Claire Reed thought she married the man of her dreams, Evander Kensington, but she had no idea that their marriage was built on a lie; a family vow that trapped him by her side. His heart, however, belonged to another woman, his white lotus. No matter how hard Claire tried to win Evander’s love, he only grew colder, and his family treated her like she didn’t exist. When she lost their unborn child, Claire’s world shattered. She wanted to see Evander, but he didn't bother to check on her. Instead, he went to meet that white lotus. Unable to bear the betrayal, she decided to free Evander from this marriage, leaving behind a letter and divorce papers, claiming she now had someone else she loved! ~~~~ "You’re mine, and I’ll never let you go!” he declared, his voice dark with possessiveness. “But I don’t want you anymore! You can have Susan—I’m now in love with someone else!” Claire shot back, her words sharp and final. "You can't be with anyone. Do you even know how sleepless nights I've without you?" Evander's hold on her tightened. "I'll see how you become some else when I'll claim you," he pronounced before crashing his lips on her.
Claire's POV
The word home felt foreign, almost mocking, given everything that had happened.
Evander didn't move at first. He stayed seated, his hands still gripping the wheel as if it were the only thing keeping him grounded. Finally, he exhaled deeply and turned to face me.
"Claire…" he began, his voice low and steady, but I cut him off.
"Don't," I said sharply, refusing to meet his gaze. "Whatever you are about to say, it doesn't matter anymore."
I opened the door and stepped out of the car. I didn't wait for him to follow as I made my way to the door, each step feeling heavier than the last.
Behind me, I heard the car door shut, followed by his steady footsteps. I knew he wasn't going to let this go. But at that moment, I didn't have the energy to deal with him—or the emotions threatening to spill over.