Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 7

The person I loved with everything I had was standing right in front of me, but in that moment, I couldn’t find a single word to fight back. Watching her hurt like that, I felt like my own heart was splitting open. Yet, what could I really do? What could I possibly say? I was nothing but a shell of who I used to be.

I let go of her hand, my voice cold. “I’m just trying to look out for you, Claire. Whether you listen or not, that’s your choice.”

Claire’s anger only burned hotter. “Yeah? Well, you’re right. It’s none of your business. Who I marry is my decision, not yours. You’re the last person who should be telling me what to do.”

She was right. I had lost that right a long time ago. “Then I hope you find happiness,” I said quietly.

I turned to walk away. Behind me, she called out, her voice trembling, packed with anger and something that sounded almost like hope.

“Don’t you regret what you did back then? Not even a little?”

I stopped in my tracks. For a long moment, I just stood there with my back to her. When I finally spoke, my words came out slow and heavy.

“No. I’ve never regretted it. And I never will.”

The next thing I knew, she threw the folder she was holding. It hit me hard in the back, but I barely felt it.

Her voice shook with disappointment and rage. “So it’s true. You left because you thought I’d drag you down.”

My hands curled into fists at my sides. I forced myself to say it. “Yeah. That’s right. I wanted someone who could help me succeed, not someone who was about to lose everything. You and your family would’ve just held me back, and I didn’t want that.”

I didn’t look back. I walked straight into the elevator. She stared at me, furious and hurt.

“It was pretty quiet at work, so I figured I’d come back. How are you feeling?”

She sighed. “I’m okay. I just feel bad for being a burden to you.”

“Mom, don’t say that. You saved my life—twice. You could never be a burden.”

“Why don’t you sit in the doorway for a bit and relax? I’ll get dinner started. It won’t take long.”

She gave me a soft smile and nodded. “Alright, dear.”

I took the groceries to the kitchen. Darleen sat at the door, just like she used to every day. Her health hadn’t been great recently, so she didn’t come out as often, but it felt nice to have her there. I usually tried to chat with her while I cooked, but tonight, I was worried the food might burn, so I decided to finish up in the kitchen first.