Chapter 12 - THE NIGHT HE FINALLY TOLD THE TRUTH
Six months after Claire left, Adrian asked to meet her.
She agreed.
They met at a quiet restaurant.
Not one of his.
Not somewhere his name meant anything.
Just a small place with wooden tables and soft music.
Adrian arrived early.
Claire arrived on time.
He stood when she approached.
She smiled faintly.
“Hello.”
“Hello.”
They ordered dinner.
Talked about work.
The weather.
The community center.
Then Adrian placed his fork down.
“Claire.”
She looked up.
“I owe you something.”
She waited.
“The truth.”
Her expression changed.
Adrian took a breath.
“I didn't marry you because I thought you'd make a beautiful addition to my life.”
Claire stared.
“I married you because I loved you.”
Her eyes filled.
He continued.
“But somewhere along the way, I started treating you like something I owned.”
A tear slipped down her cheek.
“I thought providing money meant I was being a good husband.”
He looked down.
“I thought if you had everything, you couldn't possibly be unhappy.”
Claire wiped her face.
“Adrian.”
He shook his head.
“I was wrong.”
Silence.
Then he said:
“I don't expect you to forgive me.”
Claire looked at him.
“But I needed you to know that I finally understand.”
She stared for a long moment.
May you like
Then whispered:
“Thank you.”
