Chapter 17: Claire’s POV
Chapter 17: Claire’s POV
I wanted to refuse. I didn’t feel it was right to stay in this house anymore and I had no interest in becoming a personal nanny to Charlotte. But with her accusation against Matthew and Leo, once again, believing her and standing by her side – I was outnumbered and out of options.
“Fine. I’ll move back in and help take care of you.” I agree with the upmost dismay to Charlotte’s terms. I text Jasmine telling her about the debacle that had just transpired and to let her know I’d have to move back into Leonardo’s house temporary to save Matthew. Jasmine was upset but she understood my decision. She knew that although Matthew may not be perfect – I always protected him the best I could.
Although I was obligated to stay here, I refused to stay in my original room that I shared with Leo. I made accommodations by removing my things from the room and choosing to relocate to one of the many guest bedrooms. Leo was happy when I decided to stay – even if it was against my will. He wanted me back in our home and he got it.
“Where are you going? You’re supposed to be moving in not moving out?” He entered our original bedroom with a smile that immediately turned to confusion once he saw I was packing.
“I am moving in. I’m just moving out of this room
1/3
+15 BONUS
Chapter 17: Claire’s POV
and moving into one of the guest rooms just down the hall.” I say as I continue packing. I was exhausted. After today’s episode of events, my pregnancy did not help with my depleting energy levels but I worked through it. I didn’t want anyone to suspect my child.
“You can stay in this room, Claire. We ARE husband and wife after all.” He said as he watched me closely. I knew he wanted me back but this wasn’t the way to do it.
“I agreed to take care of Charlotte as an exchange for Matthew’s freedom and safety. I didn’t agree to moving back into our room and forgetting everything that’s happened and why I moved out in the first place. I just think it’s better that I move into one of the guest bedrooms – seeing as I’m now a guest in this home too.” I watched as Leo looked horrified and panicked to hear how I felt.
“Claire, this is our home. You’ve never slept in any other room but here. We share this bed together.” He was looking for me to agree. I always agreed with him before except when it came to Charlotte but I had recently found that I had a voice and I wanted to use that to assert my boundaries. I was getting ready to become a mother and it had put many things into perspective for me.
“I’m not sharing this bed with you, Leo.” I said in a small and defeated voice.
2/3
+15 BONUS
Chapter 17: Claire’s POV
“I just thought you moving back in – meant that you’d stay with me.” He said in confusion.
I hated hurting him but nothing I could ever do would amount to the hurt he had caused me.
I close the last suitcase and grab the last of my things but stop at the doorway. I never imagined that after five years – this was what our lives would turn into and it broke me.
“I’ll just be down the hall.” I say in the smallest voice, holding back every tear until I was able to shut myself into the four walls that would be my new home.
I slowly unpacked my things in my new room which felt more like a cage, wiped away my silent tears and lied down for a nap.
Today’s Bonus Offer
X
GET
