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Chapter 3: Claire’s POV
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2024-12-18 17:48:02Charlotte saw me and began to smile but I knew the smile all too well. It’s a maniacal smile.
“Oh, Claire is here.” She said this to make sure everyone knew that the unwanted guest she anticipated had arrived. A guest they can all share a common hatred for. I knew coming here wasn’t a good idea, but I had to speak to Leo. It was our anniversary, and I felt nothing short of abandoned along with our growing child inside me. As soon as she said this. I hear Leo’s mother chime in. “Who invited you?” She asks with a disgusted face as she places a protective hand on Charlotte’s shoulder. “I’m sorry to overturn your anniversary, Claire. I had some exciting news delivered today and Leonardo was just so excited to share it with everyone.” She said this in a sad innocent puppy expression, knowing it’d convince everyone in the room that I was not only an enemy and outsider but a jealous and insecure wife. It didn’t help that Leonardo stayed plastered to Charlotte’s side. No hesitation of how I feel in this very moment. Alienated. Watching my husband forget about the love and marriage between us to celebrate Charlotte. I watched as the excitement showing in his face was more than I’d seen in the last five years he’s spent with me. I was hoping he’d come to my side as he looked at me and smiled. “Claire - you’re never going to believe it! After countless months of waitlists and zoom meetings, a German doctor specializing in paraplegic surgeries agreed to come and see Charlotte. He thinks he can help her walk again! He gives Charlotte a proud look and I can see how happy this news had made him. Happier than I’d seen him in a very long time - no matter how much I tried. I wish he would’ve included me in this celebration instead of leaving me as the odd man out. Maybe I could celebrate with him once I tell him we’re expecting. “Leonardo.” I have been holding onto this secret for too long and I still wanted to share this with Leo - especially when it was still our anniversary. But the look he gave me was anything but loving. It was short and threatening. He didn’t want me to ruin anything. “What?” He couldn’t hide the hint of annoyance in his tone. “Can we talk in private for a moment? I have news I’d like to share with you too.” I step out of the room and into the library where the books would muffle the sound of our conversation from the earshot of others. He followed and stepped inside as though he were trying to sneak out. “I have something important I want to you share with you.” But before I could finish talking, Leo had cut me off. “I brought you your gift.” He held out a diamond bracelet in his hand - waiting and expecting my hand in return. But all I could see is how similar it was to necklace Charlotte was currently wearing just outside that door. It was hard to separate the idea and images from this moment. Did he purchase the two pieces as a set and split them for us both? Just as I push the thought aside to share my news. I hear Charlotte calling out to Leo. “Leo, where are you? I need you.” Without hesitation, I see him ready himself to leave the room. I wanted to desperately to tell him the news, but I was losing my opportunity to do so
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“Leo - “ I stop when I see Leo start to walk towards the door. I hurry and grab his arm. “I still have something to tell you.” Leo pulls his arm back and turns to me annoyed and rubbing the back of his neck as a symbol of him becoming aggravated.“I need to go help Charlotte. We can talk about whatever this is once we’re home.”“Please don’t go” I ask in the smallest voice, but Leo turns the doorknob and leaves the room muttering the cruelest of words.“Don’t put me in the position to choose” and without even a glance back at me - he exited. I didn’t get the chance to tell him about our baby. I stayed behind in the library for a few more minutes. The loneliness I felt reached further than the depth of this room. I wasn’t welcome here. I’m not wanted here. Even my husband doesn’t want me here. I should leave. So, I put every effort in calming myself before leaving the library. I then make my way from the library door to the foyer, hoping to escape without being seen or better yet - hu
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I waited until we reached the top of the hill to place my foot in front of the wheel of my chair. I meant what I said to Claire. There was no one better suited for Leo than me. I just had to make Leo see that Claire was the wrong choice and remind him of how compatible we once were before this “accident”. Claire knows that I want Leo. If only she’d give up now and admit her impeding defeat.This woman was pathetic. After executing the first part of my plan, I watched her examine the wheels while holding onto my chair. She really didn’t want to hurt me but I had to make it seem otherwise if I wanted Leo. I used all my might to push her and throw off her balance. Watching her as she lost her grip on my chair and the horror of watching me fly down the hill - desperately trying to save me. This may hurt but I know once I scream - Leo will run to my side and he’d never believe this was an accident. Thus, driving the wedge between him and Claire. A wedge large enough to drive him into my a
