Chapter 4

The concern in Elliot's eyes looked real.

Claire felt nothing.

Before she could answer, the door flew open.

Wyatt stormed in, grabbed Elliot by the collar, and snapped, "After what you did to Claire, you still have the nerve to show up? She doesn't want you here. Get out."

He dragged Elliot into the hall, furious.

But the door didn't shut all the way, and pieces of their conversation slipped through.

"Jovie's awake. Her arm hurts, and she's crying for you. Go be with her."

Elliot went quiet for a second, then sighed.

"I know.

"Watch Claire. Don't let her run off and start trouble again. She hasn't looked good these past few days. Take care of her."

Two minutes later, Wyatt walked back in.

The second he saw Claire wrapped in bandages, his eyes filled with tears.

Perfect performance.

"I'm sorry. I should've been with you yesterday. Then you wouldn't have gotten hurt again...

"You just woke up, and you're still weak. I made you soup. Try some."

He pulled a bowl from the bag, scooped up a spoonful, and held it to her lips.

Claire turned away, frowning.

"I'm allergic to seafood. Don't you know that?"

Wyatt's smile froze for half a second.

Then it came right back.

"Sorry. I was so worried, I forgot. What kind do you want? I'll make you another bowl."

His voice sounded completely sincere.

Claire felt nothing.

Back then, Elliot had remembered her seafood allergy better than anyone. Every time they ate out, he made sure the kitchen knew.

No seafood. Not even a trace.

But Wyatt wasn't eighteen-year-old Elliot.

Of course he wouldn't remember something that small.

It was time to let go.

Claire lowered her eyes, hiding the faint mockery in them.

"No need. I'm tired. Please leave."

She turned over, closed her eyes, and tried to rest.

Wyatt paused, but didn't ask questions. After a few more concerned words, he finally left.

Claire opened the Notes app on her phone and looked at the second item on her bucket list.

[Go to Zoe's wedding.]

Zoe Sandford was one of the few real friends Claire had made in Auremont.

Claire hadn't told anyone she was sick.

What was the point?

She didn't want the people who truly cared about her carrying that pain.

Before her life ended, she just wanted to see Zoe one last time.

After a few days in the hospital, Claire grabbed the wedding gift she'd prepared and headed to the ceremony.

The second Zoe saw her, she rushed over and pulled her into a hug.

Then her face fell.

"Claire, you've lost so much weight. Did Elliot bully you again?"

Claire smiled and shook her head.

"No. It's your wedding day. Let's not talk about people who ruin the mood."

A familiar female voice cut in.

"Ms. Sandford, I've heard so much about you. Elliot and I picked this gift together. We wish you and Mr. Wright a lifetime of happiness."

They turned.

Jovie stood there.

Zoe's face hardened.

"Who let you in?"

The blunt rejection made Jovie's smile freeze, but she quickly recovered.

"Ms. Sandford, don't you remember? I'm Elliot's fiancée now. We'll be seeing a lot of each other, so I hope we can get along—"

Zoe laughed.

Cold and sharp.

"Who said you're part of our circle? Homewreckers aren't welcome at my wedding."

The Sandfords were a big deal in Auremont, and the guest list was packed with powerful people.

The scene drew everyone's attention fast.

Claire didn't want Zoe's wedding wrecked, so she waved over a bodyguard.

"Get her out."

Humiliated in front of everyone, Jovie's eyes flashed with hate.

Then she spotted someone behind Claire.

Her whole expression changed.

The second the bodyguard touched her, Jovie went limp, cried out, and tumbled down the steps like she'd been shoved.

Elliot had just arrived.

He froze, then rushed forward and caught her.

His eyes swept over Claire and the bodyguards beside her. His face darkened.

"Claire, what are you doing now?"