Chapter 7 - The Woman Everyone Wanted Dead Became His Greatest Weakness
Victor targeted Claire again.
This time, he did not threaten her.
He attacked Adrian's remaining legitimate businesses.
Everywhere Adrian went, Claire followed.
Everywhere Claire went, Adrian worried.
Eventually, Claire became angry.
“You're treating me like glass.”
“I'm treating you like someone I love.”
“I don't need protecting every second.”
“I know.”
“Then stop.”
He nodded.
He did.
It frightened her more than she expected.
Because love wasn't supposed to mean control.
Adrian understood.
They began living separately for several weeks.
It was painful.
But healthy.
Claire focused on nursing.
Adrian rebuilt his legitimate businesses.
Neither touched the criminal world.
Then one night, Adrian appeared outside Harborview.
“I need to ask you something.”
Claire stepped outside.
“What?”
“Marry me.”
She stared.
“That was terrible.”
His face fell.
“What?”
“You proposed like you're negotiating a merger.”
He laughed.
Then he dropped to one knee.
“I love you.”
Claire's eyes filled.
“I loved you before I understood who you were.”
He continued.
“I don't deserve your forgiveness.”
“No.”
“But I will spend the rest of my life earning it.”
She laughed through tears.
“Get up.”
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes.”
He smiled.
May you like
She pulled him into her arms.
And for once, there was no fear.
