Claire's POV
Three Years Later,
I'm back at the place I swore I'd never return to—the place that ripped me apart so completely it took three years just to find the courage to step foot here once again. Three years to learn how to breathe without feeling like the world was caving in. But standing here now, I realize the emptiness never really left. It's a wound that never healed, just buried deeper beneath layers of scars.
"Welcome Miss Reed," the host greeted me with a smile. "Thanks a lot for donating to the orphan kids. We are really grateful."
I smiled back at him and shook hands with him. "Please don't be grateful. I never wanted to show up here as it was supposed to be a personal donation but… I can't give up the chance of seeing the kids who benefitted from me."
"Please take the stage. Soon, our honored guest will give you the award," the host invited me onto the stage and I went on with my head lowered.
This charity function was supposed to be a night of celebration, of recognizing those who have given back, who have rebuilt their lives. And tonight, of all nights, I'm the one being honored. Me. The woman who once begged for the strength to get through just one more day. I should feel proud, but all I felt was a hollow ache in my chest.
The room was filled with laughter, with the sounds of glasses clinking and people chatting, unaware of the storm raging inside me. My hands tremble as I make my way to the stage, forcing my legs to move, to carry me through the crowd. I have faced darkness before, I tell myself. I have survived the worst. But nothing could have prepared me for this, the thing which was about to happen.
There, at the podium, stands Evander with his usual cold face but his brows cocked as his eyes laid on me.
The man who destroyed me was right in front of me!
My breath catches in my throat as our eyes meet, and for a moment, it feels like time has stopped. The world narrows to just the two of us, the pain of the past crashing over me like a tidal wave. He looks just as I remember—polished, handsome, exuding that effortless charm that once made me fall in love with him. But all I can see are the ghosts of our shattered love, the memories of betrayal that have haunted me for three long years.
The applause from the audience entered my ears as a distant hum. I reached the stage. I could barely hear the announcer's words, praising my resilience, and my dedication to helping others. But all I could focus on was Evander, standing just a few feet away, holding the award meant for me.
'I want to leave! Breathing the same air as him makes me nauseous," I thought as I took a deep breath. I could see his eyes still locked on me.
"Congratulations, Claire," Evander said, his voice so calm, so infuriatingly composed. Did he have any idea what this moment was doing to me? Did he even care?
I forced myself to take the award from him, our fingers brushing briefly. It's like a jolt of electricity. His eyes searched mine, but I wouldn't let him see the turmoil inside me.
I quickly snatched the award from Evander's hands, not giving him any face. I glared at him bitterly and ran away from there, leaving everyone stunned, portraying myself as a cold and rude rookie actress.
"How could she do this?"
"Does she even know who Mr. Evander Kensingtone?"
"I think she should be canceled in our country and we should take the award back for disrespecting Mr. Kensington!"
I could hear the disgraceful remarks. My heart raced in fear. I had just started my career and they were thinking of cancelling me?
Thankfully, there were no media and mobiles were not allowed, so there would be no proof of my behaviour. With this thought, I ran to the back stage but halted when I heard a familiar voice.
"My wife is a bit angry with me. I suppose… I'll need to coax her before taking her home," Evander's voice rang out, smooth and commanding, as he addressed the crowd.
I stood rooted to the spot, unable to comprehend the situation unfolding before me. The man who had never once acknowledged me as his wife during our marriage was now announcing it to the world—after our divorce? The irony was suffocating.
Before I could gather my thoughts, Rick appeared at my side, concern etched on his face. "Claire! Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Is he really your husband?"
"Yes!" A voice boomed from behind, sending a shiver down my spine. I instinctively took a step back, hiding behind Rick's protective stance. Evander's gaze was fierce, his eyes blazing with a possessiveness that made my heart skip a beat. "I'm here to talk to my wife. Can you give us a moment?" he demanded, the tension in his voice unmistakable.
"Who the hell is your wife?" I spat, my voice trembling with anger as my hands clenched into fists. "I divorced you three years ago, Evander. We have no relation anymore!"
His eyes darkened, and a muscle in his jaw twitched as he glanced at Rick with thinly veiled disdain. "So, this joker is your lover? The man you left me for?"
Rick stiffened, ready to respond, but I cut him off. "Why do you care? We're no longer married, and yes… he's the man I'm with now."
Evander let out a harsh laugh, his expression hardening as he pushed Rick aside, stepping closer until we were face to face. The intensity in his gaze made it hard to breathe. "Love, you left me with a letter and divorce papers, but did you forget? It takes both parties to end a marriage."
"What do you…" I began, but the words died in my throat as I took a step back.
"What I mean is… I never signed the divorce papers, and you're still my wife!" Evander's voice was low, almost a growl, as he stepped closer. Before I could react, his strong arms wrapped around me, lifting me effortlessly off the ground.
"Evander, put me down!" I protested, but my words were lost as he hoisted me over his shoulder, his grip firm and unyielding. I could feel the warmth of his body through his shirt, the scent of his cologne enveloping me as he carried me like I weighed nothing.
"Not a chance," he replied, his tone firm. "You belong with me, and I am not letting you go."