Chapter 112: Fulfillment From Within

Frederick couldn’t believe the woman in front of him was Claire. Crouched in the backseat, he stared at her, unblinking. For a moment, it felt like he didn’t know her at all. The bravery, determination, and decisiveness in her eyes were nothing like the Claire he used to know.

Four years ago, Claire had been confident, radiant, and proud, a woman who carried herself with unshakable poise. When she was released from prison, she had become timid, humble, and cautious, always overly polite. But now, this Claire was someone entirely different. She was like a steadfast ally on a battlefield, someone he could count on. The feeling was both familiar and captivating.

Frederick hadn’t experienced this sense of trust since Andrew Beaumont, Anna’s brother. After Andrew’s death, no one else had given him that same unwavering confidence. And yet, here he was, feeling it again, toward Claire, of all people. He didn’t even understand why.

Frederick’s gaze lingered on her, almost as though he were being drawn in. Claire, meanwhile, was completely unaccustomed to being looked at by Frederick in this way. She had seen his hatred, his disdain, and his indifference. She had even endured his cold, mocking sneers. But now, his eyes held something different. They reflected admiration, reassurance, and warmth that carried an unspoken promise, as if they were sharing a bond forged in life and death.

The sharp crack of a gunshot outside shattered the moment. The sniper had fired again. Frederick snapped out of it and instinctively pulled Claire into his arms. The movement was so natural that he didn’t even realize he had done it. In one fluid motion, he opened the car door, fired a shot, and shut it again, his actions precise and efficient.

Claire’s heart had been racing moments ago, but now, cradled against Frederick’s chest, she felt calm. She didn’t understand why. She knew very well how much Frederick hated her because of Anna. That hatred had been palpable for years. But at this moment, she felt safe. No matter what happened, she believed Frederick would protect her. Even with bullets flying outside, his heartbeat was a steady rhythm she clung to. It felt like the safest, strongest shield in the world.

As long as his heart kept beating, she believed nothing could harm her. “Maybe,” she thought, “it is because I have loved Frederick for so long. Now that I am experiencing this rare moment of closeness, it filled me with a deep, indescribable sense of fulfillment.” That feeling of fulfillment warmed her from the inside out, enveloping her in a sense of peace.

Frederick eliminated the sniper and finally became aware of his own instinctive actions. He released Claire, clearly startled by what he had just done. “Just now, I…”

“I know,” Claire interrupted, her voice hurried but steady. For a moment, they both looked up, their eyes locking. Something subtle but undeniable passed between them. It was a shift, barely perceptible but deeply felt. Even Richard, crouched near the driver’s seat, noticed it. He turned his head just enough to glance at them. He saw Claire’s flushed cheeks and Frederick’s dazed expression.

The air outside was filled with danger, but inside the car, it felt oddly insulated, as if the life-and-death struggle beyond the windows no longer mattered.

“General Hawthorne,” Richard said, breaking the tension. “We can’t stay on the defensive. They’re after you. Let me go out and draw their fire. That way, you and Ms. Prescott can escape.” He hesitated, clearly reluctant to ruin the moment, but the situation demanded urgency.

“No need, Adjutant Parker. It’s too dangerous out there,” Claire said quickly, glancing at Richard’s injured wrist. “I have a better plan.”

“A better plan?” Frederick turned sharply, his eyes narrowing at Claire. In this situation, even he was struggling to think of a way out. He didn’t know what plan she could have.

“I…”

Claire shifted cautiously, inching toward the window as she tried to survey the outside. She was about to explain when an earth-shaking boom erupted behind them. A rocket-propelled grenade streaked toward the car from Frederick’s blind spot.

“Frederick!” Claire screamed and threw herself toward him, pulling him with all her strength as the explosion roared closer.