Chapter 3: The Marriage He Needs

Claire's POV

“Jason threatened to stop collectors from buying your paintings?”

Emily read his messages again, her face growing angrier. I'd arrived at her apartment after midnight with only my handbag. She'd given me her bed, but I couldn't sleep knowing the hospital expected Dad's thirty-thousand-dollar deposit by tomorrow afternoon.

“I thought he'd calm down after I left,” I said. “Instead, he's making sure I can't earn the money myself.”

Emily sat beside me. “I have six thousand dollars saved. Take it, Claire.”

“You need that money for rent. Besides, it won't cover the deposit.”

“We could ask someone else.”

“Who? Everyone I know has bills.” I rubbed my eyes. “I'm terrified of what happens if I can't pay.”

She put her arm around me, and I finally cried. All I could think about was Dad waiting for an operation I couldn't afford.

The following morning, I went to the hospital.

Dad was sitting upright, his breakfast untouched. The oxygen tubing beneath his nose made him look older than he had a month ago.

“You look exhausted, sweetheart,” he said. “Did Jason keep you awake?”

“I'm fine, Dad. Have you eaten?”

He reached for my hand, then noticed my bare finger.

“Where's your wedding ring?”

“Dad, please eat something first.”

“Claire, what happened?”

I told him about Jessica's exhibition, our painting, and Jason denying our marriage. When I mentioned the messages about his surgery, Dad gripped the bedsheet.

“He offered to pay if you apologized to that woman?”

I nodded, unable to meet his eyes.

Dad turned away. I thought he was angry until I saw him wiping his eyes.

“I taught other people's children for thirty-five years,” he said. “I told them never to let anyone make them feel worthless. Yet my own daughter has spent four years being treated like she doesn't matter.”

“Dad, you didn't know everything.”

“I knew you weren't happy. I should've asked why.”

I sat beside him. “None of this matters as much as getting you well.”

“It matters to me.” He held my hand. “I know what the doctor said about delaying surgery. I'm frightened too. But I won't have you return to that man because you're afraid of losing me.”

My tears fell onto our joined hands.

“I promise I won't go back,” I whispered. “And I'll keep trying to get the money.”

After leaving his room, I spoke to the hospital's billing officer. The deposit was due by two that afternoon to reserve the surgical slot. Without it, Dad would remain under medical care while the hospital reconsidered his treatment arrangements.

At ten, I met the divorce lawyer Emily had recommended. She reviewed my marriage certificate and explained that Jason couldn't prevent me from filing.

“I want to proceed,” I told her. “Whatever he threatens, I'm not returning.”

I signed the necessary documents, knowing Jason would be furious when he received formal notice.

Outside her office, my broker called.

“Claire, the collector interested in your landscape has withdrawn his offer.”

My stomach dropped. “He was supposed to pay today.”

“I know. I've heard Mr. Miller has been contacting collectors since last night's exhibition, but I can't confirm whether that influenced him.”

The sale would have covered most of Dad's deposit. I sat on a nearby bench, wondering how much more Jason intended to take from me.

My phone rang again.

“Ms. Miller? This is Daniel from Bennett Group. Your broker sent us your portfolio. Mr. Bennett would like to discuss a commission this morning.”

I checked the time. “Will there be an advance?”

“It's a paid preliminary commission. Mr. Bennett can explain the terms.”

I agreed to come.

Ryan Bennett stood when I entered his office.

“Claire. Thank you for coming.”

“My father's in the hospital, so I can't stay long.”

“Then we'll get straight to business.” He opened my portfolio. “Your paintings are impressive, but you haven't completed an installation of this size.”

“I've handled large commissions before.”

“Not one involving multiple fabrication teams and a public opening deadline.”

“Then I'll need experienced assistants. Their costs are included in my proposed f*e.”

Ryan examined the figures. “Your price is higher than several established artists have quoted.”

“Then why am I here?”

“Because I prefer your work. That doesn't mean I'll approve a budget without questioning it.”

I showed him photographs of a mural I'd completed the previous year.

“This took six weeks and three revisions. The client paid my full f*e because I delivered what I promised.”

Ryan studied the photographs. “Good. That's the explanation I wanted.”

“You could've asked without making me feel as though I had to beg.”

His expression softened. “You're right. I could have.”

He offered a paid preliminary commission, but payment would follow delivery and approval of the designs. It wouldn't help Dad today.

“I'll have my lawyer review the agreement,” I said.

“I'd expect you to.” Ryan handed me the folder. “Accepting this work doesn't mean you owe me anything beyond what's written there.”

His phone rang.

“Victoria,” he said. “I'm with someone.”

A woman's sharp voice carried through the receiver.

“Olivia and her parents expect you tonight. If you refuse the Grants' investment, I'll withdraw my support and encourage the family trustees to back the alternative leadership proposal.”

“I've told you I'm not marrying Olivia.”

“Then give me another reason to believe you can protect this company.”

Ryan's jaw tightened. “We'll discuss the vote tomorrow.”

He ended the call.

“Do billionaires ever marry because they actually love someone?” I asked.

Ryan looked at me. “You heard that?”

“Enough. Apparently, your aunt thinks marriage is a business transaction.”

“She controls the family's voting bloc. The Grants have offered investment support, but Victoria wants their daughter married into the family.”

“And you won't marry her?”

“Olivia deserves someone who wants her. So do I.”

I hadn't expected that answer.

“Then why not refuse?”

“I have another financing option. Victoria believes I'll eventually surrender rather than risk losing the shareholder vote.”

“So marrying someone else would stop her?”

“It would end the marriage negotiations. I'd still have to win the vote with my alternative plan.”

I looked at the agreement. “What does this have to do with me?”

“Last night, you walked away from a man who believed he could control you.”

“My father's surgery is still unpaid, Ryan. I'm not nearly as brave as you think.”

“I didn't say you weren't frightened.”

I looked away, uncomfortable with how easily he understood me.

“There's another proposition I'd like you to consider,” he said. “It's separate from your commission.”

“What proposition?”

“My family wants a wife they can influence. I want someone willing to establish boundaries.”

“You barely know me.”

“That's true. I'm asking whether you'd consider discussing an arrangement.”

“I haven't even finished divorcing my husband. And you're talking about another marriage?”

“Not until you're legally free.”

“Then why ask me?”

“Because you understand what it means to have someone dictate your life. And you're not afraid to tell me when I'm wrong.”

I studied him, wondering whether he understood how badly my first marriage had damaged my trust.

Ryan leaned across the desk.

“Tell me something, Claire. How would you feel about marrying your ex-husband's greatest enemy?”