Chapter Sixty-One

Jeff stood in Zane's doorway at six in the morning watching his son sleep with a small suitcase in his hand.He needed to leave for the airport in thirty minutes but couldn't bring himself to wake Zane yet, couldn't face those questions about when he'd be back and why he had to go.Zane's eyes fluttered open as if sensing his father's presence and he sat up quickly."Daddy? Are you leaving?"Jeff walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "Yeah, buddy. Remember? I told you about my business trip."Zane's face crumpled and he threw his arms around Jeff's neck. "I don't want you to go.""I know, but it's only for a few days and I'll be back before you know it.""Promise?" Zane's voice was small and scared."I promise." Jeff hugged him tighter and kissed the top of his head. "And you'll have Mommy here the whole time."Zane pulled back and looked at Jeff with those serious grey eyes that sometimes seemed too old for a five-year-old."Is the lady going with you?" Zane asked, twitching hi

Last Updated : 2026-04-25

Chapter Sixty-Two

Jeff stood at the gate watching passengers board and checking his phone for the third time.No messages from Claire, no sign of her anywhere.He glanced at his watch - ten minutes until final boarding and she still wasn't here.Maybe she'd changed her mind about the trip, maybe yesterday's confrontation had been too much, maybe she'd decided being alone with him wasn't worth any amount of money.Jeff felt a confusing mix of disappointment and relief.Then he saw her and his stomach clenched hard.Claire walked toward the gate with her carry-on rolling behind her and her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail, wearing dark jeans and a cream sweater that made her look softer somehow, less armored than her usual business suits.Their eyes met across the waiting area and Jeff felt the air suddenly charged with current before Claire looked away and headed straight to the counter.She checked in without acknowledging Jeff and then sat down as far from him as possible in the crowded gate area,

Last Updated : 2026-04-26

Chapter Sixty-Three

Cedar Ridge Resort lived up to its reputation with its soaring ceilings, massive stone fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the mountains beyond.Jeff and Claire approached the check-in desk where a cheerful woman in a burgundy blazer smiled at them."Welcome to Cedar Ridge! Checking in?""Yes. Anderson and Clark." Jeff said.The woman typed into her computer. "Ah yes, we have you both in our luxury suites on the fifth floor. Rooms 507 and 509, right next to each other."Claire stiffened beside Jeff, she didn't want her room to be close to Jeff...she wanted to be far away from him as much as possible.The woman handed them each a key card and kept smiling at them as if she was doing both of them a favor."The elevators are just past the fireplace. Breakfast is served from six to ten in the main dining room, and our restaurant is open until nine PM. Is there anything else I can help you with?" She asked politely."We're fine, thank you." Claire took her key and grabbe

Last Updated : 2026-04-27

Chapter Sixty-Four

Claire woke to sunlight streaming through the bedroom window and the sound of movement in the main room.She'd barely slept, too aware of Jeff just beyond the door, too tangled up in bitter memories and fear, and something she refused to acknowledge.She got out of bed slowly and pulled on her robe, she opened the door to find Jeff already awake and dressed in jeans and a sweater, standing by the window with a coffee cup in his hand.He turned when he heard her and his eyes traveled over her before he looked away quickly.In that few minutes, she felt her skin heated and she struggled to keep her face straight and not show him how he affected her."Morning. There's coffee in the kitchenette.""Thanks." Claire's voice came out croaked and she quickly cleared her throat.She poured herself a cup and they stood on opposite sides of the room in awkward silence until the hotel phone rang.Jeff picked it up. "Hello?"Claire watched his expression change."Yes, Mr. Rollen. Of course. We'll b

Last Updated : 2026-04-28

Chapter Sixty-Five

That night after dinner, Claire stood by the window watching the snow while Jeff sat on the couch, both of them trapped in awkward silence.Jeff stood and walked to the shelf where he'd spotted a deck of cards earlier."Let's play a game." Jeff finally broke the silence.Claire blinked. "What?""A game." He repeated bringing out the cards."I don't know Jeff...maybe I'll pass" she replied, not budging from the window."Come on Amber...It's a truth or dare game." Jeff sat back down, watching her like a hawk with the cards in his hand.Claire's eyes furrowed, "Is this the time where you'll ask about my personal life?"Jeff raised a brow, "Are you trying to tell me that you're hiding something?...and that if I dig deep enough I might uncover some...dirt?"Claire shrugged and went towards him, "let's play".Jeff smirked, "thought as much".He dealt the cards. "Gin rummy. Loser answers a question". He stared straight at her before adding "Truthfully.""And if we refuse to answer?""Take a