Divorce!
Joshua sensed her presence and glanced up. His eyes met hers across the distance, and for a moment, everything stopped.
The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, locked in a silent exchange that spoke more than words ever could.
But whatever link they had once shared, whatever understanding they might have had, was gone.
Joshua's gaze was unreadable, a mask of indifference that crushed any leftover hope Claire had clung to.
He looked at her as if she were a stranger, someone he barely knew, and it hurt more than anything he could have said.
Claire felt the last remnants of her determination crumble, her heart shattering into a million pieces.
She couldn't do this anymore. She couldn't fight for someone who had already given up on her, someone who had picked her stepsister over her.
Without another word, Claire turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.