Chapter 21: Claire’s POV
Chapter 21: Claire’s POV
I left Leo in the kitchen to attend to Charlotte. Maybe now, he would understand how I felt but then again, he was probably relieved that I hadn’t left already and have chosen to accept this unfortunate agreement.
After cleaning Charlotte’s makeup from her face, I went upstairs to my room. Today was exhausting and pregnancy was draining my energy. I laid down and rubbed my stomach as I felt fluttering inside. My child was growing. I was both excited and worried. I wouldn’t be able to hid behind flowing dresses much longer and I couldn’t hide when I lived in the same house as my husband.
At least Charlotte would be leaving to see that German doctor, who had promised her the ability to walk again, tomorrow. That means Leo and Charlotte would be gone all day and I’d have time to be alone and think. A lot has happened lately and I needed time to myself.
I hear a knock at my door and know it’s Leo by the tune. I carefully open the door a bit and see Leo standing there with eyes intent on me.
“Are you okay?” Maybe his nose started to bleed again. He could call a doctor but I think he preferred my care being he didn’t call one when he arrived home.
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Chapter 21: Claire’s POV
“Is it too much to ask that I come in?” He looked a little better now that I’m looking at him.
“Sure. It’s a little messy. I’ve haven’t finished putting away all my things.” I open the door wider for Leo to come in and close it behind him. I turn around to see Leo looking around. I had put most of my things away but I still had shoes and a few clothes left on the vanity.
“I thought you took our wedding photo from the nightstand.” He was looking for it.
“Oh. Did you want it back?” I move to the vanity and open the top drawer, carefully removing the picture frame from it and turn to hand it him.
“No, I was hoping it would be on the nightstand in here. I guess – I just thought you wanted to look at it, the way you did every morning.” He was right. I used to look at that picture when I got out of bed every morning with a smile. He had gotten the professional photos taken for the memories but for me – it was a reminder of what I thought was my happily ever after. Now I wasn’t so sure.
“I thought of putting it on the nightstand but it didn’t feel right after… Everything.” I run my finger along the beautiful antique frame and fight the lump starting in my throat. I feel Leo come closer behind me as whispers over my shoulder.
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Chapter 21: Claire’s POV
“I remember waiting at the altar and how stunning you looked.”
“It feels like such a long time ago…” I start to tear up. I never thought our marriage would come to this. I put the frame on its side on my nightstand. I
didn’t want to cry.
“Is it okay if I sit?” Leo asked as though it wasn’t
his house.
“Please.” I motion to the bed where he sits slowly as I sit beside him.
“I know you’re aware that Charlotte has her appointment with the doctor tomorrow. I plan on accompanying her but I wanted you to know before I leave.” He actually made a point to communicate with me. It didn’t fix what has already happened but it was something I appreciated.
“Thank you for telling me.”
“I should’ve communicated this way before. I recognize that. But I have a question for you.” He looks at me with undivided attention.
“Claire, will you share with me,
what you wanted to
tell me on our anniversary? It seemed so important
to you.” He holds my hand.
“It – it doesn’t matter now.” At least not to you. I look down at his hand over mine.
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Chapter 21: Claire’s POV
“Claire, promise me you’ll at least tell me when the time is right.” He was pleading.
“I promise.” I had no intention of hiding our child forever. I just didn’t want my baby to be the reason
I stay.
“I know it’s a lot to ask but would you mind if I stayed with you tonight?” He asks quietly while watching his hand over mine.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I say in a whisper.
I watch the sadness watch over his face as he gets up to leave.
“Goodnight, Claire.”
I watched as Leo left the room silently and decide after a few moments – that his suffering was too much. I follow and knock on his door. What used to be our bedroom door.
He opens the door slowly and seems shocked to see
- me.
“Today has been a rough day for us both. If you want, I can stay with you until you fall asleep.” I squeak out the words quietly while looking at Leo. I see a smile. He wasn’t as broken as I felt and I was grateful.
“Any moment with you is more than enough.” He
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Chapter 21: Claire’s POV
opens the door and I make my way to the bed.
“But I don’t want to have sex, Leo.” I make myself
clear.
“I’ll behave.” I watch as Leo takes off his shirt and lays down on his side, putting his arms around my waist and pulling me in closely to him. He still smelled of amber wood and tobacco vanilla. A scent I’ve grown to used too over the years.
“I’ve missed this.” I hear him say as I listen to his heartbeat.
“You have a busy day tomorrow. Get some rest.” I kiss Leo’s cheek and find myself drifting to sleep as well.
