didn’t need it. She was so close to escaping this nightmare, and now this?

Before she could speak, Jared’s gaze landed on her, and her breath hitched. His expression was as composed as ever, but she caught the subtle glint of amusement in his eyes. That glint, paired with the faintest curve of his lips, screamed one thing: Gotcha.

He didn’t say a word. He didn’t need to. That silent mockery hit her harder than any teasing quip could have. Jerica felt a sudden heat rise in her cheeks. And then it clicked—of course, he wasn’t going to openly acknowledge her here. Not in front of their colleagues.

Her jaw clenched. Great. He’s not just here; he’s joining this ridiculous trip. Why?

No. Absolutely not.

She tightened her grip on her bag, her heart pounding. She didn’t want to go on this trip to begin with, and now he was here? This was going to be a disaster.

Behind her, Lila chuckled, her voice dripping with amusement. "Well, well, looks like your knight in shining armor has arrived."

Jerica shot her a glare, but Lila only grinned wider.

Meanwhile, Jared’s gaze swept over the group, his expression calm and unreadable. His eyes lingered on Jerica for a brief moment—long enough for her to catch a flicker of something in his look. Amusement? Annoyance? Mockery? She couldn’t tell, but it made her stomach churn.

Nick, standing silently beside Jared, seemed just as uncomfortable as Jerica felt. His face was stoic, his eyes distant, as though he’d rather be anywhere else.

"What’s he doing here?" Jerica muttered under her breath, not really expecting an answer.

"Who cares? At least you have your tent now," Lila teased, nudging her playfully.

Jerica bristled. The last thing she needed was Lila poking fun at her. She wanted to march up to Jared and demand an explanation, but her feet refused to move.

Instead, she stood frozen as Jared adjusted his backpack with practiced ease, his movements so casual they seemed deliberate. His demeanor screamed, I’m here, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

The rest of the group began murmuring among themselves, some surprised by the last-minute additions, others relieved that everyone had finally arrived so the trip could begin.

Jerica, however, couldn’t shake the sinking feeling in her gut. Jared’s unexpected presence had thrown her already-fragile sense of balance into chaos.

"Mr. P!" Lila’s voice rang out like a whip crack, cutting through the din of idle chatter among their colleagues.

Jerica snapped her head toward Lila, her face heating up. She had been doing her best to keep a low profile, and now, with a single shout, Lila had managed to drag her right into the center of attention.

"What now?" Jared turned slowly, his piercing gaze landing on Lila first, then sliding over to Jerica with unnerving precision.

Lila, unbothered by the tension suddenly thickening the air, pointed at Jerica with a grin. "She didn’t bring her tent."

A ripple of curiosity spread through the group. Some colleagues exchanged amused looks, while others openly chuckled. Jerica felt their gazes like daggers, sharp and unrelenting.

"Lila, why would you—" Jerica hissed, grabbing her friend’s arm and yanking her closer. "Why are you telling him that?" Her teeth clenched as she whispered furiously, her cheeks aflame.

But it was too late. Jared’s attention was fully locked on her now, and she could see it in his eyes—a flicker of humor, the faintest upward curve at the corner of his mouth. That mocking smile she hated. It made her feel exposed, as if her every move was a game for him to unravel and enjoy.

Jared, on the other hand, was thoroughly entertained. The sight of his usually composed wife standing there, visibly flustered, brought a warmth to his chest that he hadn’t felt in a long time. Jerica, who could prepare for a courtroom battle in her sleep, had once again proven how hilariously unprepared she was for the wilderness.

She wasn’t typically forgetful. In fact, she excelled at creating detailed checklists, packing with military-level precision for most trips. But the woods? The very idea of camping seemed to short-circuit her sharp mind.

He could vividly recall the first time they attempted a camping trip together. Back then, they were still in the honeymoon phase of their relationship. She’d been so eager to impress him, but her disdain for the outdoors bled through her every action.