Chapter 52 What Should I Do?
Claire
Once I saw that spark return to her eyes, I smiled to myself. All these past few weeks, I’d been so wrapped up in my own mess that I hadn’t even noticed what my children were going through.
From now on, I’d pay closer attention—more than ever. This really is the most important stage of their lives. They need the guidance of their parents.
“Thanks, Mom,” Isa murmured softly.
I nodded. “So go into the bathroom, wash yourself, and come out to eat. Your gramps wants to show you guys something,” I said with a warm smile.
She nodded quickly. I stood up, leaving her phone on the bed.
“And I don’t want to come back here and find you crying again,” I added, pointing at her playfully.
She nodded once more, this time with a small chuckle as I headed out, closing the door gently behind me.
The moment the door clicked shut, the smile vanished from my face.
Cullen. That was his name. I needed to find out everything about him.
No one puts my daughter through hell and walks away unpunished.
I started walking toward the main living room where everyone else was gathered, trying to keep my expression as calm as possible.
As soon as I stepped in, I saw them tearing into presents. “Is Isa coming out?” Riette asked.
My parents turned to look at me. I nodded. “Was something wrong?” Max asked immediately, his voice sharp with concern.
“No, she’ll be down soon,” I said quickly, cutting off any further questions.
They all nodded, accepting it. She’d want me to keep this between us, so I wouldn’t breathe a word about it.
“Look at this Rolex, Mom!” Riette exclaimed, holding it up proudly. He was clearly enjoying this vacation more than any of us.
A vacation that, sadly, would soon come to an end.
My assistant texted me this morning. There was something urgent at the office. We’d probably be leaving the day after tomorrow.
Back to real life again. And deep down, I knew the kids would start asking questions about the fights between me and their father.
What was I supposed to tell them? The truth? It would shatter them. Or should I just… divorce Ian?
The thought sat heavy in my chest as I forced another smile for the family.
It’s not like our marriage isn’t already in ruins, so why am I still clinging to it? As if I have no self-respect left.
But deep down, I know exactly why I haven’t walked away. I don’t want to start over from square one. I don’t want my children to grow up with divorced parents—even if they’re not really children anymore.
I just… I can’t bear the thought of them worrying about me and Ian, carrying that weight on their shoulders.
And yet… isn’t staying just trapping myself in a loveless marriage? The way I’m living right now—doesn’t it already feel like the life of a single woman? My husband chasing after someone younger, while I’m letting a younger man blackmail me into sex… sex that, God help me, I’ve actually started to crave.
This vacation has forced me to confront so many things, to really think them through. But even now, I still haven’t reached a conclusion.
As it stands, I have two paths in front of me:
Divorce Ian and finally live as a single woman—free, honest—with myself and my children.
Or stay in this loveless marriage and keep deceiving them, pretending everything is fine while everything inside me slowly dies.
It all comes down to my choice: freedom for myself… or sparing my kids the pain.
Minutes later, Isa stepped into the main living room, looking fresh and put-together. She’d done her makeup lightly, skillfully enough to hide the puffiness around her eyes. Honestly, she’d done a better job than I’d managed on my own face that day Ian hit me.
A small, genuine smile tugged at my lips as I looked at her.
I couldn’t help but think of what Liam had said to me, half-teasing, half-serious, saying I should learn how to apply makeup and that he'll do a better job than me.
Jane
Most of the girls were gathered in the lounge today, but one face that almost never shows up here was sitting right in the middle of it all. Pattie Paul herself.
A slow smile spread across my face. Damn, she really is gorgeous—the kind of beauty that makes you do a double-take. No wonder that man came all the way here looking for her. If only he’d bothered to buy the diamond card, he could have gone to her level… I let out a low laugh under my breath.
Still, I can’t believe that was the man she spent a whole year with. A guy who barely satisfied me—I literally had to piss him off just to get him to give me what I wanted. Didn’t she teach him anything? Didn’t she show him what most of us Mr King girls actually like?
Clearly, she didn’t do a very good job. Guess I’ll have to teach him myself.
I sauntered over slowly. She’s higher than me in rank, so I had to tread carefully.
“Hello, Pat,” I said sweetly.
She glanced at me lazily, didn’t even bother returning the greeting. Whatever—her problem.
I slid into the seat right next to her anyway.
“You can see no one else is here,” she said, her voice cold enough to freeze blood. “Because I told them to stay away. So get the fuck out if you like your life.”
I wondered why she was so pissed. So it really must be true—she’d fallen out of favor with Mr. King.
“I just wanted to tell you about my most recent client,” I said, blinking innocently.
She looked away, taking a long drag from her cigarette. “I don’t want to hear about it. Bounce.”
I smiled softly but leaned in closer anyway. She whipped her head toward me, eyes bloodshot and furious.
“Oh, but he came here looking for you, you know,” I said, my smile turning sly.
She stared at me, questioning.
“Well… I guess he was your sugar daddy,” I added, watching her eyes widen.
I nodded slowly. “Mmm, a middle-aged man… with a very average dick.” I held up my fingers to demonstrate just how average.
And just like that—she burst out laughing. Head thrown back, genuine and loud.
I just watched her, satisfied. She knew exactly who I was talking about now.
“You really are a funny one… um,” she said, eyeing me.
“Jane,” I supplied.
She nodded once. “Whether you fucked him or not doesn’t concern me. So just fuck off. I won’t repeat myself.”
I nodded and started to stand, but paused for effect.
“You know… that man has it in him to be rough,” I said casually, watching her face carefully as she raised a brow.
“I kind of taught him… and he made me come so hard.”
I flashed her one last smile, then turned and walked away slowly, feeling her stare burning into my back the entire time.