Chapter 14 - THE LAST PAGE OF THE CONTRACT
The twelve-month contract expired on a rainy Thursday.
Thomas Reed arrived at Vale Manor carrying the original agreement.
I stared at it.
The black folder.
The signature.
The number.
Five million dollars.
One year.
A marriage that was supposed to be temporary.
Adrian sat beside me.
Thomas cleared his throat.
“Mrs. Vale, the contract has reached its termination date.”
I nodded.
“I know.”
He placed the documents on the table.
“Under the agreement, you're entitled to the trust payment.”
I looked at Adrian.
He said nothing.
Thomas continued.
“You may also choose to dissolve the marriage.”
Silence.
I looked at the papers.
Then at Adrian.
“Can we have a moment?”
Thomas nodded.
“Of course.”
He left.
Adrian watched me.
His expression was unreadable.
“Claire.”
“Yes?”
“You're free.”
My heart tightened.
He continued.
“You always were.”
I looked at him.
Then smiled sadly.
“Do you want me to leave?”
His eyes filled.
“No.”
A pause.
“More than anything, I want you to stay.”
I swallowed.
“Then why are you giving me the choice?”
He looked at me.
“Because I love you.”
My eyes filled.
He continued.
“And love doesn't mean keeping someone because a contract says you can.”
I walked toward him.
Knelt beside his wheelchair.
Then took the agreement.
Slowly.
Carefully.
I tore it in half.
Adrian stared.
“Claire.”
I smiled through tears.
“I didn't fall in love with a contract.”
His eyes filled.
I leaned closer.
“I fell in love with you.”
May you like
Then I kissed him.
And for the first time, our marriage belonged entirely to us.