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I hear a blood curdling scream from outside my family home and run outside desperately to investigate what could be the cause although I knew that scream. It was Charlotte. She couldn’t have done something to hurt Charlotte. Was she capable of that? That isn’t the Claire I know. Claire is always compassionate, kind and helpful to anyone in need. I saw her researching medical publications about Charlotte’s condition once. She wouldn’t take her emotions towards me out on a disabled woman especially not Charlotte who has always been kind to her. I know I had put our fifth anniversary aside today but felt it only right to be by Charlotte’s side on this very important day. I had gotten her a gift and I had still planned on celebrating with her afterwards. Just as I descend the hill, I see Charlotte lying on the ground bleeding from her forehead and cowering from Claire who was trying to put her back into her wheelchair urgently. I can’t believe what I’m seeing? Claire must’ve done this pur
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I have never seen this face on my husband - nonetheless directed at me. I begin rambling in an attempt to explain what happened and absolve myself of being accountable for any wrongdoings. It was an accident, and I was still trying to figure out exactly what happened myself. “This is not what it seems, Charlotte’s wheelchair got stuck at the top of the hill so I kneeled down to inspect it and felt a push. I tried to run after her, but I wasn’t fast enough.” I was hoping he would trust me or believe me. I would never do this. I was mistaken. Leonardo pushed me aside, causing me to fall onto the ground without a single glance to see if I was okay and rushed to Charlottes’ side. I covered my stomach and twisted in pain as I felt an intensifying pain. My baby! I look up to as Leo picks up Charlotte and begins to walk away. I struggled yo hastily rise yo my feet to go after him. I listened as he called his family’s private doctor to meet him at his family’s home. In just minutes,
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I sit up frantically. I must’ve fainted and that frightened me but what was even more frightening was where I was. I was in a hospital bed, and I heard a man speaking with the doctor just outside the door. It sounded as though they were talking about me. Just as I tuned into their conversation,They come into the room. The doctor introduces himself and asks how I’m feeling. I give a quick reply. I was more curious as to who he was talking to.Just then I see the man who saved me walking in slowly, peaking around the corner before entering. It wasn’t Leo although I remember exactly who he is.“What are you doing here?” I should’ve said ‘thank you’ or ‘hello’ but shock same first. It was Jordan Taylor. We had graduated Architectural school together although I hadn’t seen him in many years after he took a job opportunity abroad. He was famous in school for his innovation. Jordan was one of the only people I’ve ever considered a friend. “Hey, I was out walking my dog Boomer when I saw
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I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Claire on the sidewalk in my neighborhood. I haven’t seen or spoken to Claire in over five years. Although I did think about her often. I was in the midst of walking up to her to say hello when I see her start to sway. It didn’t look good. I run to catch her mid-fall as Boomer (my dog) looks up in his own way of concern. This wasn’t good. I rushed back to my house with her in my arms and got us into the car after putting Boomer inside and sped to the hospital. What was she doing walking alone? Was she going to be okay? What happened to her? I hasted through every question as I rushed Claire to the hospital and carried her in. I went to get her bag which I had left in the car as they strolled her into a room and returned to her side. Leaving Claire like this wasn’t an option. I waited while the doctor assessed her and I spoke to him ensuring her safety. I think he only shared her health information - thinking I was her husband. I always liked Cla
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I remember the first day Claire walked into my office. Her eyes were undeniably familiar. I knew I had seen them before. For a secretary, she had an extreme level professionalism which led me to forget about where I knew her from and focus on work - we worked well together. She was always in sync. One day, I received one of the many calls from my parents urging me to get married. I had every intention of marrying one day but it wasn’t a priority and having constant reminders was tiring. By the end of that conversation, I was spent and a migraine had already begun to surface. I had multiple girlfriends before and our relationships were always great in the beginning, that is until Charlotte would intervene. I was always available to Charlotte with no exceptions and that was intolerable for each one of them. None of them could accept the amount of attention I’d dedicate to her or the relationship I had with her. One of my exes went so far as to label Charlotte a ‘home wrecker’ and
