He sucked in a breath. It was time to set things straight. “Renee, I haven’t loved you in years. I love Claire. To me, you’re like… a sister. Nothing more.”
Renee stared at him in disbelief. “What are you talking about? You don’t love me?
“That’s impossible! When I came back, you picked me up with my favorite yellow roses.
“You stayed with me on set until midnight. When I got hurt, you dropped everything and rushed me to the hospital.
Claire and
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“And that night at the restaurant fire–Claire and I were both there, but you carried me out. You didn’t even think about her or
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+20 Bonus
the baby! And now you’re saying you love her? Are you serious?”
Her words slammed into him, cold and brutal. For the first time, Finley realized the weight of what he’d done to Claire.
He’d been so wrong. Monumentally wrong.
That night at the restaurant… Claire had been calm. He’d thought she was being patient, understanding. But no–she’d just stopped hoping. Stopped expecting anything from him.
“I’m sorry,” he said, voice cracking. “I’m so sorry.”
The guilt ripped through him, sharp and relentless. He had to see Claire. He missed her so much it hurt,
“I don’t want your apology.” Renee clung to his hand, her voice desperate. “I want you.”
- p. don’t look
He pulled away without hesitation. “Renee, we’re done. The woman I love is my wife, Claire. I’m leaving. Don’t call me,
for me. It’s over.”
And just like that, he walked out, not once glancing back.
Renee moved to follow, but Megan grabbed her arm. “Don’t. If you still want a shot with him, let him go–for now.”
“But he and Claire are divorcing! Isn’t this the perfect time?”
To Renee, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
“Trust me. Have I ever let you down?”
“Fine.” Renee nodded.
She’d wait. Let him cool off. Eventually, he’d see the truth–he belonged with her.
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