All Chapters of Fifth Time, Final Goodbye: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

"What?"Renee froze, piecing it together. Claire lost the baby?Her shock melted into something darker, a fleeting smile barely noticeable. No baby meant no ties. Perfect. She'd been wracking her brain, trying to figure out how to push Finley into divorcing Claire. Now Finley had no reason to stay tethered to Claire."That night at the bar..." Finley's voice cracked, his grip on her arm tightening. "If it weren't for you getting hurt, I wouldn't have lost it. I wouldn't have pushed Claire. Our baby would still be alive!"Renee winced. "Finley, stop! That wasn't your fault. It was Claire's! She's the one who deliberately spilled hot tea on me. Didn't you say it yourself? She's always pulling these stunts. Honestly... maybe it's just karma.""What did you just say?"Finley's face darkened. He never imagined the sweet, innocent Renee would say something so cruel.Sensing things were spiraling, Megan jumped between them, yanking them apart. "Mr. Lloyd, please! Renee's still a kid. Y

When Finley called, Claire was lounging on a sun-drenched beach in the Maldives.The scenery was straight out of a postcard—crystal-clear water, endless blue skies. For someone who'd never seen the ocean, Claire was completely captivated.She'd arrived carrying the weight of her grief, but the island worked its magic. Slowly, the sea seemed to pull her sadness away, leaving behind a strange sense of peace.Nearby, the instructor was setting up for a snorkeling session when Claire's phone started buzzing nonstop.She pulled it out, saw the caller ID, and her stomach sank. Finley. Of course, he'd seen the divorce papers. He probably knew about the baby too.Claire sighed and hit decline. She didn't have the energy for him.But Finley didn't give up. He called again. And again.The instructor nudged her. "Seems important. You should take it. We'll wait for you to join us in the water."With a deep breath, Claire decided to just get it over with. She picked up."Hello?""Claire!

Three years ago, when Renee got the chance to study abroad, Finley begged her to stay.She didn't hesitate—just dumped him on the spot. Said she had dreams to chase, a star to become, and no room for distractions. Even when he swore he'd wait, she shot him down, claiming she didn't trust herself to stay loyal overseas. End of story.Now, she was back. And, of course, the first thing she did? Text him to pick her up from the airport.Seeing her again, Finley couldn't deny that flicker of nostalgia. They'd grown up together—Renee, three years younger, had always been his princess, the one he'd spoiled without question. Being with her had felt inevitable. But somehow, they ended up here."I regret it, Finley." Her voice was barely above a whisper. "I realize now—you're the one who matters most. I love you. I still love you. Do you feel the same?"Finley stood, gaze steady. "I won't lie to you. When I married Claire, I still loved you. But now? I don't. The only person I love is Clair

"What are you doing? Get out!" Claire's anger flared as Finley hauled himself inside."I'm not leaving unless you forgive me!"He stepped closer, arms reaching, but she slapped him—hard."I said get out! You just broke into my room. I could call the cops, you know that?""Call them! As long as you forgive me, I won't care!"Claire exhaled sharply. She was so damn tired. "What do you even want, Finley? Haven't you done enough? I literally left the country to escape you, and here you are. I let you have Renee. Why can't you just let me go?""There's nothing between me and Renee! The only person I love is you!"Claire laughed—loud, bitter, ugly. "Ha! Ha ha!"Her smile vanished, eyes burning. "You love me? That's funny."Is that why you forgot how far along I was? Why, on our third anniversary, you proposed to another woman?"Why, when I was pregnant, you pushed me down the stairs and ignored me while I begged for help—until our child was gone?"And now, suddenly, you love me? D

"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