Chapter 8

“Claire!” Clifford’s voice tore through the night air. “Seven years–you’re still my wife!” 

Nathaniel slowly rose from his seat, positioning himself protectively in front of me, his expression serene as if Clifford’s appearance were merely an insect that had wandered into the wrong party. 

“Who is he?” Clifford pushed past the security guards trying to restrain him, his gaze fixed on Nathaniel, his voice distorted with rage. “This is bigamy! What you’re doing is illegal!” 

I stood up from my chair, looking at this man I once thought would spend his life beside me. He’d grown thin, his hair indeed half–white now, his eyes sunken like a beaten dog. Yet my heart felt nothing–not even pity. 

“Clifford,” I said calmly, adjusting my sleeves as if handling an inconsequential document, “we terminated the separation agreement long ago. Two years ago, remember?” 

“So what if we terminated it!” Clifford’s voice cracked. “You promised you’d restore it! It was just a fight!” 

Nathaniel helpfully raised his wrist, the sapphire crystal of his watch reflecting Clifford’s distorted face. “Mr. Montgomery, you should brush up on your legal knowledge.”