“And that’s precisely the problem,” I sighed, stepping away from her. “We talked about this, Claire. You need to stay quiet.”
Her eyes flashed, and the smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. “Why do you keep doing this to me?” she snapped, her voice rising. “You string me along like some fool, but you don’t have the guts to end things with her!”
“Lower your voice,” I snapped, my tone sharp enough to cut through her rising hysteria.
She let out a strangled sob, tears brimming in her eyes. “I love you, Mason. Don’t you understand that? I’ve been patient—more patient than anyone else would be.”
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Claire, listen to me.” My voice softened, though I kept it firm. “I promise you, soon, this will all be over. You’ll be by my side, but I need a little more time to sort things out with Lilian.”
That was the lie I fed her—the one she clung to so desperately.
The truth? I’d never let Lilian go.