Perhaps Adrian had forgotten.To marry her,he had once signed a contract:if he ever betrayed her,he would walk away with nothing.He had signed it himself to reassure her.
…
On the other end,Lawyer Bennett was stunned.
An old friend of the Winter family,he had witnessed how Adrian had fought against all odds—nearly breaking himself apart—to marry Clara.He had even drafted that extraordinary“promise agreement”himself.
“Miss Winter,”his voice was grave,heavy with hesitation.
“Have you truly thought this through?Once it’s initiated,there will be no way back.”
He tried to reason gently,“Perhaps Mr.Cole was…confused for a moment.Men,sometimes—”
“Confused?”Clara repeated softly,her laugh bitter and broken.
“No,Uncle Bennett.He wasn’t confused.He made his choice clearly,soberly,and without hesitation.He chose someone else—and he believes it’s only right.”
In her mind,Adrian’s face surfaced again—so calm it was cruel.
She wants stability,so I’ll give her stability.
There was silence on the line.Then Lawyer Bennett sighed.