The Wife he threw Away (Claire and Lucian) novel Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE Claire’s POV

I felt uneasy the minute I walked through the door.

I couldn’t help but wonder why the estate administration had sent me a message;

“Mrs. Dhark, please return to the mansion immediately. Your presence is required.”

Deep down, I was quietly satisfied. The interview was over. And although I didn’t know if I had done enough or if I would ever hear from them again, I had showed up. That’s what mattered.

“Welcome back.” I heard Eva say from the living room.

I stiffened before I even saw her.

She was seated on the couch, wearing a pink silk robe, one hand resting on her stomach, the other holding a porcelain teacup I immediately recognized.

It was my mother’s set. I had brought it with me when I moved into the mansion years ago. It was precious – one of the few things I still had of my mother.

I felt bile rise in my throat.

Camilla stood a few steps behind Eva, with lowered eyes.

“You’re late.” Eva spoke with false sweetness. “I was beginning to wonder if the interview ran long or if you decided not to go at all.”

I held my jaw high, meeting her gaze. “I went.”

“Hmm.” Eva tilted her head, watching me curiously. “And?”

A breath of frustration escaped my lips.

Where was this conversation even going?

“And what?” I asked a bit too sharply.

“Did they seem impressed?” she asked, amused. “Or were they distracted by… everything else?”

Her eyes flicked over me, unimpressed.

“I don’t know yet.” I managed to answer calmly. 1

Eva sneered. “Of course you don’t.”

She immediately wore a smile again, like it was a mask she could dispose of and reclaim whenever she chose.

“I’ve made a few changes in this house,” she continued lightly. “Doctor’s orders. Less stress and a calmer routine.”

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CHANGA WHIVE Claire’s POV

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She glanced at Camilla, who stood rigid behind her. “Make sure the staff understands that. I don’t want unnecessary movement in the house.”

“Yes, miss.” Camilla replied.

Eva flashed a satisfied smile, then turned back to me. “Lucian agrees, of course. I’ll be managing household matters from now on,” she added. “Schedules, meals, visitors. It’s better this way.”

I swallowed, deciding to ignore her. Again, I told myself this was only temporary.

I started walking away, but apparently Eva wasn’t done.

“Claire.”

I stopped.

Eva reached for a file placed neatly on the table. She opened it, casually flipping through the pages.

My breath caught in my throat when I recognized the paper.

The divorce agreement.

She hadn’t even pretended not to see it.

“I found this in your room,” she said, tapping the file gently. “It’s been days, yet you still haven’t signed.”

My throat tightened. Not only did she invade my privacy by looking through my room, she was also very smug about it.

“You shouldn’t be looking through my stuff.” I said, barely managing to keep my voice steady.

“I thought you had a knowledge of law. A divorce agreement belongs to you and Lucian, you dummy.” Eva said mockingly. “And I have the right to touch whatever belongs to Lucian.”

She paused, as if she was letting me absorb the information. As if she was waiting for me to understand how much she mattered.

“So why haven’t you signed yet?” She asked.

I swallowed, choosing my words carefully. “I will sign when I’m ready.”

Eva laughed softly. Mockingly. “That’s an interesting answer for someone who has nowhere else to go.”

“I need to make arrangements first, so I can support myself.”

That did it.

I watched as Eva’s smile thinned. Something sharp flickered in her eyes – first surprise, then… calculation.

“Arrangements.” She repeated slowly.

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WEN Claire’: POV

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“Yes.” I affirmed.

For a moment, the room was completely silent. So silent, I could hear my own pulse in my ears.

Then Eva stood and started walking slowly toward me, with the confidence of someone who knew the

mansion now bent around her.

“And you think someone will take you seriously?” She asked as she studied me; from my tired face, to my plain dress.

“With the headlines and the scandal?”

“I’ll have to wait and see.” I replied.

Eva laughed softly. “How optimistic.” She was now standing directly in front of me. “You’re still living here, still using Lucian’s name, still under this roof.”

I stared at her. “So?”

Eva smiled. “You do realize that Camilla answers to me,” she continued. “The staff reports to me. Your schedules, your movements – they all pass through me now.”

I knew she was right.

“From where I’m standing,” she said, walking around me in circles. “You’re not Lucian’s wife anymore, Claire. You’re a guest. A guest who has overstayed her welcome.”

I looked up at her. “Lucian knows I’m waiting.”

Eva’s lips curved into a knowing smile, then she turned to Camilla. “The next time Claire leaves this house, make sure you inform me.”

Camilla hesitated for a second, before nodding. “Yes, miss.”

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