Chapter 32: Claire’s POV
“What are you doing here, Leo?” Part of me was relieved to see it was him and not Jordan and wanted to hug him but part of me felt uncomfortable and withdrawn. I hadn’t seen Leonardo since I left permanently and finalized our divorce The thought of seeing each other made me feel broken and helpless all over again.
“I read your message and I called you but you didn’t answer. I needed to make sure you’re okay.” He had this look of genuine concern. One thing I can say about Leo was that he never hid how he felt when it came to me. He wore his emotions on his sleeve without ulterior
motives.
“You didn’t have to do that. I’m not your responsibility anymore.“I say in a small voice as I sit down on the couch and fiddle with the sleeves of my sweater. Leo comes to sit beside me and positions himself to where he is able to look directly at me.
“You may not be my responsibility Claire, but you will always be of my concern. We were married for five years. I love you and I will always want to make sure you’re okay.” He places his hand over mine. A way to settle my nerves and a trick he had learned over the course of our marriage.
“I’m okay. This is just another stump. I’ll just have to build more endurance if I want to build a name for myself.” I look at him and shrug. My actions caused this and I find myself responsible for allowing this to happen.
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“Claire, this isn’t something to endure and this isn’t your fault. You confided in and trusted someone you thought was your friend and he returned your trust with betrayal.” He gave me a stern look that meant he was more than serious with what he had said.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do. I took my signed blueprints and documents but he plans on extorting my work to further his company.” I shake my head in disbelief.
“You don’t have to do anything. I’ve called my attorney and he has a team delegating the immediate cease of his company’s plans. I also spoke with a friend from the commissioner’s office and they will be looking into all of his company’s finances and endeavors. He won’t be able to use you or your work.” I look up in disbelief. Leo had taken action to save me from my own mistakes.
!
“Why would you do that?” I can imagine how much work this will be and I couldn’t believe that Leo had the time nonetheless the motive.
“Because I saw your work, I saw the preview going up for bidding and those blueprints are extraordinary. I’ve had a few companies reach out to me assuming that we were still married and wanted me to put them in contact with you for contracts.” He smiles softly as he shares news of my success..
“They like my work?” The thought that I would ever succeed in this industry was always a dream. I never thought my work would ever see light or receive recognition,
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 32 Claire’s POV
“They do. I told them you will be opening your own private studio this month and they are waiting for the opportunity to work with you.”
“But I don’t have the money.” I hadn’t made much while working with Jordan.
“You don’t have to have money. You missed a clause in the divorce paperwork. I added an addendum that states: Claire will be left to accept a private studio location to conduct architectural matters. The suite is paid for and the deed is rendered in Claire’s name at present.” He recited it clearly.
“You left me a suite?” I turn to him in shock as I see a smile growing on his face.
“It’s been furnished to your liking and cleaned regularly awaiting your arrival. Here are your keys.”
He puts a set of bronze keys in my hand and closes my fingers over it softly.
“I know this doesn’t fix everything I’ve broken, Claire. I lost myself in matters that didn’t concern you and I betrayed you. But I support you and I love you. I want you to be happy even if it’s not with me by your side and I’ll always wait for you.” With that, Leo kisses my cheek gently and rises to his feet. I run to him and hug him. His scent filled my nose and for a moment, I forgot the suffering I still felt and by the way he hugged me closely, I knew he had forgotten in that moment too.
#KB)
અને પાક અને Gadh
