Chapter 8

Richard nodded in approval. "You're marrying Ethan soon anyway. Just stay home and focus on yourself."

Claire hadn't imagined they'd take even the last thing her mother left her. Her knuckles went white. She couldn't hold it in any longer. "That's my company! Mom left it to me! What gives you the right to hand it over without asking?"

Julian's brow creased. "I have shares in that company. I have every right to make that call."

"Just stay home and rest. The doctor said your body is very weak. As for the company — you don't need to worry about it."

The moment the door clicked shut, Claire's eyes flooded. A single tear traced down her cheek.

The photo. The company. Every last thing her mother had left her — she hadn't been able to protect any of it.

Over the following days, Ethan made time to visit her every day. When he heard the full story, his eyes softened with tenderness. He pulled her into his arms and murmured, "Don't worry. Once we're married, everything will be yours."

"No one's going to take anything from you."

His words couldn't stir a ripple in her anymore. To coax a smile out of her, Ethan sent wave after wave of her favorite stuffed animals — until the entire room overflowed with them, redecorated in the pastel pink she loved. It became the only space in the house where Claire could stand to be.

Then one afternoon, Claire woke from a nap to the sound of Vivienne's voice. "You're giving her all these stuffed animals. What about me?"

The words dripped with petulance. Through the sheer white curtain, Claire could see two silhouettes pressed close together.

Ethan's voice was tight, laced with nerves. "Claire's still in there. Let's talk outside."

Vivienne gave a little huff. "No. She's asleep — what are you so afraid of? You give her stuffed animals but nothing for me? Fine. I'm done with you."

She turned to leave. Ethan cast a quick glance at the curtain and, seeing no movement, caught her arm and pulled her back. He tapped her nose, indulgent and teasing. "Silly. I'll buy you whatever you want."

Vivienne traced a finger up his chest, letting it come to rest on his throat. "But I want the ones in here, Ethan. Will you give them to me or not?"

He caught her wandering hand, his expression cooling. "Vivienne. Behave."

She pouted, the picture of wounded innocence. "But I want these ones!"

His resolve softened. "I'll buy you even more, but not these. These are off-limits."

A flash of spite crossed Vivienne's face. She glanced toward the curtain, then looked back at Ethan with a triumphant gleam before rising on her toes to press her lips to his.

Ethan's throat bobbed. He tried to push her away. "Not here —"

Vivienne's voice was honey-sweet. "We've been doing this for days. I lit incense — she won't wake up."

He exhaled slowly, then dipped his head and bit down on the pale curve of her neck. "You little temptress."

Their ragged breathing carried through the curtain. Claire lay perfectly still, the last embers of anything she'd felt for him turning to ash, a chill spreading through every part of her.

After they left, she stumbled to the wastebasket and threw up until there was nothing left. Night after night, as she drifted into sleep, Ethan and Vivienne tangled together just feet away from her.

And each time they lost themselves in each other, forgetting the world around them, Claire recorded everything.

Before long, she moved out. Every time she looked at that room, all she felt was revulsion.

When Ethan heard she'd left, he came running. "Claire, why did you move out?"

She held his gaze. "Because it was filthy."

The blood drained from his face. She saw it, and the ghost of a smile crossed her lips. "A dirty room needs a good scrubbing, don't you think?"

Ethan's racing heart settled. He let out a breath, sensing something off but unable to pin it down. "Yeah, I guess it does need a cleaning."

Though privately, he felt a pang of regret — he wouldn't be able to use that room for a while.

Guilt flickered across his features. "Claire, our engagement party is coming up. I promise I'll give you the most spectacular wedding."

Claire tugged at the corner of her mouth. Her eyes held no trace of warmth. "Before the engagement, I'll have a surprise for you."

Ethan wrapped his arms around her, his smile widening, delight written across his face. "What kind of surprise?"

"It's a secret."

He paused, then laughed, pulling her tighter, murmuring half to himself, "Claire, you have no idea how much I've wanted to be with you."

Claire said nothing. Only she knew there would be no engagement — because she was leaving on the day of Vivienne's birthday. And the clock was already ticking. Five days to go.