The Wife he threw Away (Claire and Lucian) novel Chapter 281

Dinner was quieter than I expected.

Not the awkward kind of quiet, just… peaceful.

There was something strangely comforting about sitting across from Lucian at the same table where I’d once eaten countless meals while pretending everything was fine.

Back then, I had spent most of my dinners wondering what was happening inside his head.

Was he thinking about Eva Sterling? Was he regretting marrying me? Was he already imagining a life without me?

Now, I didn’t have to wonder— least, not about those kind of things.

Lucian was talking about Dhark Holdings.

“…I’ve been gone for too long.” He said.

I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been gone for less than two months.”

“That feels like too long.”

I laughed. “You were shot.”

“And stabbed.” Lucian added.

“You almost died.”

“I know.”

“And you’re worried about missing board meetings?”

His mouth curved into a slight smile. “The board barely survived without me.” He said. “I intend to make sure they don’t get too comfortable.”

I shook my head. “You really are impossible.”

“They tried to replace me.”

“They were scared.”

“They were opportunistic.”

“Those things aren’t mutually exclusive.”

He looked at me for a moment before smiling. “See that’s another reason I like having you around.”

I tilted my head to the left. “Because I defend your board?”

“Because you make irritating observations.” He corrected.

I burst into laughter. “I’m glad I can be useful.”

He reached across the table and took my hand. “I’ve been thinking about going back as soon as possible.”

I frowned. “No.”

His eyebrows lifted. “No?”

“No.” I stated.

“I didn’t realize I needed permission.”

“You don’t.”

“Good.”

“But I’m still saying no.”

Lucian only smiled.

I pointed at him. “You’re going to rest for at least two days.”

“Claire.”

“Two days.” I insisted.

Lucian rolled his eyes. “I feel fine.”

“I don’t know if you’ve forgotten, but you were literally unconscious in a hospital bed not too long ago.” I stated.

“I feel better now.” Lucian retorted.

“That doesn’t mean you’re healed.”

He sighed. “Two days?”

“Two.”

He considered it for a few seconds. “Fine.”

I smiled triumphantly. “You’re learning.”

“Don’t get too excited.”

I laughed.

For a few minutes, we talked about the board. About how most of the directors had suddenly become supportive again.

The people who had spent days discussing succession only to start praising Lucian’s leadership the moment he started recovering.

It was almost funny— almost..

But beneath the jokes, I could see how much he wanted to return.

Dhark Holdings wasn’t merely a company to him. It was his father’s legacy.

And more importantly, his mother’s legacy. His identity.

And after everything that had happened, I understood why he needed to reclaim it.

Eventually, dinner ended.

Lucian and I walked upstairs together. The moment I stepped into his bedroom, I stopped.

I had seen it earlier. But now, at night, it felt different.

The room was exactly as I remembered; the same bed, the same dark furniture, the same lamps, even the same curtains.

The faint scent of his cologne seemed to linger in the room.

Somehow, I didn’t feel like the same woman standing in it.

I shifted closer.

“There’s something I need to—”

My phone suddenly rang. The sound shattered the silence.

I froze.

Lucian stirred beside me, but didn’t wake.

I reached for my phone on the nightstand as the screen illuminated the room.

It was an unsaved number. And when I looked at that number for the second time, my heart almost stopped.

Hart Sullivan.

For several seconds, I simply stared at it. Hart hadn’t called me once since I gave him my card. Not until now.

I sat up slowly, pulling the blankets tighter against my chest.

Why was he calling me now?

I glanced at Lucian, who was still asleep.

The phone continued ringing.

I swallowed, then answered.

“Hello?”

There was silence on the other end.

After a moment, Hart’s voice finally came through— low, controlled and seemingly exhausted.

“Ms. Moreau.”

The sound of his voice made me tighten my grip on the phone. “Why are you calling me?”

A pause.

Then he said something I hadn’t expected to hear.

“I’ve decided to take the plea bargain.”

My whole body went completely still.

For a moment, I couldn’t even breathe. I stared at Lucian, who was still asleep beside me.

Everything had been so peaceful just seconds ago. Now, somehow, everything had changed.

“Are you sure?” I asked, my voice unsteady despite my efforts.

“Yes.”

My heart began pounding.

Hart Sullivan was finally choosing a side.

And tomorrow, the entire direction of the case could change.