Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 82

By the end, we were both sobbing. I thought I’d be the one holding it together for her, but somehow, she ended up comforting me. Then she reached into her bag and pulled out a property deed.

“This is the inheritance my parents left me. It’s worth about six hundred thousand. It should help us out,” she said softly.

“You don’t have to work yourself to the bone anymore. You really don’t have to worry...”

I stared at the deed in her hands, completely at a loss for words. Life always seems to throw the wildest curveballs when you least expect it. But even if we sold the house, it wouldn’t change anything now. Claire had attached an extra agreement to our contract, just to make sure I couldn’t run. For a year, I wasn’t allowed to pay her back early. Even if I somehow scraped together two million, she wouldn’t take it. The contract had to last the full year, or I’d owe her five times the amount.

I placed the deed gently back in her hands. “Mom, I have money. Just focus on your treatment. This house is your last link to your parents. It means everything to you.”

After talking things over with Darleen and giving the nurse some instructions, I headed back to Claire’s villa.

When I got there, Garrison’s car was already parked out front. I knew he was inside, so I slipped in through the side entrance, hoping to avoid the awkwardness. But through the window, I caught a glimpse of the garden.

Claire sat on the swing while Garrison pushed her, both of them laughing and chatting like nothing in the world could touch them. I stood just out of sight, watching them for a moment. The scene looked so peaceful, but for some reason, it stung. I couldn’t help remembering when that used to be us. I could almost hear her laughter from those days...

Lost in thought, I didn’t notice Susan walking up until she called my name.

“Lambert? What are you doing out here? Why aren’t you inside?”

Susan’s voice snapped me back to reality. I cleared my throat, feeling awkward. “I just got back. I was about to head in.”

“Well, come on then. Help me with the fish, will you?”

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