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Leonardo rushed to my side, place his arm around my shoulder and looked at Jordan in an assertive manner. I watch as he says “Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Leonardo Park and I am Claire’s husband” in a serious tone.Jordan slowly dropped his hand from my other shoulder.“Nice to meet you. I’m Jordan Taylor, owner and president of JT Constructs and Company.”Was he mentioning his company in an effort to establish some sort of masculinity? “I believe I’ve heard of your company. We are in the same business after all.” Leo smile coyly. “That’s interesting. Where do you work?” Jordan seems casual as if he hadn’t noticed what my husband was doing.“Oh, I thought I mentioned it. I’m the president of Barters to Builds Co.”Jordan seemed taken aback to hear that my husband was the president for Barters to Build Co. it is the largest ship trading group in the country, and real estate construction is one of the many successful sub-businesses within its’ corporation.Once Leo caught a glimp
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After my meltdown and discovering some things in Francisco’s past, I began hearing my mother’s voice again. She was haunting me and I knew I wanted to see Leo to calm myself. I drive the only car available to his house and knock on the door. Elena cracks the door open and tells me that Leo is not home. A answer I refused to accept. She stood in my way as much as Claire. I try shoving the door open but she slams it shut in response and locks it. Feeling defeated, I sit on the doorstep and stare at the pavement for what felt like eternity. Then I see Leo’s driver drop him off as he parked the town car and I wait for him to notice my presence. I expected him to at least be happy to see me but his face expressed nothing but disdain. He didn’t expect me or want me there.He tries to tell that he will never choose me and that it’s Claire - it’s fucking Claire. And the next thing I know, the Chief Commissioner is detaining me at Leo’s request and taking me to the car. How could Leo do this
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I arrive at home and see an unknown vintage car is parked on my property. I was in no mood for company unless it was Claire’s. I send a photo of the license plate Mason and he asks that I remain inside as the vehicle belong to the mafia leader Francisco who has just escaped prison. But I see something even more shocking as I get closer to my front door. Charlotte is there sitting on the pavement outside my front door. Her hair is disheveled and her clothes are wrinkled. She looks to be a complete disarray. I text Mason back, letting him know that Charlotte was here and there was no sign of Francisco.“Charlotte?” I ask in disbelief as I approach the front steps.“Oh. Leo, I’ve been waiting for you to get back.” She looks to have been crying.“Are you okay?” I ask as she begins to stand.“No. I was thinking about what you said and I think you should reconsider. I would’ve waited inside but Elena refused to let me in.”“That’s because you’re not welcome here anymore.” I say coldly as sh
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I missed sleeping in an actual bed as I stretch out my limbs and see it is the next morning. The attorney texted and confirmed his flight. Soon he’d arrive here, pay Charlotte’s father a visit and come to collect his payment but I had to sense in waiting for him. I needed to catch up to whatever Dalia had done while I was locked up.“Enzo!” I beckon my henchman and watch as he comes in.“Have you seen or heard anything about Dalia? Enzo was always on the avenue and overseeing our territories. If the streets were talking, he’d be listening.“Last notice I got was that she was staying at the Hilton hotel just downtown. I placed a few men there. They haven’t seen anything suspicious.” “Good. We’re going to pay her a visit today.” I smile lightly as I imagine the fear in her face as I come to find her. And for a second, I feel guilt. Her sister would be disappointed if she were here to witness all that had happened.I get dressed and have Enzo drive downtown. The drive is lengthy but I w
The Billionaire Husband’s Betrayal Chapter 86: Claire’s POV
I see Nathan’s face line with confusion at the mention of Jordan. I knew our line of work wasn’t large and there must be something he must’ve heard about Jordan.I hear him question the name I had just mentioned.“Yes. I dated Jordan. He’s the owner or was the owner of a construction company here in the city and I had gone to architectural school with him years ago.” I explain.“It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that name.” He seemed to be upset in his remembrance of that name.“Did you know Jordan?” I ask curiously.“Actually, yes. I did a job or two with him when he first opened his company. I thought he had a pretty good vision but come to find out, he’s been fucking my wife.” I could see the rage painted across his face. Jordan had overstepped once again and this time, he involved himself in someone else’s marriage.“I’m so sorry, Nathan. I didn’t know. Was this recent?” When had this started? From my understanding, he had been going through mediations and his divorce for jus
