The Woman Adrian Was Supposed to Marry
Chapter 07 - The Woman Adrian Was Supposed to Marry
Claire learned about Caroline Wells from a newspaper.
The headline called her Adrian’s longtime partner.
Claire stared at the photograph.
Beautiful.
Polished.
From one of the most influential families in Boston.
Exactly the sort of woman Victor Cole would have chosen.
When Adrian arrived that evening, Claire showed him the article.
“You forgot to mention something.”
He looked tired.
“Caroline and I ended our engagement months ago.”
“Does she know you suddenly have two sons?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“She wasn’t thrilled.”
Claire laughed without humor.
“That’s one way to put it.”
Adrian explained that Caroline wanted a public life with predictable boundaries.
Twin sons from a relationship Victor had hidden for nine years were not predictable.
“She thinks you’re after money,” Adrian admitted.
Claire’s expression hardened.
“And what do you think?”
“If I thought that, I wouldn’t be standing here.”
Two days later Caroline appeared at Claire’s workplace.
She was polite.
That made it worse.
“You should understand what happens if Adrian acknowledges them publicly,” Caroline said.
Claire stared at her.
“He already has.”
“Privately.”
“They’re children, not scandals.”
Caroline’s expression tightened.
“I’m trying to prevent them from being dragged into something ugly.”
Claire stood.
“No. You’re trying to protect the version of Adrian’s life that doesn’t include us.”
Caroline left without another word.
That evening Claire told Adrian.
He was furious.
But the next morning, a photograph appeared online.
May you like
Claire leaving work with the twins.
Someone had begun watching them.
