(Claire's POV)

It has been two days since Jonathan stormed out of the house in anger, two days of peace, and two days of not dealing with his constant rumbling about Matthew being a two-sided jerk.

It was exhausting fighting over the same thing. I know he was worried about me, but he shouldn't.

I don't care where he was or what he was doing currently, but I don't need him back in my life, ruining my peace and happiness, all for his selfish reasons.

There I sat in my mom's dining hall. The twins had camp to attend, so I quickly dropped them off. I needed a place to relax and cool off. My mom walked in. Her eyes did not leave mine. she took a seat next to me.

"Let me guess: Jonathan caused another problem," she said I smiled at her as I tried to hide the truth.

"Mum, Do you think I'm desperate for love?" I asked her, I know I've been through a lot, especially after six years since the divorce, but I deserve happiness.

Why do I feel like whenever good things are about to happen to me? Jonathan shows up out of nowhere and just makes me feel so incompetent. My mom had my hand squeezing it gently.

"You are worthy of love Claire" she reminded me. "You shouldn't let any negative words from a nobody let you forget that," she said, advising me, that I should try to assure myself that I was worthy of love; She was indeed my best friend. The divorce shook me; it broke me, but my mom always reassured me I would find love.

"Listen, you're perfect. Jonathan was too foolish and a good-for-nothing cheat to see that, whatever he is facing, he deserved it." her voice laced with bitterness

"You shouldn't give heed to his words. I still don't understand why you were so kind enough to let him back into your life and your home," I knew she wasn't over the fact that I was living in the same space with Jonathan.

"But Mom. He said he needed my help, no matter what. He is the father of my children. I know he hurt me a lot, and I know he does not deserve any mercy or whatever he's getting from me," I spat

"But Mom. At that moment, All I could see was Jonathan."

I place my hands in my mouth, trying to hold my words. I know deep down that Jonathan stirs a feeling inside of me. I knew I was still in love with him, but I was too hurt to admit that, and I wasn't ready to let Jonathan back into my life.

"Just be careful, is all I have to say" my mom added

(Jonathan pov)

I never intended to utter those words to her. I am fully aware of the pain I caused her, but I was still carrying the wounds from our divorce six years ago.

I was left broken and lonely, and I deeply regret every action I took. She loved me unconditionally, and I selfishly took advantage of that.

Those who criticize us don't understand. I held resentment towards her new boyfriend Matthew, believing he was up to no good, while she was simply living her best life.

It ignited a mix of emotions within me, a mixture of longing and anger.

That could have been us, experiencing her joy and happiness together. I should have been the one caressing her face, hearing her infectious laughter, instead of drowning my sorrows in a glass of whiskey as I fell into a restless state.

I was exhausted and drained two days after I left her apartment, without leaving her a single message.

I turned my head and caught sight of a beautiful brunette. Something about her drew me in, so I bought her a drink and asked if she would consider joining me somewhere.

A smile adorned her face, revealing her half-white teeth. She agreed, with the only condition being that I cover the expenses.

I reassured her that she had nothing to worry about, but truth be told, I needed her to satisfy me.

I rose from my seat, paid for my drink, and made my way towards the door. She followed closely, my car keys jingling in my hand as I unlocked the door, stepped in, and drove off.

(Claire's pov)

I sat in the dining Hall trying to sort out some office work, I stared at my phone, maybe I should have called or texted.

Nope, I was the victim here.

My focus was abruptly broken when I noticed Jonathan entering the room with a brunette by his side. I was taken aback, unable to find the right words to express my surprise.

Despite my bewilderment, I couldn't help but fixate on both of them as they approached. Jonathan glanced at me briefly but disregarded my presence as he headed towards his room, while the brunette continued to gaze directly at me. Her eyes held a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, but she too ignored me.

I struggled to comprehend the situation unfolding before me. I frantically closed my laptop, desperate to understand what had transpired right before my eyes.

