Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 75

I had no idea why Garrison suddenly started saying all that or why he acted the way he did. It just didn’t make sense. But then I heard Claire’s voice, and everything clicked. He was putting on a show for her, trying to set me up. That was his plan all along.

Before I could react, Claire rushed up from behind and shoved me out of the way. I wasn’t ready for it, so I went down hard, my head smacking against the wall. Pain shot through my thigh, sharp and hot. I could feel my wound tearing open again, the blood already soaking through my pants.

Claire’s voice rang out, full of anger. “Lambert! Why did you push Garrison? Don’t you know he’s still sick?”

I stared at her, completely stunned. The truth was the opposite. Garrison had given me a little shove, then thrown himself to the floor like he was in some kind of play. He did it on purpose, all so he could pin it on me.

My head was spinning from the hit, and my leg was throbbing so badly I could barely get a word out. Looking at her, she felt like a stranger. The same person who once promised she’d always believe me, always have my back… that person was gone.

Garrison saw Claire and immediately put on his act, clutching his chest and frowning like he was in pain. “Claire, don’t blame Lambert. It was my fault. I wasn’t careful.”

Claire rushed to his side, her face twisted with worry. “Don’t defend him, I saw what happened!”

“I was just walking over,” she said, her voice softer, “and I saw him push you. Then you fell. Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?”

She couldn’t take her eyes off Garrison, her concern so obvious it made my chest tighten with jealousy. There was a time when she looked at me like that, when her care was meant for me.

Garrison played along, looking up at her with a helpless expression. “I’m fine. Just a little dizzy. I think I might throw up.”

Claire’s worry deepened. “That must have been from the fall. You’re still sick, and now you’ve taken a hit like that. No wonder you feel worse.”

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