Monday morning came, the final day of Clara's biggest case yet. This was the one that could push her career to the next level, the one she'd been fighting for. She wanted to look sharp, professional, and unstoppable...and she did.
Sitting at the kitchen table, eating breakfast with Riley and Sofia, she felt a flicker of gratitude. Thanks to Ethan, she still had work. The thought was bitter but true..., although it was the least he owed her after everything from nine years ago.
She stood, grabbed her bag, and prepared to leave. Saying goodbye to the girls, she was about to step into the elevator when her phone rang.
A text from Ethan.
I'm downstairs. I'll drive you to work today.
So much for staying away.
She sighed, but held her head high, lifted her chin, and walked down.
Outside, Ethan stood near his sleek black car, his phone pressed to his ear. The moment he saw her, he ended the call and opened the passenger door.
She slid in, keeping her expression neutral.
The ride to the courthouse was silent, tense...almost icy. But just as she started to settle, Ethan reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small box.
He pushed it across toward her.
Curious, she opened it.
Inside was a ring, simple, elegant, nothing flashy. The kind of ring that said rich, without shouting.
"Wear this," Ethan said, voice firm. "It'll make the story believable."
She slipped the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly, and she couldn't deny, it looked good.
When they arrived, Ethan didn't wait around. He stepped out, took her hand gently, and walked her to the courthouse doors.