NovelGoldChapter 2 "You still owe Vanessa an apology." "Get in the car; I won't say it again." Claire found those words bitterly ironic.
She had explained it countless times-it wasn't her who pushed Irene Cole; it was Vanessa. But no one believed her. They all chose to side with Vanessa.
Claire was the real daughter of the Linwood family, yet her entire family only trusted Vanessa's version of events.
She felt guilty, indeed-guilty for coming back, for yearning for a family affection that was never truly hers. She realized her mistake. She would change.
She would walk away, far enough to never compete with Vanessa for her parents' and brother's love, never again be a thorn in their side.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBut why was Ethan so displeased? She subtly pulled her hand away from his, stepping back to put sdistance between them.
Her deliberate withdrawal infuriated Ethan, stirring memories of how she used to trail after him like a shadow, desperate for his approval.
He suppressed his anger, striving to soften his tone, "Chwith me." Claire lowered her gaze, her expression indifferent, as if she couldn't be bothered to look at him.
Her lifeless demeanor only fanned Ethan's temper.
Five years behind bars, and if she hadn't learned anything else, she'd certainly mastered stubbornness.
Just as he was about to explode, a soothing voice interrupted them.
"Claire." Her body stiffened, and her previously calm heart tightened painfully.
Even after five years, she recognized that voice instantly-it was her childhood friend, Vincent Lewis.
She saw a pair of polished shoes enter her line of sight, and the man's deep, resonant voice drifted down to her. "Claire, congratulations on your release." Had anyone else said this, she would have graciously replied with a "thank you." But coming from Vincent, it felt like salt in her wounds.
Once her most trusted childhood friend, Vincent Lewis, now a renowned lawyer, had represented Vanessa in court, ensuring Claire was convicted.
Before the trial, he had said, "Claire, Vanessa has never suffered. She wouldn't survive prison. Can you take the blfor her?" Vanessa couldn't endure it, but could she? Just because she was accustomed to hardship, did that mean she deserved to bear a false accusation in Vanessa's place? Sending the true daughter of the Linwood family to prison had made him a star attorney in Cresthaven.
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Five years ago, fresh out of college, he had been a bit green. Now he was a celebrated lawyer, exuding professionalism from head to toe. They had grown up together in an orphanage, not siblings by blood but bonded as if they were.
When other kids bullied her, he would fight them off and solemnly promise, "As long as I'm here, no one will hurt Claire." He had vowed to beca lawyer, to put anyone who harmed her behind bars.
But tand again, when Vanessa wronged her, Vincent would dismiss her concerns with, "Claire, you're too sensitive. Vanessa isn't like that." He had protected her tormentor and personally sent her to prison.
An awkward silence settled over them.
Vincent's smile began to falter, yet he forced himself to extend a hand to Claire, "Claire, I'm here to take you..." Before he could finish, Claire turned to Ethan.
"You said we were going home. Let's go."
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