Chapter 26
Finley’s temper flared.
“I’m talking to my wife. Who the hell are you?”
“Wife?” Jace scoffed. “Claire told me you’re divorcing. Pretty sure that makes you her ex. And since you’re not her husband
anymore, I’ve got every right to speak for her.”
Finley’s glare snapped to Claire. “You told him about the divorce? Who is this guy? You said you wanted time alone, but is this the
real reason? Do you already have someone else? Is he you
your lover?”
Claire’s slap landed before he even finished
“I’m not like you. I’m not that shameless!”
The sting on his cheek barely registered. He knew–knew–Claire would never cheat. But jealousy had twisted his words, and now he was paying for it.
“I’m done with you,” Claire said, voice ice–cold. “You came all this way just to throw accusations at me? Congrats, Finley- you’ve officially made me regret every second I ever loved you.”
Her words sliced through him, leaving him raw.
“I’m sorry,” he rasped. “I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t come here to insult you. I came to ask for forgiveness. Claire, I love you–I really love you. I gave up everything for you. Even the company. Nothing else matters.”
Claire almost laughed. Almost. But she was too tired for that.
“Finley, can’t we just end this peacefully? Don’t push me to the point where all I feel for you is hate. While there’s still something left between us–even if it’s just civility–leave.”
She took a breath, then looped her arm through Jace’s.
“If the only way you’ll back off is by thinking I’ve moved on, fine. He’s my boyfriend. We’re together. I’m meeting his parents
soon. There’s no hope for us.
Both men froze.
eyes lit up. “Really?”
Jace’s eyes lit
Finley just stood there, face blank, like he’d finally understood–this was it. No second chances. No coming back. He’d lost her.
Completely.
Claire turned without another glance. Jace smirked and followed. Once they were out of earshot, he couldn’t resist.
“So, about what you said-”
1/2
+20 Bonus
Claire let go of his arm, looking up at him. “You heard it all. Sorry for using you as a shield. You used me once, I used you once.
We’re even.”
Jace’s expression turned serious. “I wasn’t using you. And honestly? I’d like to see where this could go.
Claire shut that down fast. “People you meet on trips don’t stick around. I’m just another passerby.”
“I don’t see it that way,” Jace countered. “I don’t usually feel this way about someone. I mean it.”
“I was married. I lost a child. I don’t have the energy for another relationship, and I don’t trust marriage anymore.” Then, softer,
she patted his shoulder. “You’re a great guy. You’ll find someone better for you.”
And with that, she walked away.
On her way back, she spotted a little girl struggling to sell roses, standing there forever without a single sale.
Claire bought them all.
Who said she needed someone to buy her flowers? She could buy her own.
She was done waiting for happiness–she’d make it herself.
Behind her, Jace watched, grinning.
‘She’s something else.
‘She thinks her past would scare me off? Please.
‘She’s not the one who should regret anything. That honor belongs to the fool who let her go.”
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