Chapter 15: Claire’s POV
Chapter 15: Claire’s POV
I pull back from Leonardo’s embrace and refocus on Matthew who had made himself cozy on the couch
next to Charlotte.
“Matthew, I think it’s time you leave.” I stand firm on my own. He had embarrassed me enough.
“Claire, you know how much I need the money.” He shrugs as if his hands are tied.
“Well a demand won’t help you. If you leave now, I’ll consider helping you. Stay here and you’ll only be wasting your time.” I cross my arms and return my attention to Leo as I hear my brother rising from his seat. That was the first and only time I’d ever spoken to Matthew that way. I felt accomplished, especially after I knew he planned on leaving.
“Claire, I have a gift for you.” I see Leo giving me an excited smile with one hand placed behind his back as he leads me upstairs.
“I-” he cuts me off before I could protest.
“I promised you a better fifth wedding anniversary gift and I owe this to you.” I watch as he pulls a Manila envelope from behind his back. Had he already drafted our divorce paperwork and moved Charlotte in? I look at the envelope in shock. I try to
1/3
+15 BONUS
Chapter 15: Claire’s POV
steady my shaking hand as I reach for the envelope and begin to open it.
It wasn’t a drafted divorce document. It was a shares transfer document. Leo had transferred a lump sum of shares from his company to my name. I was surprised to say the least. I never once felt that it was my right to know any shares from Leonardo’s company. Nonetheless own such a percentage. I never asked for this. And even amongst our separation, Leo had made this grand gesture. I look at my name under the listed share holder and felt hesitant to accept Leo’s grand gesture.
It’s not that I didn’t like the gift or that I didn’t appreciate Leo’s gesture. I just didn’t think it would be fair to hold onto a piece of his company when we were in the midst of a separation. One that felt like it was leaning more towards divorce rather than a reconciliation. I also still hadn’t told him that I was pregnant with his child.
The only people I had told that secret too were Jordan and Jasmine. How could I possibly decide on whether or not to accept this large of an anniversary gift when I couldn’t spare even the honesty of my pregnancy to my husband?
I keep looking at the paper in my hands as I know Leo is staring at me and waiting for a response. I had no words.
2/3
+15 BONUS
Chapter 15: Claire’s POV
“I don’t think –” I start to tell him I don’t deserve this large of a gift but am cut off by screams from downstairs. I had heard that scream before. It was Charlotte – only this time I was far enough not to be blamed.
X
Today’s Bonus Offer