Gathering my thoughts, I reluctantly followed them, and eventually found myself standing outside Jonathan's room. Taking a deep breath, I hesitantly knocked on the door.

Jonathan opened the door, his intense gaze locked onto me."Yes, how can I help you?" he replied, sounding both annoyed and cold.

Confused and concerned about the situation, I demanded to know what was happening, who the brunette was, and who had instructed him to invite a stranger into his apartment.

His eyes narrowed, and he retorted, "Just because I am a tenant here doesn't mean I have to follow all your rules and regulations." His words were brief, leaving me stunned.

Without a word, I pushed past him, determined to understand the truth. However, Jonathan swiftly grabbed hold of my hands, drawing me closer amidst the chaotic scene unfolding around us.

The brunette stood nearby, observing us with a mixture of disbelief and confusion. Sensing the tension, she whispered, "What's going on?"

"I think it's best if you leave, sweetheart," I calmly stated.

"Do not move an inch," he commanded.

I scoffed, taken aback. "I own this house and have every right to send her out. How dare you bring a stranger into my home?" I asked in disbelief.

"Are you sure it's just because she's a stranger, and not because she's a woman?" he questioned.

I stared at him, bewildered. The past two days of staying outdoors must have messed with his head. "You think I'm jealous because you brought a 'whore' into my home? No offense, dear," I turned to her and quickly apologized.

"None taken," she calmly replied.

"Yes, Claire, jealousy doesn't suit you," he added.

I burst into laughter. "You're so hilarious, Jonathan. Jealousy, please."

"Laugh all you want, but I know what I'm saying," he said defiantly.

"I don't care. Without my permission, you don't have the right to bring anyone into my home without checking in with me first. What if she's a thief, a kidnapper, a terrorist? My kids do visit, Jonathan," I reminded him.

"Do you truly believe I would put you or your kids in harm's way?" he asked, shocked by my words.

"Yes, Jonathan. I believe you can. It wouldn't be the first time you've done something like that," I told him simply.

"Don't make me regret ever helping you," I warned him with a steely tone before turning and leaving the room, slamming the door behind me.

I walked downstairs to grab a snack. Exhaustion washed over me from tirelessly working on my laptop. It was 8:00 pm, and I still hadn't eaten dinner thanks to Jonathan's unnecessary theatrics earlier in the day.

As I entered the living room, my gaze immediately landed on Jonathan. He was settled on the couch, engrossed in a football game while casually holding a glass of scotch.

In front of him, a stack of documents spread across the desk. Choosing to ignore him for the moment, I made my way to the kitchen and pulled out some leftover pizza from the fridge. After heating it in the microwave, I poured myself a glass of juice.

Approaching Jonathan, I stood in front of him with my food in hand. "Mind if I join you?" I inquired, hoping for some company.

He merely shrugged, shifting slightly to make space for me to sit. Despite this, his attention remained firmly fixed on the TV screen. I settled down and ate my pizza in silence, the sounds of the game providing background noise.

Curiosity eventually got the better of him, and he glanced over at my plate of pizza slices. "That's what you're having for dinner?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I let out a sigh, frustration evident in my voice. "Well, someone managed to ruin my appetite today," I replied, giving him a knowing look.

"Can you pass me the TV remote? It's close to your side"

Jonathan said, feeling his gaze shift towards me. Glancing over, I noticed the remote resting comfortably beside me. Deciding to set the pizza down on the table first, I picked up the remote and handed it to him.

As Jonathan reached towards the remote, he unexpectedly leaned in closer. Startled, I instinctively leaned backward, causing our eyes to meet.

At that moment, I couldn't help but notice the sparkle in his mesmerizing blue eyes. His gaze gradually shifted towards my lips, leaving me breathless with curiosity.

Just as I felt myself getting lost in the intensity of his gaze, a loud crash erupted from the kitchen, breaking the spell between us. We both turned in alarm, our hearts pounding, wondering what had just happened.