the same.
At dawn, Mara arrived at the hospital carrying coffee, a clean robe, and a face like weathered stone.
‘I saw the video,’ Mara said.
Claire nodded toward the bassinet. ‘He used the ring.’
‘I know.’
‘He left us here.’
‘I know that too.’
Claire looked up. Her eyes were dry. ‘Can I remove them from Briarwood?’
Mara sat beside the bed.
‘Yes. But we do this carefully. The deed is recorded. The creditor has released the lien. I can file for emergency civil possession based on unauthorized occupation and suspected fraudulent claims, especially if Celeste is representing herself as owner. If Adrian has taken money from her for a property he did not own, that is a separate problem for him.’
Claire gave a tired laugh without humor.
‘He told everyone she bought it.’
‘Then he is either lying to them or lying to her.’
‘Probably both.’
Mara’s expression softened when Miles stirred.
‘There is one more thing,’ she said. ‘Do not sign anything Adrian brings you. Not one page. Not one hospital form he hands you. Nothing.’
Claire frowned.
‘Why?’
‘Because men who believe women are trapped often try to make the trap official.’
Adrian arrived two hours later.
He came into the room wearing the same tuxedo trousers from the night before and a fresh shirt that did not hide the lipstick faintly smudged near his collar. He carried a leather document folder. His hair was damp, his jaw unshaven, but his confidence had survived intact.
He did not look at Lily.
‘We need to be realistic,’ he said.
Claire was sitting up, Miles tucked in the crook of her left arm, Lily against her right. Mara had stepped out moments earlier to make a call, leaving the room quiet except for the soft beeping of a monitor.
‘About what?’ Claire asked.
‘Our marriage is over.’
The sentence landed less heavily than she expected. Perhaps because the marriage had ended long before he said it aloud.
Adrian opened the folder and placed a stack of papers on the bed.
‘Celeste and I are engaged. She understands the demands of my position. She has resources, influence, social instinct. You are a kind woman, Claire, but kindness is not enough.’
Claire stared at him.
‘You proposed in our house while I was recovering from childbirth.’
‘Do not be dramatic.’
‘You used the ring I recovered from a pawn shop.’
A flicker crossed his face.
‘That ring belongs to the Marlow family.’
‘So do your children.’
He glanced at Miles.
‘That brings me to the practical matter.’
Claire’s skin went cold.
Adrian tapped the papers.
‘Miles stays with me. He is the heir. He needs to be raised at Briarwood with the right guidance. Celeste is prepared to help. You can take Lily. She will be less complicated for you.’
For several seconds, Claire could not speak.
The room seemed to narrow until there was only Adrian’s mouth, the papers, and her son’s tiny sleeping face.
‘You are talking about separating twins.’
‘I am talking about giving my son a future.’
‘And your daughter?’
He looked uncomfortable, then annoyed at being made uncomfortable.
‘You always wanted a girl.’
Claire felt the old version of herself reach for an apology. She almost said his name gently. Almost tried to reason
