Chapter 7
At 10 AM the next day, I spotted Tessa and Aiden already waiting outside Nathan’s house, just as I’d predicted.]
“Let’s go in,” I said.]
Tessa finally caught on. “You’re the one who texted me?“]
“But he’s your husband. What are you trying to accomplish here?“]
My patience was running thin. “No ulterior motive. If you want to marry Nathan, then stop asking questions and follow me inside.“]
Little Aiden stood there confused, unable to understand what the adults were talking about.
I entered my fingerprint to unlock the door. As it swung open, we were hit with the overwhelming smell of cigarettes and alcohol.]
Nathan was sprawled among a pile of empty bottles. The moment he saw me, he scrambled to his feet.]
“Claire, you came back. Does this mean you’re willing to forgive me?“]
He
pulled me into a hug, his alcohol–soaked breath making me wrinkle my nose.]
“I’m not here to forgive you. I’m here to find my son’s father.”
I pushed him away, revealing Tessa and Aiden standing in the doorway.
Aiden, who hadn’t seen his dad in a while, grew excited.]]
“Daddy!“]
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Nathan’s expression softened as he pulled his son into his arms.
“Daddy, did you stop loving me and Mommy?” the little boy asked.
Tessa couldn’t hold back her bitter tears.
“Of course not, baby. How could I ever stop loving you?“]
“If you really mean that, then sign these divorce papers,” I said, shoving the pre–prepared documents into his hand.
“Unless you want this poor child to never be able to call you ‘Daddy in public? Or maybe you’d prefer to see ‘CEO Nathan Reed’s Affair‘ splashed across tomorrow’s headlines?”
Tessa finally understood what was happening. She threw herself into Nathan’s arms, joining her son in a tearful scene.
“Nathan, you promised you’d divorce her soon! This is the perfect opportunity! Were you lying to me all along?”
Whether it was my threats or the emotional display from Tessa and Aiden, Nathan couldn’t bring himself to say he wouldn’t go through with the divorce.[]
“Since you’ve agreed to divorce, just sign the papers. I’m not trying to take advantage–I don’t want a penny of your money.”
After saying this, afraid that Nathan might still refuse to divorce if things got ugly, I made my exit as quickly as possible.
The only downside was leaving behind all my limited edition clothes and designer bags.]
But this minor disappointment didn’t stop me from immediately booking an international flight.
Talk about perfect timing–Jake, the guy I’d been crushing on forever, accepted my invitation to travel together.]
We wandered beneath Prague’s ancient astronomical clock, wrote each other’s names in the snow in Hokkaido, exchanged knowing smiles on a gondola in Venice, and chased the sunrise along Ball’s beaches.]
I enjoyed this peaceful, comfortable period in my life, and our relationship took a major step forward. Though he was still too stubborn to officially commit to being with me.
Just when I thought I’d never cross paths with Nathan or Tessa again, I received an unexpected call
When I answered, all I heard was soft sobbing on the other end.
“Hello?
There was no response for so long that I almost hung up, thinking it was a prank call. Then finally, a voice came through.]
“Claire Moore, I hate you so much.
