Chapter 9
I replied with a single word. Clara: [Fine.]
Ethan and I needed closure, one way or another.
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He chose our old meeting spot–the chapel on the mountaintop.
Back when we first settled in Oceanhaven, Ethan often brought
me there on dates.
Money was tight, so he’d pick wildflowers to make me necklace
and crowns.
As things improved, he’d make annual donations to the chapel for my birthday.
I still remembered him standing before the cross, hands clasped in
earnest prayer. “God bless my Lara with peace and joy.”
Those words still echoed in my mind, though the man who spoke
to them felt like a stranger now.
When I arrived, Ethan’s gaze immediately fell to my leg. “Your
injury hasn’t healed properly. Why didn’t you let me pick you up?”
I couldn’t help but scoff. “Wasn’t it you who forced me to dance for your precious Amber even when my leg was worse?”
Ethan froze a flicker of quilt crossing his face “You’re right. That
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up online? Do you have any idea how much damage you’ve caused my company? Years of hard work–gone in an instant!”
As he spoke, his initial remorse evaporated, replaced by anger
and frustration.
I watched him calmly, curious to see what else he could say to justify himself.
“Let’s just put the past behind us,” he continued, exhaling sharply.
“It’s just my luck to have married someone like you.”
The confidence in his tone was maddening. “Money can be
regained,” he added, “but Amber’s reputation–you almost ruined
her!”
He studied my expression, mistaking my silence for hesitation,
and his lips curved into a smirk.
“You’ll post a statement online saying our marriage has been dead
for years and that we’d already agreed to divorce. Make it clear
that Amber isn’t a homewrecker.”
I stared at him, incredulous. This had to be the most absurd thing I’d heard all year.
“You think the public is stupid? If we had agreed to divorce, why would I have shared our marriage certificate?”
Ethan frowned in irritation. “Say you were acting out of lingering feelings–hurt and resentment. People will believe it.”
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My disdain must have been obvious because he turned his head uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze.
“Listen,” he said, his voice softening. “I promise I won’t say
anything rash to the media again. And if you still want to visit Roselle, I’ll take you after all this is settled.”
“No, thank you,” I replied coldly. “I wouldn’t want to impose on you. Save your grand gestures for Amber.”
Ethan sighed in exasperation. “You’re still jealous, Clara. Don’t you realize how exhausting this childish behavior is? Go to Roselle if you want, but when you come down the mountain, you’d better hold a press conference and clear everything up.”
He paused before adding, “And make sure you explain things to Julian, too.”
His shamelessness was staggering.
I took a deep breath to steady myself. “Why should I sacrifice my dignity to protect a cheating husband and his mistress?”
Ethan’s expression darkened. “Was it necessary to say something
so cruel?”
“I’m just stating facts,” I said, pulling a prepared divorce
agreement from my bag. “If you don’t want this to get uglier, then sign it.”
He stared at the papers, his initial surprise giving way to a
sneering smirk.
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“Do you think threatening me with divorce will scare me? Without me, you’re just a pariah, hated by everyone.”
As he spat out those final words, I felt something in my chest
shatter.
Ethan looked at me with cold contempt. “And don’t tell me Julian Reid actually cares about you. Do you think someone like him. would be interested in damaged goods?”
He let out a malicious laugh. “You’re not young anymore, Clara.
And men like Julian don’t go for women I’ve already used and
discarded.”
B
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tr Gifts
Chapter 9
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“Do you think threatening me with divorce will scare me? Without. me, you’re just a pariah, hated by everyone.”
As he spat out those final words, I felt something in my chest
shatter.
Ethan looked at me with cold contempt. “And don’t tell me Julian
Reid actually cares about you. Do you think someone like him would be interested in damaged goods?”
He let out a malicious laugh. “You’re not young anymore, Clara. And men like Julian don’t go for women I’ve already used and
discarded.”
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