Love My Ex-Wife 423
Posted on June 30, 2025 ยท 0 mins read
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Chapter 4: Breaks the Heart

Back in her room, Claire considered her upcoming hospital visit and decided to rest. As she washed, she noticed a reddened wound on her forehead and retrieved the first-aid kit to clean and bandage it. Whether she bandaged it or not, however, didn't truly matter. Falling asleep with wounds had become commonplace during her four years in prison, especially something so minor.

Her real concern was Elizabeth potentially seeing it and worrying. She didn't want to cause any problems, particularly for her ailing grandmother, who desperately needed peace of mind.

The next day, Elizabeth saw the wound and bombarded Claire with questions about bullying or mistreatment at home. It took considerable explanation to calm her down. Then, they held hands briefly before Elizabeth was wheeled into surgery.

Hours later, she received reports that everything had gone smoothly, and Claire finally breathed a sigh of reliefโ€”her first in years.

Chapter 4: Breaks the Heart

That evening, after Elizabeth was wheeled out of the operating room, the doctor briefly spoke with everyone. He explained that, given her age of seventy-three, she required meticulous post-op care. They needed to keep Elizabeth in a good mood, ensuring she ate, drank, and slept well. Since she'd had a heart stent years ago, it was crucial not to upset her.

When the doctor finished, Robert, Margaret, and Harrison glared at Claire. She instantly understood they expected her to cause trouble.

โ€œI promise to behave and never upset Grandma,โ€ she promised, without hesitation.

For the next month, Claire remained at the hospital, day and night, caring for Elizabeth with unwavering dedication. She read to her, brushed her hair, and engaged in lighthearted conversations, keeping her calm and at ease.

Fortunately, Elizabeth's recovery progressed well, and a month later, she was discharged and returned to Prescott Manor. Teary-eyed, she said she had waited four long years for a family dinner.

โ€œThey just need time to adjust,โ€ Elizabeth said gently, as if reading Claire's mind. Her fingers grazed Claire's gaunt hand with concern. Worry etched her face.

Chapter 4: Breaks the Heart

โ€œWhereโ€™s the sapphire bracelet I gave you? It wasnโ€™t taken by those people in prison, was it? Itโ€™s our family heirloom, you know. If those dreadful people took it, I wonโ€™t let them get away with it!โ€

Elizabeth was clearly agitated, so Claire quickly gave her some water.

โ€œNo, the braceletโ€ฆ I left it at Halfmoon Manor before I went to prison,โ€ Claire said, remembering she'd left it there four years ago while renovating Frederick's villa.

โ€œClaire, I know you like the Hawthorne familyโ€™s son. Butโ€ฆโ€ Her face grew serious, โ€œYou should call off the engagementโ€ฆ My dear, I just want you to find someone who loves you, someone who will cherish you for the rest of your life. Someone who actually trusts youโ€ฆโ€

Claire knew her grandmother was right. Sheโ€™d felt the same, and her grandmother's blessing was the deciding factor.

โ€œAlright, Grandma, donโ€™t worry. Iโ€™ll talk to Frederick.โ€ Claire nodded.

Back in her old room, memories of Frederick played in her mind like a movie. Her eyes drifted over her belongings, which now felt alien. She finally fell asleep, only to dream a beautiful but heartbreaking dream.

Chapter 4: Breaks the Heart

She dreamt of four years ago, before everything happened, when she was still the cherished heiress of the Prescott family. Everything felt normal againโ€”so real.

She woke in the middle of the night, staring at the starry sky through the window, tears streaming down her face as the harsh reality settled in.

In just four short years, a thousand days and nights, everything had changed. Now, she desired nothing material; luxury held no interest. She only wished for Elizabeth's long life so she could care for her. As for herself, simply being alive felt sufficient.

โ€œAs for Frederickโ€ฆ wellโ€ฆ he nearly strangled me for mentioning Annaโ€™s name. How could our engagement continue? Itโ€™s time to end it, and Iโ€™m sure we both know it. The bracelet is still at the villa, so Iโ€™ll retrieve it when I talk to him, I guessโ€ฆ.โ€ she thought.

The next day, Claire went to Halfmoon Manor. Standing at the entrance, she gazed at the familiar surroundings, feeling as though a lifetime had passed. Waking life felt more like a dream than reality. Her mind drifted to memories of first moving into the villaโ€ฆ

Chapter 4: Breaks the Heart

โ€œFrederick, do you like the way I decorated the villa? Well, it doesnโ€™t matter anyway. Iโ€™m about to be Mrs. Hawthorne, so Iโ€™ll have the final say hereโ€ฆ.โ€

She thought of the bright, happy version of herself who'd stood there, smiling radiantly, teasing her soon-to-be husband. But everything had changed, leaving no trace of the past. She was certain he hadn't kept any of her belongings out of spite.

Nose stinging with emotion, Claire forced a bitter smile, wiped away her tears, and entered Halfmoon Manor.

โ€œStop! What are you doing here?โ€ A cold voice rang out from above.

Claire instinctively explained, โ€œMr. Hawthorne, I know you donโ€™t want to see me, but I left something here. I just came to get it, and Iโ€™ll leave immediatelyโ€ฆโ€

โ€œFine. But make it quick. I donโ€™t want to see your face,โ€ he said condescendingly.

โ€œIn that case, sir, I think it would be best if we canceled our engagementโ€ฆโ€

She kept her head down, cautiously moving forward. She expected him to agree, believing this would end their paths forever.

But Frederick sneered.

Chapter 4: Breaks the Heart

โ€œClaire, when did I say I wanted to cancel the engagement?โ€

She was startled, looking up at Frederick, wondering if it were a cruel joke. When his face remained unchanged, for a moment, she thought there might still be a chance.

But that fleeting hope was crushed instantly.

โ€œClaire, do you really think four years in prison can make up for Annaโ€™s life?โ€ Frederick pressed closer, forcing her against the wall, his hand gripping her chin so tightly it felt like it might break.

She leaned against the wall, stood on tiptoe, and pleaded desperately, โ€œFrederick, please, I have nothing left. Please, let me go, Iโ€™ll do anything.โ€

From his lofty position, his eyes cold, he replied, โ€œAnything? Wellโ€ฆ I want you to marry me.โ€

โ€œWhat?โ€ Claire gasped in disbelief.


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