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Chapter 27
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Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 1
On Claire Carlson and Finley Lloyd's third wedding anniversary, he threw a party with all their friends.When she showed up, though, she walked straight into a nightmare: Finley on one knee, proposing to his childhood crush.The private room buzzed with chants: "Say yes, say yes!""Kiss her, Finley! Don't pretend we didn't call it. Everyone knows you're still into Renee, even though you're married!" someone hollered."Come on, man," another laughed. "If Claire sees this, she's gonna flip."Renee Slutsky tilted her head down, all fake shy, her voice sweet. "Especially since Claire's pregnant. Stress isn't good for her."The crowd egged him on harder. "You can't bail now, dude! You lost the dare! Kiss her!"Finley froze, eyes locked on Renee like he couldn't hear anything else. Slowly, he leaned in."WHAT are you doing?" Claire's voice sliced through the noise.Everyone froze. Every head turned toward the door, where Claire stood.Someone scrambled to explain. "It's not what it
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 2
A wave of searing pain hit Claire, ripping a cry from her throat. "Finley, don't go! My stomach—"He stopped and looked at her, his expression cold and unfeeling. "I don't have time for this. Do you even get what it means if Renee's hand scars? She's a celebrity. Stop being so selfish."He walked off with Renee, never looking back.Claire watched him go, despair crushing her. The pain spiked, tearing through her.She turned to people nearby. "Help me... someone, please help my baby—"A hot rush of liquid spilled down her legs, and the metallic tang of blood hit her nose. She looked down—bright red everywhere."No..." Her voice cracked as tears streamed down her face, sheer terror clawing at her heart.Her baby. She couldn't lose her baby."Miss, are you okay? OMG, someone call 911!" A stranger spotted Claire in the pool of blood and grabbed their phone.By the time she was in the ambulance, the pain was unbearable, her vision swimming. Still, she held on, begging the paramedic
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 3
"Where's the baby's father? I called him to come take care of you," the doctor asked.Claire blinked, her voice weak. "The baby doesn't have a father."The doctor frowned. "That can't be right. You're married, aren't you? But I've never seen your husband at any of your checkups. And now, with something this serious? Nothing?"Claire froze. It hit her: every single prenatal appointment, she'd been alone.When she first told Finley she was pregnant, he acted thrilled. Promised he'd come to the first ultrasound. But then Renee showed up.From that moment, it was like Claire didn't exist. Every time she mentioned a checkup, he dodged her, always too busy. She knew where he really was—spending time with Renee.She stayed quiet for the baby's sake. But now? The baby was gone. So was her reason to keep enduring this.She was done. Seven years of chasing him, and she had nothing left."If no one's here to handle this, you'll need to sort out the payment," the doctor said, handing her a
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 4
"Nothing." Claire shoved the paper into her pocket and kept walking, refusing to glance back.Behind her, Finley called out, "You've got a checkup in a few days, right? Once I deal with Renee, I'll come with you to the hospital."Her steps faltered, tears slipping down despite her best effort to hold it together."We'll see," she said, turning to face him. "But, Finley? Your five chances are up.""What?" He frowned. "Claire, come on. That was a joke. I never took it seriously—neither should you. Once Renee's hand heals, I'll come back to you. To the baby."A flicker of guilt flashed in his eyes, but it wasn't enough to stop him from turning back to Renee, guiding her carefully as they left.Claire watched him go, her heart hollow but her mind resolute. 'That's it, Finley. Your five chances are gone. You'll never get another one.'Downstairs, she went to pay the hospital bill. While waiting in line, dizziness hit her like a wave, and she stumbled.A nurse rushed over. "Miss, you
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 5
Finley owned plenty of properties, but only one had Claire's name on it—a house in the next neighborhood. The Lloyd family gave it to her when they found out she was pregnant.Now, with the divorce looming, Claire just wanted some peace. She didn't care if it was Finley or Renee; she wasn't in the mood to deal with either of them."Isn't there a house in the neighboring community?" she asked coolly. "Why not let Miss Slutsky stay there? It'd be more convenient."Finley frowned, caught off guard. "That's your house.""If she needs it, she can use it," Claire said flatly before turning to head upstairs."You're not having any pumpkin soup?" Finley called after her."No."She hated pumpkins—and pumpkin soup most of all.When she came back down later, the living room was empty except for Emma, the maid, who was clearing the table."Mrs. Lloyd, Mr. Lloyd and Miss Slutsky went to the house in the neighboring community," Emma said quietly."Okay," Claire replied, barely glancing up.
