Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 59

“What are you thinking about?”

Claire’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked away, feeling caught.

“Nothing.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Are you wondering why I’m not marrying you instead?”

Her words hit a nerve. For a second, I was certain she could see right through me. I fumbled for a reply. “No, you just told me to look ahead.”

Her face fell, disappointment clouding her eyes. She’d been hoping for something else. The whole scene felt too familiar. How could I not feel anything? Had I really forgotten everything we’d been through together? Or was I just pretending I didn’t remember?

Claire stared at me, her eyes sharp and cold, but I could see the pain beneath. She spoke again, her voice quiet but piercing. “Do you really not remember?”

Of course I knew what she meant. But I couldn’t admit it, even if my own heart ached just as much as hers.

How could I forget someone I loved so deeply? Even so, what was the point of remembering? I couldn’t turn back time, couldn’t pretend none of it had happened.

I forced a teasing smile and met her gaze. “Which time are you talking about? Honestly, I can’t recall. It’s all in the past. Who remembers that clearly?”

She stared at me, then suddenly slapped me. The sound echoed in the room.

“You don’t remember? Maybe this will help.”

Claire turned away, furious, but almost immediately stumbled over a stool. Instinct took over, and I rushed to catch her, wrapping my arm around her waist and pulling her close.

She looked up at me, her face just inches from mine. For a moment, neither of us moved. The whole scene felt weirdly familiar, like we’d lived it before. The tension between us was thick, and I had to look away.

Suddenly, Daisy burst in, calling Claire’s name. I let go immediately.

Claire slipped from my arms and landed hard on the floor. She stared at me, hurt and angry. Daisy rushed over and shoved me aside.

“Lambert, what’s wrong with you? Claire just fell! Why didn’t you help her?”