Chapter 12 - THE WOMAN WHO LEARNED TO TRUST AGAIN
Clare began rebuilding her life.
She moved into a small apartment near the waterfront.
Returned to work.
Spent weekends with Nora.
And started taking projects she'd once declined because Ethan disliked her traveling.
Her first major assignment was restoring a historic theater outside Boston.
The building had been abandoned for decades.
Its plaster ceilings were cracked.
The seats were damaged.
The old stage was covered in dust.
But Clare loved it immediately.
Julian Cross visited one afternoon to discuss a contract issue.
He found her standing beneath the ruined chandelier.
“You look happy.”
She turned.
“I am.”
He smiled.
“Good.”
Clare looked around.
“Everyone else sees a disaster.”
Julian studied the theater.
“And you?”
She smiled.
“Potential.”
He looked at her.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he said:
“Would you like to have dinner sometime?”
Clare froze.
Julian immediately added:
“Not as your attorney. I would refer any remaining legal work to a colleague first.”
She smiled.
“You thought that through.”
He laughed.
“I try.”
Clare considered him.
Then nodded.
“Yes.”
May you like
And for the first time since the canceled wedding, the idea of dating someone didn't feel frightening.
It felt possible.