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I peak downstairs as I hear the front door open. I hoped to see Claire had returned. I’ve taken a liking to her company. I see her come in with her husband behind her. And the from the looks of it, he didn’t enjoy my waiting. I come down the stairs casually and head to the kitchen. I grab myself a soda when I hear footsteps behind me.“Spying on my wife?” I hear Leo say from close behind me. I turn to see he is just an arms reach away.“I just wanted to make sure she made it back alright.” I say as I open my soda and take a drink.“Why wouldn’t she? She was with me.” His tone was unenthused.“Well, she disclosed her attacks. I felt it was only right to check on her.”“Is that all?” He asks presumptuously.“What do you mean?” “Well, I’ve heard the news that you’re going through a divorce and I just want to make myself clear when I say this - Claire is my wife. She is carrying my children and I won’t tolerate you disrespecting that.” He stands firm - assuming it’s an intimidation tacti
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I was thrilled to hear my babies were healthy and developing and even more so, when I the doctor informed me that they were boys - just like I dreamed of. I couldn’t wait to share the news with Elena and Charlotte. As we ready to leave, I see Leo watching me extremely. I’m sure the news has him feeling as though he needs to do more to protect me.“Can we see Elena?” I ask as we get in the car to leave.“Of course.” He replied without so much as a disagreement. I’m sure he thinks that Elena would convince me to come home but my decision wasn’t wavering at this moment. We drive back to Leo’s home and I see a pair of eyes watching from the window. She had been expecting me long before I decided to come. Leo assists me out of the car and I walk to the front door which is already open as I near it. “Ms. Claire, how are the babies?” “They’re good. I have some news for you?”“You are coming home?” She asks hopefully as she waits for me to announce the news.“No.” I nod sadly and try to s
The Billionaire Husband’s Betrayal Chapter 84: Leonardo’s POV
I see the way Nathan looks at her and it makes me just as uneasy as it did when Jordan looked at her the same way. I recall working with Nathan Carter on a few projects - his construction company was very meticulous in doing their work by a high standard of ethics - a trait I had admired although I spent very little time in letting them know that. As I grab Claire’s things, I see Nathan is watching her make her way to the car and I feel a pit of jealousy growing. Claire seemed to like his company and that didn’t sit well with me. I wanted Claire to see that I wasn’t going anywhere - not to be distracted by her best friends’ uncle and especially not when she was carrying our children. As I walk past Nathan, I stop to give him a look. “Is there a reason that you’re still watching my wife?” I ask calmly as to establish his position. “Just want to make sure she makes it to the car alright.” He doesn’t seem to hear the disdain in my voice and as soon as Claire makes it into the car, he
The Billionaire Husband’s Betrayal Chapter 84: Claire’s POV
After Mason leaves, Jasmine takes the liberty of stepping out of the living room to call her security and request more men be posted at the property at night. I didn’t think it was necessary after I had seen their efficiency with the police the other night and with the everlasting fear that I’ve felt these last few months. I see Leo called but I felt it was a waste to answer. He still wanted to protect Charlotte and I had no say in the matter.“Hey, are you okay?” I look up to see Nathan is looking at me with the same look of concern I’d become so accustomed to.“I guess. This is just my new normal as of right now.”“It doesn’t have to be. You can file charges.” He says confidently.“I’m assuming Jas told you what I’ve been going through?” It didn’t bother me. Jas wanted him to be aware because we were all staying together and it’s only fair that he be aware of the danger that might surround him here.“She did. She didn’t want to but I think she felt obligated since I’m staying here.”
The Billionaire Husband’s Betrayal Chapter 84: Francisco’s POV
I have one of the men in my empire pick me up at a bus stop just five miles short of the cemetery. Switching vehicles was crucial to being undetectable. I walk in with a black umbrella, sunglasses and a leather jacket. I search for the plot of charlottes mother through many tombstones and find her plot. A glorious granite slab encased in metal fencing. I find the key hidden under the first two steps. The plot was more of crypt but I expected nothing less coming from a rich embezzler.I read the tombstone as I pay my respects and make the sign of a cross across my chest.‘Here lies Charlene - a beloved wife, a carrying mother and a beautiful soul. May she rest in eternal peace.’Such kinds words for a woman who birthed what has now become an evil spirit. The fear she must have felt as her daughter set her ablaze out of jealousy. I look at the back of the stone and find a small inscription just as the bottom right corner. It was almost invisible to the naked eye. Just like her father sa
