“Don’t be mad, Claire,” Renee piped up. “You must’ve misunderstood.”
She stepped closer, holding out a cup of tea. “Really, it was just a game. Don’t listen to what they said about Finley still liking me. That’s just them messing around. I’m sorry they upset you.”
In case Claire had somehow missed the jab, Renee ‘helpfully’ repeated it all, like a considerate little reminder.
When Renee moved in even closer, Claire instinctively shielded her belly.
Then Renee let out this dramatic shriek. “Ah! It hurts!”
Claire blinked, confused, as Renee hit the floor, hot tea spilling onto her hand and leaving a red mark.
Finley panicked, rushing to her side like a freaking knight in shining armor. He scooped her up. “Renee! Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Don’t blame Claire… she didn’t mean it.”
Claire almost laughed. What a joke. She hadn’t even touched her.
But Finley wasn’t done. “Claire, do you even know what you’re doing? If you’re mad at me, fine, but don’t take it out on Renee! Think about our child—don’t you care about the consequences?”
He said it. He really said it. To defend Renee, he cursed their baby.
Without waiting for an answer, Finley carried Renee out of the room.
Claire followed him downstairs, grabbing his arm. “What are you doing? It’s our anniversary, and you’re leaving with her? What does that say about us?”
“Let go, Claire! If anything happens to Renee, I’ll never forgive you!”
“Anything happens? It’s a burn! She fell on her own—I didn’t even touch her!” Claire’s voice shook with fury.
She hadn’t done a thing, yet Finley instantly believed Renee, no questions asked. Same as three years ago. Nothing had changed. His heart had always belonged to Renee.
“Still making excuses? Move!”
With that, Finley shoved her.
Claire lost her footing, stumbling backward. Her balance tipped, and she tumbled down the stairs.
