The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 218

Miles missed his mark. His pupils shrank a fraction and his jaw tightened, but his expression remained impassive. "Alright. I'll pick you up tonight."

"You don't have to! I'm meeting Chloe later. I'll just head straight home after."

-

That evening, at a local cafe.

"Claire, why are you spacing out? Is something wrong at OCHH?"

Claire shook her head. "No, it's..."

Chloe hit the nail on the head. "It's Miles, isn't it?"

She nodded, her voice heavy. "I just can't read him."

"He makes me breakfast, brushes my hair, drops me off at work, and even built a whole pantry for my team. But when I ask him if he actually likes me, he shoots me down without a second thought."

Chloe stared at Claire for a long moment before speaking with absolute seriousness.

"Claire, are you falling for Miles Zimmerman?"

Claire looked up, stunned. She fell silent for a long time before forcing the words out. "After wasting so many years on Jefferson Sterling, I don't think I even know how to love someone anymore."

"But I married him, and I really just want to build a good life together."

Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you obsessing over whether he likes you or not?"

"You need a reality check. Miles treats you well because he's fundamentally a good guy who takes his responsibilities as a husband seriously. Fulfilling a duty is completely different from being in love. Don't forget, he still has that unattainable ideal he's hung up on."

Chloe's eyes flicked down to the wedding ring on Claire's finger.

"Isn't this setup perfect for you right now? You get spoiled, taken care of, and have all the peace of mind to rebuild Nati. You're basically roommates with benefits. What's not to love?"

Claire's long eyelashes fluttered downward. She nodded, but the bitter lump in her throat refused to fade.

Back at Grandview Heights.

Miles wasn't home yet. Claire kicked off her shoes and walked straight into the bathroom.

After drying off, she slipped into a silk nightgown and stepped out.

Miles was sitting on the edge of the bed, making her jump in surprise.

"I didn't hear you come in."

He let go of her immediately, leaning back to put a safe distance between them.

Claire took the opportunity to slip off his lap, standing barefoot on the hardwood floor, her toes curling slightly in discomfort.

Miles grabbed a pair of slippers from the bathroom doorway, crouched down, and placed them at her feet.

He didn't look up, his voice sounding oddly muffled as he helped her slide them on.

"I overstepped by showing up at OCHH today. I shouldn't have set all that up without asking you first."

"It makes sense that you're upset."

Miles stood up, placing the ointment he had brought in onto the nightstand.

"Put this on yourself later," he said, turning and walking out of the bedroom.

Claire stood completely still.

So he hadn't pulled her onto his lap and hiked up her dress because he wanted to hook up... he just wanted to apply the ointment for her bruises?

She had completely misjudged him.