Chapter 6 - Claire’s Miscalculation
Claire Whitmore limped gracefully into the firehouse, leaning heavily on a decorative cane.
She was carrying a massive basket of expensive baked goods and a sweet smile.
She had come to publicly thank Ethan for his heroic rescue, hoping to solidify her place in his life.
When Ethan had left her at the hospital that night, he had seemed distracted.
But Claire was confident that with Amelia gone, Ethan would quickly return to her.
She walked into the main breakroom, expecting a warm hero's welcome.
Instead, the room went completely dead silent the moment she stepped through the door.
Ten massive firefighters stopped eating, their eyes glaring at her with open hostility.
Noah Reed was sitting at the end of the table, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Can we help you with something?" Noah asked, his voice dripping with icy contempt.
Claire swallowed hard, suddenly feeling entirely unwelcome.
"I am just here to see Ethan," she said, holding up the basket of muffins weakly.
"I wanted to thank him for saving my life in the elevator."
One of the older firefighters scoffed loudly, slamming his coffee mug down on the table.
"He didn't save your life, lady, he just ruined his own," the older man growled.
Ethan walked into the breakroom at that exact moment, looking absolutely exhausted.
He had dark bags under his eyes, and his uniform looked wrinkled and unkempt.
When he saw Claire standing there, his face immediately twisted with pure anger.
"What are you doing here?" Ethan demanded roughly, grabbing her arm and pulling her into the hallway.
"I came to see you, Ethan," Claire whined, trying to touch his face.
"I know Amelia left you, and I wanted you to know that I am here for you."
Ethan violently jerked his head away from her touch, looking at her like she was a venomous snake.
"You knew she was in that elevator with us, Claire," Ethan hissed through clenched teeth.
"You saw her sitting on the floor, heavily pregnant, and you played the victim anyway!"
Claire’s eyes widened in fake shock, trying to squeeze out a few pathetic tears.
"My ankle was truly hurt, Ethan, I was terrified!" she cried defensively.
"You are pathetic," Ethan whispered, his voice full of absolute loathing.
"You knew my marriage was struggling, and you used a panic attack to make me choose you."
He stepped back, pointing a shaking finger toward the exit door.
"Never come near me or this firehouse ever again."
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Claire stood perfectly still, realizing she had completely lost the game.
She had wanted to steal him back, but instead, she had broken him beyond repair.
