Chapter 84

Matthew drove me to the hospital's underground parking garage. When I saw him unbuckling his seatbelt too, my heart skipped a beat. I quickly pressed my hand over his. "Maybe you should just head home today."

My voice came out guilty. I couldn't meet his eyes.

I know this looks like I'm using them and then cutting them loose.

Matthew clearly thought the same thing. His eyes darkened, and he arched an eyebrow. "What, am I really that much of an embarrassment?"

After everything at the hospital, Melissa's opinion of Matthew had improved quite a bit. But Clayton hadn't met him yet, and I had no idea how Melissa had described Matthew to him.

Deep down, I knew it would be awkward if they met, so the best solution was to keep them apart for now.

I pressed my lips together and mumbled, "It's not that you're an embarrassment. It's just... in this situation, I wouldn't know how to introduce you."

Matthew reached out and lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "You could say I'm your friend."

His eyes dimmed, their depths holding a commanding, almost overwhelming intensity.

I couldn't hold his stare. I looked away, pressing my lips shut.

The car fell silent.

In the stillness, he suddenly let out a soft sigh and released me. His voice dropped. "Fine. I won't make this harder for you."

I jerked my head up to look at him, catching the shadow of disappointment in his expression.

"I'll do what you want," he said. "Go on up."

His resignation made me feel even worse. I opened my mouth but couldn't find the words.

After unbuckling my seatbelt in silence, I got out of the car.

Matthew didn't say another word. He drove out of the parking garage alone.

I stood there for a moment, staring after his car, until my phone rang. It was Joanna, telling me to hurry upstairs.

No time to dwell on Matthew. I turned and headed for the elevator.

Thanks to the doctor Matthew had referred, Melissa's recovery was going well. She was already sitting up and chatting with Clayton when I arrived.

The moment I walked in, they both looked at me.

Melissa even glanced behind me, then frowned at me with an expression that clearly said, 'Why did you come back alone?'

I hadn't told Melissa that Matthew came with me to court today. Which meant only one person could have told her.

I immediately shot a sharp look at Joanna.

Joanna flashed me a mischievous grin and jumped to her feet. "Claire, I'll go get some water."

She grabbed the kettle and slipped past me in a flash.

My instincts told me I was about to face an interrogation.

I swallowed nervously and forced a smile as I walked over. "Dad, you must be exhausted from the trip. Let me set up the cot so you can rest."

"No need." Clayton's face was stern as he refused. He patted the space beside him. "Come sit. I need to talk to you."

Seeing that expression made my stomach drop.

Clayton was normally easygoing, always indulgent with Joanna and me.

The last time I'd seen him this serious was at my wedding.

"Joanna said Austin got six years?"

I nodded. "Michael didn't appeal. He must know it wouldn't change anything, so he didn't waste the time."

"After all this, it's clear the Sinclair family are no good. If you don't get this divorce, you'll regret it forever. Your mother and I both support you leaving him."

Things had gone too far. This divorce had to happen.

"Dad, I know. The divorce case is already filed. The hearing should be soon."

Clayton's expression softened slightly. Then he asked, "Mr. Griffin went with you to court today, didn't he? What's going on between you two?"

I glanced instinctively at Melissa, unsure how much she'd told him. "We're just friends."

I couldn't deny it—Matthew had helped me so much, and yes, I'd developed feelings for him. But I was also realistic.

A family like his wouldn't marry a divorced woman.

And who knew if this was just a passing infatuation or something real?

Either way, I couldn't afford to gamble.

"Mom, Dad, I know what you're worried about. Matthew's been really good to me, but his family's status is... significant. So I haven't thought about it that way. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

I knew what Clayton was concerned about. He didn't say it outright, but I wanted to reassure them so they wouldn't worry.

Clayton relaxed at my words, his expression returning to its usual warmth.

He patted my shoulder gently. "I'm just worried you'd be swept away by someone treating you well in the moment. After all, Michael was good to you at first too. You insisted on marrying him back then, and your mother and I couldn't stop you. We warned you, but... look how that turned out."

The memory clearly weighed on him. "If you want to find someone and start over, that's fine. If you want to stay single, that's fine too. We support you either way. If it comes down to it, come back to our town. The pay's not great and it's not glamorous like the city, but you won't go hungry, and we can look after you."

I frowned and refused without hesitation. "I'm not going back."

The first thought that jumped into my mind was: if I leave, I might never see Matthew again.

The realization surprised me. My feelings were more complicated than I'd realized.

Matthew meant more to me than I'd thought.

Melissa seemed to read my mind. She scoffed lightly. "I told you she wouldn't listen."

"If you don't want to go back, don't go back." Clayton was understanding. "Just keep us in the loop from now on. Let us know how you're doing so we don't worry. Joanna doesn't want to come back either. Do what you want—we're just offering suggestions."

"Don't worry. I'll be more careful about people from now on. As for remarrying... I'm not thinking about that right now."

In the end, maybe I'd focus on my career instead.

Eva had a point.

Men might betray you, but money won't.

Melissa knew I'd always been decisive. She didn't comment on my decision.

I noticed the exhaustion from travel on Clayton's face and was about to suggest he rest when Joanna's voice suddenly rang out from the hallway. "What are you doing here? You're not welcome!"

The commotion outside grew louder. My heart lurched. I jumped up and opened the door to find Michael being blocked by Joanna.

I didn't know how long he'd been there. He was holding some gifts. When he saw me, he smiled warmly. "Claire, I came to see Dad. Joanna won't let me in."

I frowned. His timing was suspiciously good—Clayton had just arrived, and Michael already knew.

I couldn't help but wonder about his earlier threats.

Had he really put someone on Clayton?