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 6
"Why didn't you rest there for a while?" Claire asked."It's not my home," Finley said, shrugging off his jacket and handing it to her like it was automatic. "Besides, it's your birthday. I should spend it with you."Claire took the jacket without a word, the sharp, cloying scent of perfume hitting her instantly. She placed it on the couch, keeping some distance between them."When's your next prenatal appointment?" Finley asked, stepping closer. His hand settled on her stomach, heavy and unwelcome. "Baby, do you miss Daddy? Next time, Daddy will go with Mommy to the appointment. We'll see you. Isn't that exciting?"Claire froze, staring at his bright smile, feeling nothing but cold. Exciting? Was he serious? There wasn't even a baby left to see, thanks to him."Next Monday. Will you be free?""I will," he promised, sliding his arms around her from behind. "I'm sorry, Claire. I know I've been distant, but it's not what you think. Renee and I are just friends. You're so jealous so
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 7
"Why would Claire mind?" Finley said. "She knows exactly what kind of relationship we have."He stood and grabbed a napkin, gently wiping the corner of Renee's lips. "You little glutton, how do you still eat like a messy kid?"A wave of nausea hit Claire so hard, she had to look away. "I'm not feeling well," she muttered. "I'm heading home."Finley glanced at her, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "Is it the baby again? This little one really doesn't behave, huh?"For a split second, Claire thought he might walk her out. Instead, he said, "If you're not feeling well, go ahead. I'll come back after Renee finishes eating."She stared at him, biting back the bitter laugh bubbling in her throat. Even pregnant, she came second to Renee.Suddenly, the fire alarm blared. People started shouting, "Fire! Run!"Before Claire could react, the crowd surged toward the exits, the restaurant erupting into chaos. Her mind blanked for a moment. Instinctively, her eyes searched for Finley.
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 8
After a few steps, Finley glanced back. Claire was still standing where he'd left her, her small frame almost swallowed by the space around her. She looked so fragile, so alone.It hit him then—he'd promised her he wouldn't put Renee first anymore, but he'd failed. Every single time. Determined, he swore to himself he'd make it up to Claire.Once Finley and Renee were gone, Claire returned to her seat. A waiter appeared, carrying a two-tiered cake."Miss, happy birthday. This cake was prepared by Mr. Lloyd," the waiter said, glancing around awkwardly when he noticed Finley wasn't there. Claire sat alone."Just leave it, thanks."The waiter lit the candles and handed her a small doll as a gift. Claire closed her eyes, made a wish, and blew out the candles.She didn't wish for herself. She wished for her baby—to be reborn into a family filled with love, where happiness wasn't something fragile and fleeting.She took a bite of the cake. It was sweet, but all she could taste was bit
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Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 27
Claire had seen the ocean. Time to go home.At sunrise, she packed up and headed to the front desk."Miss, checking out already?""Yeah."With Finley here, she wasn't sticking around."Understood. Your checkout is complete." The staff handed her a folder. "Mr. Lloyd left this for you early this morning. He said to give it to you when you checked out."Claire's hands trembled slightly. "Where is he?""He figured you wouldn't want to see him, so he took the earliest flight home.""Thank you."Claire stepped aside and opened the folder. Inside was the divorce agreement.For a moment, she just stared. Then she flipped to the last page. Finley's signature.Tears slipped down her cheeks—not from sadness, but relief. She was finally free."Oh, miss, one more thing." The staff handed her a business card. "Another gentleman left this for you."Claire glanced at the card. Just as she suspected—Jace Arnault, CEO. Big deal, big company."He said to call if you needed anything. And th
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 26
Finley's temper flared."I'm talking to my wife. Who the hell are you?""Wife?" Jace scoffed. "Claire told me you're divorcing. Pretty sure that makes you her ex. And since you're not her husband anymore, I've got every right to speak for her."Finley's glare snapped to Claire. "You told him about the divorce? Who is this guy? You said you wanted time alone, but is this the real reason? Do you already have someone else? Is he your lover?"Claire's slap landed before he even finished."I'm not like you. I'm not that shameless!"The sting on his cheek barely registered. He knew—knew—Claire would never cheat. But jealousy had twisted his words, and now he was paying for it."I'm done with you," Claire said, voice ice-cold. "You came all this way just to throw accusations at me? Congrats, Finley—you've officially made me regret every second I ever loved you."Her words sliced through him, leaving him raw."I'm sorry," he rasped. "I wasn't thinking. I didn't come here to insult you
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 25
Jace chuckled, watching Claire light up over something so simple. Just as he was about to join her, his phone rang."Mom?"The second he answered, his mother's furious voice exploded through the line. "Jace! Where are you? I set up a blind date, and you didn't even show up! That poor girl waited hours—you couldn't even text?"Jace frowned. "I've told you —I'm not interested. These women only agree because our family has money. I'm not doing it.""And what are you doing instead? You're over thirty and still single! When am I getting grandkids?""Fine, I'll marry a divorcée with two kids. How's that?" Jace rolled his eyes. Thirty-something and unmarried—it wasn't the end of the world."Great! Just bring someone home. A woman, a man—I don't care! You can adopt kids if you have to!"Jace sighed and hung up, shaking his head. His mom was relentless about grandkids, and as the only son, all that pressure landed on him.He glanced at Claire, raised a brow, and strolled over. "Claire,
