Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 326

Chapter 326

In the mirror, I looked exactly like what I was–a woman who’d just been fucked senseless and left in a state of panicked disarray.

Outside, I could hear Claire’s voice, sweet and concerned. “Darling, you look exhausted. Have you been working too hard again?”

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“Something like that.” Lucas’s voice was smooth, controlled be complete opposite of the man who’d been pounding into me thirty seconds ago. “What brings you by?”

“I wanted to discuss the seating chart for Saturday’s gala. You know how Mother gets about these things.”

I pressed my ear against the door, my heart still racing. Lucas was responding to her in that gentle, patient tone I’d never ofree heard him use with me. Asking about her mother’s preferences. Agreeing to whatever she suggested. Playing the role of devoted fiancé with an ease that made my stomach turn.

He’d never been gentle with me. Not once in four years. Every touch was designed to dominate, to remind me of my place. But with Claire, he was all soft words and careful consideration.

The realization shouldn’t have hurt. I knew what I was to him–a captive, a toy, a way to satisfy his need for revenge against my family. But hearing him speak to her with such tenderness, such care, felt like a knife twisting in my gut.

“Lucas.” Claire’s voice turned hesitant. Is someone else here?”

My blood turned to ice.

“What?” Lucas sounded genuinely confused. “Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know, it just… it feels like you’re hiding something.”

“Claire, don’t be ridiculous-

“Then you won’t mind if I look around.”

No. No, no, no-

Footsteps approached the break room door. I backed away from it, my eyes darting around the small space. There was nowhere to hide. Nowhere to-

The closet. There was a narrow closet built into the wall, probably for storing extra suits or files. I yanked it open, squeezing myself inside just as I heard

the break room door handle turn.

The space was cramped and dark, smelling of cedar and expensive fabric. Through the thin crack between the door and frame, I could see Claire step into the room, her pretty face creased with suspicion.

She was beautiful, I had to admit. Blonde hair perfectly styled, designer dress that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe used to. Everything about her screamed old money, class, the kind of woman Lucas was supposed to be with.

Not someone like me Not the daughter of the family he’d destroyed.

She moved slowly, deliberately, checking behind the door, peering into the corners. Then she dropped to her knees–God, her knees, in that expensive dress -and looked under the daybed that sat against one wall.

12:14 pm PPPT

Chapter 326-

My heart–was pounding so hard I was sure she could hear it. Sure that any second she’d notice the closet, pull open the door, and find me crammed inside like some kind of guilty secret.

Which, I supposed, was exactly what was.

Claire stood, brushing off her dress, and turned toward the closet. Toward me.

I held my breath, pressing myself as far back into the corner as I could. Through the crack, I could see Lucas now, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, watching his fiancée search for evidence of his infidelity with an expression of mild amusement.

He looked completely relaxed. Completely in control. Like this was all just another game to him.

Claire’s hand reached for the closet door handle.

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