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CHAPTER SIX

RACHEL stood silently by Justin’s side in the ride down in the lift, her stomach twisted into nervous knots

How could she possibly carry this charade off? It was…beyond her She ood on the outside but inside she was still the sahtened horse Fear rippled down her spine and invaded every pore in her body The thought of confronting her ex with his new lady-love held nothing but a sick- apprehension

‘I…I can’t do this, Justin,’ she whispered just as the lift stopped at one of the floors on the way down to the lobby

‘Yes, you can,’ he reassured firmly

The lift doors whooshed back and there, waiting for the lift, were the objects of her fear

Rachel sucked in sharply

‘I gather that’s Eric the Mongrel,’ Justin whispered

‘Yes,’ she choked out, not feeling at all like giggling at the silly nicknanificent would be uy, especially in a dinner suit Charlotte was no slouch in the looks depart to have enhanced her darkly striking beauty Tall and supermodel-slim, she was chic personified with her concave-cut dark brown bob and elegant black dress

‘Charlotte, co forward to hold the lift doors open whilst not giving its occupants a second glance

Charlotte, who’d been checking her hair and make-up in the hallround ‘Keep your shirt on, lover,’ she said ‘These things never start on time’

As Charlotte walked past Eric into the lift he glanced up over her shoulder and finally noticed Rachel in the corner, his face registering instant recognition this time, plus considerable shock

‘Good lord!’ he exclaimed ‘It’s Rachel You remember Rachel, Charlotte Rachel Witherspoon’