Chapter 14: Claire’s POV
Chapter 14: Claire’s POV
I rush the taxi driver to take me to Leonardo’s
house. I sit in the back seat trembling. Was I too late? Has Matthew already asked him for money? Has he told him that I’ve been paying for his debts or has he threatened Leo in order to get it? Every single case scenario brushed my thought as I see the house I once lived in appear in the distance.
I see no one in the driveway or standing at the door. I’d hoped that meant that Matthew was turned away but I hadn’t gotten a call from Leo that would confirm my hopes. I hadn’t actually heard from him at all since I left.
I get to the door and stand there for a moment. I hadn’t returned my key but after everything that’s happened – I didn’t know if it was still appropriate for me to use it. I had told Leo I was moving out, asked him for a divorce and given him my wedding ring. Standing at the front door of a house that I had lived in for over five years – feeling nothing more than a stranger waiting on its steps.
I knew I needed to stop Matthew before he managed to scheme or extort Leo for money but I was glued in place looking at what used to be my home. A home I shared with my husband. It was once a safe haven to us both. This is where I
conceived our baby. The one I still haven’t
mentioned to Leo. It was odd for a house to hold so
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+15 BONUS
Chapter 14: Claire’s POV
much sentimental value – but this house did and it
haunted me.
I stood there for a while longer before finally ringing the doorbell. The housekeeper answered cheerfully, she was always kind and told me that my husband and his guests were in the living room.
Guests? Was Matthew still here? Did Leo actually let him into his home? Is there someone else here?
I walk slowly and carefully to the living room area and see Charlotte speaking happily with brother, Matthew. I felt nervous knowing how malicious Charlotte could be after our last interaction.
“Oh, hi Claire! Good to see you.” I see Charlotte give a small smile but I knew well that it was just for show. She had no interest in me being here.
“Hello Charlotte.” I avoid her gaze and focus on Leo as he stands up eagerly to greet me.
“Hi Leo.” I stare down at my feet to avoid his gaze. He looked so happy to see me. I didn’t want to give him the idea that I’d forgotten where we had left off or what I had asked for – a divorce.
“Claire, I’ve missed you.” He pulls me into a hug where I feel him place a kiss on my cheek. I almost relish in the moment but remember how badly he’d hurt me just a few days ago and even more – I see Charlotte here.
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Chapter 14: Claire’s POV
The very reason my marriage was failing.
