Seducing my Ex-husband back (Claire) novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

THE PERFECT VIEW

-CLAIRE’S POV-

I could barely keep my eyes on the road because I was still choking on laughter.

+25 BONUS

The image of Richard–coffee dripping from his designer suit, mouth hanging open in outrage–was playing on repeat in my head like the best sitcom rerum of my life.

“Poetic justice served hot,” I muttered between giggles, wiping a stray tear from the corner of my eye. That poor server deserved a medal, or at least a fat raise.

By the time I pulled into the hotel driveway, my ribs hurt from laughing so hard. I took a long sip of my own coffee, savoring the irony.

“Serves you right, Richard,” I whispered into the cup like a toast.

But the fun wasn’t over–I had a move to coordinate. With one hand, I scrolled through my phone until the moving company picked up.

“Hey, this is Claire,” I said, pacing the lot like I was already in charge of something bigger than myself.

“Good morning, Claire. How can we help you?”

“I need to schedule a pickup from Alexander’s place.”

“When are you hoping for?”

“Today. The sooner the better.” My voice was sharp with excitement.

“We can get a team over in two hours, if that works.”

Music to my ears. “Perfect. I’ll text you the address. Thanks!”

I hung up, clutching the phone to my chest. The giddiness inside me wasn’t just about moving–it was about moving forward.

Well, that and knowing Richard would soon have a permanent reminder of me right across from his office

window.

“Penthouse, here I come,” I grinned, sliding into my car again. Then reality whispered in the back of my head: ‘ And the building, too.‘

tall When I finally pulled up to the new place, I just sat there for a second, soaking it in. Sleek glass exterior, enough to catch the morning light just right. The whole structure looked like a jewel set into the city’s crown.

Mine.

I stepped out, heels clicking against the pavement, and tilted my head back. “Okay, Claire,” I murmured to myself. “No more couch surfing. No more temporary fixes. This is your throne.”

1/4

Chapter 35

+25 BONUS

Walking through the lobby, I felt something shift inside me. The marble floors gleamed under the soft lighting, and even the faint scent of fresh paint from the recent renovations felt promising.

It was luxury, yes–but also potential.

When I opened the door to the penthouse, I froze.

The space was everything I hadn’t dared to dream about.

Floor–to–ceiling windows lined the main wall, offering a full sweep of the city skyline. Sunlight streamed in, catching in the chrome details of the modern kitchen.

The hardwood floors practically begged for me to strut across them barefoot with a glass of wine in hand.

I walked slowly, trailing my fingers along the counters, the banister of the floating staircase, the cool glass of the windows.

“Not just a home,” I whispered. “A stage.”

And then I turned my head slightly–and there it was.

Richard’s office building, tall and obnoxious, sitting right across from me.

I grinned so wide it hurt. “Front row seats to the Richard show,” I said. “And I get to be the director.”

I was still wandering the space when my phone buzzed. Darla’s name lit up the screen.

“Hey, girl!” I answered, unable to stop smiling.

“Claire! I heard you just moved! You better not tell me about this over the phone……”

“Then come see it.”

“You serious?”

“As a heart attack.”

“Fifteen minutes. Don’t you dare start decorating without me!”

By the time she rang the bell, I was practically bouncing on the balls of my feet. I flung open the door and pulled her in.

“Oh. My. God.” She stopped dead center in the living room, spinning slowly like she was in a cathedral. “Claire, this place is insane. You’re living in a magazine spread.”

“I know!” I laughed, twirling with her. “And the best part? Wait till you see the view.”

We ran to the window like two kids rushing toward an ice cream truck. Darla slapped her hands over her cheeks, eyes wide. “Holy hell. That’s… ‘Is that Richard’s office?”

I nodded, lips curling into a wicked smile. “Yup. My little built–in revenge theater.”

Her smile faltered. “Claire…”

2/4

Chapter 35

+25 BONUS

I sighed, bracing myself.

“Why here? Like–why really here?” Her tone wasn’t teasing anymore. “This feels less like moving on and more. like… digging in.”

I shrugged, trying to sound casual. “Fresh start. And okay, maybe a little poetic justice. He doesn’t get to erase me.”

She turned, arms crossed, studying me the way only a best friend can. “You sure you want to keep poking that bear? Richard’s got teeth.”

“Teeth don’t scare me.” I snapped faster than I meant to. Then softer: “Not anymore.”

Her face softened, but she didn’t let me off easy. “You say that, but your eyes are saying something else.”

I bit my lip, because she wasn’t wrong.

“Darla…” My throat tightened. I hated when my guard cracked, but it cracked anyway. “You remember what he did. You remember how I begged him for scraps of affection–while he was giving Monica the whole damn feast. Do you know what it’s like to cry yourself dry every night, only to realize the man beside you was saving all his tenderness for your best friend?”

Her arms dropped, and she pulled me into a hug before the tears could fall.

“You don’t have to keep living in that betrayal,” she whispered against my hair.

“I can’t just erase it. I don’t want to be his victim anymore. I want him to feel what I felt. To rot in it.” My voice cracked with a mix of fury and grief.

She pulled back, holding me by the shoulders. “I’m not saying forget. I’m saying don’t lose yourself to it. There’s a line between revenge and obsession, Claire, and you’re tiptoeing.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify