The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 3

In the early hours of the morning, Claire returned to the Southside Apartments.

A pair of leather dress shoes sat in the entryway. Jefferson was back.-

The living room smelled of alcohol. Jefferson lounged on the sofa, his tie loosened, exposing his sharp collarbone.

Seeing her walk in, he smirked. “It's my birthday today. Where have you been running wild?”

He reached out, pulling her into his lap, and leaned in for an alcohol-laced kiss.

Looking at his face, Claire felt a wave of nausea. She frowned and dodged, but he pinched her chin and forced her back.

“You heartless little thing, you can't even say happy birthday?”

His large hand slid up her smooth, flawless thigh.

“Do I have to prepare a gift for you on my own birthday?”

Jefferson loved her beautiful exterior; otherwise, they wouldn't have been together for six years.

Especially those captivating eyes.

Her sweet, compliant nature always gave him a profound sense of satisfaction.

“Jefferson,” Claire said, the thought of her mother and Yvonne making his touch feel repulsive.

“Let go. You're hurting my arm.”

He pressed her down dominantly, his tone coaxing. “Be a good girl. Why are you so upset today?”

“Jefferson,” her voice came out slightly hoarse. “When will you find a kidney donor for my mom?”

“Claire, I'm trying. Susan's condition is complicated, you know that.”

He murmured softly, pressing his lips to her neck again, his voice muffled.

“Be good. I'll have the specialists do another consultation tomorrow.”

Claire closed her eyes, letting out a cold, silent laugh in her heart.

She asked her second question.

“So, when do you plan on marrying me?”

He paused.

“Why bring this up all of a sudden?”

He slowly ran his thumb over her lips, like he was petting an animal.

“You can have anything you want, but I can't give you the title of Mrs. Sterling.”

“I know you want the title, but don't use a breakup to threaten me...”

His phone buzzed. The screen flashed with Yvonne's name.

He let go of Claire, his voice instantly softening. “Alright, Yvonne, I'll be right there.”

Before walking out the door, Jefferson tossed back a final remark. “If you're feeling neglected, go buy yourself something nice. I don't have the patience to coddle you right now.”

The front door slammed shut.

Claire laid on the couch for a long time until the dull pain in her back faded into numbness.

She slowly sat up, pulled at her torn dress, and walked expressionlessly into the bathroom.

Cold water washed over her. The woman in the mirror was pale, but her eyes were piercingly lucid.

She dried off and walked into the walk-in closet.

It was filled with high-end designer items—gifts Jefferson had thrown her way whenever he was in a good mood. She used to be reluctant to wear them, but now, they would serve a purpose.

Claire took photos and sent them to a luxury reseller.

[Everything. Give me your best price.]

That very night, Claire erased every trace of herself from the apartment, handed the keys to the security guard, and dragged her suitcase to stay at her best friend Chloe Chambers's place.