Champagne Covered Claire's Dress, But Her Mother's Return Exposed The Secret Richard Had Been Hiding From Both Families For Years
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Chapter 7 / 15
Chapter 8 - Claire Walked Out On Richard
Claire did not go home with Richard.
She booked a hotel room.
Her dress still smelled faintly of champagne.
At two in the morning, she stood beneath a shower and watched diluted
frosting and makeup disappear into the drain.
Richard called twenty-three times.
She answered once.
“I love you.”
Claire closed her eyes.
“That isn’t enough.”
“I made mistakes.”
“You built our marriage on information you controlled.”
“That’s not fair.”
“It’s exactly fair.”
Richard went quiet.
Claire continued.
“You watched your mother treat me like I had no family.”
“I defended you.”
“Sometimes.”
“I chose you.”
“No.”
Her voice cracked.
May you like
“You chose what version of me was easiest for you to manage.”
Then she ended the call.
