CLAIRE

Julian's hand found mine on the counter. "He should have said that," he agreed. "But men like him don't know how to admit that kind of failure." He explained in a calm voice.

I nodded, blinking back the tears threatening to form. "So what now?" I asked.

"Now you sign the settlement papers when they come," Julian said. "And then you move on with your life."

"Just like that?" I asked.

"Just like that," Julian confirmed.

I took a shaky breath. "Okay," I said. "Okay."

My phone buzzed with a text from Nina.

Nina: Saw your father's statement. How are you doing?

I typed back quickly.

Me: I'm okay....