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 24
Droplets clung to his skin, catching the sunlight like scattered diamonds. Claire blinked, then did a double take.Jace.The guy who'd given her the SIM card.Before she could say anything, a group of ladies beat her to it."Hey, handsome, are you alone? Join us for a drink?""Yeah, we're about to swim—want to come?"Jace pulled himself out of the pool, casually slipping on a robe, instantly covering up the show. "Sorry, I'm not alone."Then, to Claire's complete shock—He walked straight to her."My girlfriend's right here."The ladies' smiles faltered."Oh... you have a girlfriend."They exchanged looks, then walked off, disappointed.Claire just... stared. Then pointed at herself. "Are you talking about me?"Jace smirked. "Hope you don't mind. Just needed a quick excuse."Claire let out a small, awkward laugh. "I guess not."He took a seat beside her, eyeing the pool. "You've been sitting here forever. Why not go in?"Claire hesitated. "Because I can't."She'd neve
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 23
"Mr. Lloyd, right now, the company should be your priority. You need to focus on what to do next.""I need to go home." Finley gripped the table for balance, barely steadying himself. "Take me to the family estate."After his father's death, Finley's mother, Paulina, had taken over most family matters. When Finley stumbled through the front door, reeking of alcohol, Paulina's face darkened instantly."What the hell is this?" she snapped. "Why are you drunk? And where's Claire? Why isn't she with you?"She was sorting through a pile of supplements she'd bought for Claire, planning to take them over tomorrow. Despite her past dislike of Claire, the pregnancy had changed everything."Mom, there's something I need to tell you."Paulina frowned. "What is it? This better not be about Claire's baby. That child is the future of this family! If anything happened, I swear—" Her voice sharpened. "I'd never forgive her, and you'd better divorce her. I knew I shouldn't have let you marry her
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 22
Claire's tone cooled, but barely. "Is something wrong?""Mr. Lloyd's not in a good state. Can you come back?""His condition has nothing to do with me. We're getting divorced. Don't call me about him again.""Please, Mrs. Lloyd, I'm begging you. He really regrets everything." Kevin's words tumbled out. "The company's in deep trouble—bankruptcy is on the table. He tried to negotiate a deal, but they forced him to drink two bottles of whiskey. Then they smashed a bottle over his head. He's bleeding badly, refusing the hospital. He just keeps calling your name. For the sake of the years you were married—please."Claire didn't even blink.Whatever was happening to Finley? That was his own doing. It had nothing to do with her.Compared to the loss of her child, his problems were a joke."I'll say this once. I don't care. Don't call me again—"Before she could finish, another voice burst through the line."Claire? Claire, is that you? I miss you. Please come back, okay? Come pick me
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 21
"Well done! Well done!" Mr. Wright even clapped. "Mr. Lloyd, I heard you really did a number on Renee. A few slaps? That was mercy."Finley nodded. "Yeah. I hurt her. I get it. I just hope she can forgive me.""Forgive you?" Renee sneered. "Jump off the roof, and I'll forgive you on the way down."She wanted him to feel what she had—helpless, desperate, wrecked."Renee—""Shut up! I told you not to call me that!" Another slap. Then, grabbing a wine bottle from the table, she tilted it against his lips. "You want this deal? Drink."She poured, and Finley didn't resist, letting the alcohol burn its way down. When she finally yanked the bottle away, she shoved him back.He staggered, eyes unfocused, face burning. Then came the kick—vicious and full of spite. He hit the ground hard.Still, he clung to his mission. "Renee... have you calmed down? Can you convince them to agree now?" His words slurred, but he still remembered why he was here.Renee inhaled sharply, trying to rein in
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 20
"Mr. Lloyd, you're here," The overweight man sprawled on the couch barely looked up, one brow lifting.It took Finley a second to recognize him—Danny Wright."Mr. Wright," Finley said, tight-lipped. His gaze flicked to Renee, unease curling in his gut. Since when did she let men handle her like this?"You're late," Wright said, nodding at the table. "Three drinks as penalty."Finley frowned. He wasn't late. He was actually early."What's the holdup? You came to ask for a favor, right? If you can't even drink, how do you expect to prove your sincerity?"Across the room, another man lounged with a woman draped over him. Finley recognized her—an actress from Renee's era. Now, she looked just as ruined, reduced to arm candy.Something in him snapped. He grabbed Renee's arm. "What are you doing? We're leaving.""Let go of me!" Renee yanked her arm free. "Do you even know why you're here? You're begging Mr. Wright for business. Or are you still too dense to get it?"Her glare cut th
Fifth Time, Final Goodbye Chapter 19
Finley caught the first flight home, no time to waste. By the time he landed, Kevin had meetings lined up with the real estate moguls."When can I meet Danny Wright and Tony Lopez?"Kevin hesitated. "They won't see you. They're pulling their contracts.""What? Why?"That made no sense. His deals with them had always been solid—unless something went down while he was gone.Kevin shifted awkwardly. "Also...the finance director got caught embezzling. And there have been suicides at a few of our construction sites. It's bad."Finley's jaw tightened. "I see.""Oh, right—almost forgot. Miss Slutsky's waiting in your office."Finley's expression darkened. "Renee? I don't want to see her. Tell her I'm busy."Kevin looked uneasy. "You should. She's been here almost every day since you left."Annoyance burned in Finley's chest. No chance of peace until he dealt with her. "Fine."***Finley pushed open the office door. Renee was sprawled on the couch."Finley, you're back?" she said,
