Regretting Divorce

Chapter 52 

32 

RavenMoort 

Claire regarded her reflection with uninterested eyes. Even though she appeared lethally beautiful in a cerulean shaded off–shoulder gown, she didn’t feel any tingles of excitement 

Today was grandma Avery’s anniversary party. But heart was at unease, her chest quivering with every breath. She felt her eyes burning with the need to let out emotions that had been building within her for the last two days. She may have smiled and pretended to be happy in the old Murphy mansion. On the inside her core was trembling. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Tyler’s mother’s words haunted her. Every time she came across that woman, her shoulders squared and she felt like hiding behind the couch. 

Though no one could understand her turmoil, it was getting too much now, 

“Just tonight. I have to endure this night and then I can go back home.” She told herself in order to keep the bids of resilience she had left in her Intact 

She was motivating herself on how to survive the night when Penelope came in. It was her glimmering dark pink gown that distracted her. She turned around with a wide green as her eyebrows touched her forehead in admiration. 

“Wow! Someone is going to make many men squirm in desire Claire teased her, 

“Not as much as you. Tyler’s jaw will touch the floor once he lays his gaze on you.” Penelope winked at her but Chire’s smile disappeared. 

She noticed the change and held her hands. 

“What’s wrong, Laire? You don’t look good to me. You’ve been like this for two days.” 

“It’s nothing” 

“I know there’s something bothering you. Isn’t it Mrs. Murphy?” 

Claire’s shocked eyes came to meet Penny’s 

Before she disregarded her claim, Penny added, “I have seen her looking at you contemptuously. It’s mostly when Tyler and you are together in the same room. She bullied you because of the article, right?” 

“It’s not 

“I am your best friend. Claire. I know you and what can make you so distressed” 

Those words from Fenny and Claire’s eyes brimmed with tears. 

“She thinks I’m using her son to hurt Hunter. She called me a scheming divorcee. She confided in her friend 

Penny immediately held her in a hug and warned her to keep herself under check. Her eye–makeup was the best thing about her look. And her tears will ruin it. 

“She told me a handful of things too but I didn’t realize she could go this far with you. Tia Murphy is a bitch. We will tell Grandma Avery about her. I’m sure she will show Tia her place for bullying you.” 

“No, please, no. Claire shook her head in denial. 

“I don’t want to cause a rift between the Murphy’s Penny, we will go back to Bloomerest tomorrow morning in the first flight. I don’t want to stay here one second longer” 

Penny s 

saw her face and sighed, “We will. I will not keep you around that bitch 

“Now come on, let’s get going. The party has started. All the guests are here. We don’t want to miss out on the fun, alright?” 

She engulfed Claire in another friendly embrace and spoke near her car, “We won’t let that despicable woman ruin our fun. We will do what we came here for. Okay!” 

“Okay” A unile found its way through the mask of uncertainty 

Claire sent Prelupe first as she needed time to switch her mood. Her heart was still beating apprehensively. Her body wasn’t willing to move. She wanted to stay inside 

“Just this night.” She told herself and dusted some compact to cover the redness on her cheeks. 

8:38 PM 

She smiled at herself then spun around to leave. The party was half done. Important guests who may have come to attend for the sake of maintaining a happy relationship with the Murphys might have retreated already. 

Claire could still go. It was required of her. Thanks to the article featuring her and Tyler Murphy. 

If she doesn’t attend the party, everyone will get a chance to mock her. They will say that she went to RavenMoore to trap Tyler. Her absence will make rumors strong and believable that they were dating. 

But if she posed with Grandma Avery and her husband then she can say that she was there to share the happiness of the old couple, the Murphys and Argents being family friends. One picture with grandma Avery will clear misunderstandings and wipe out all the rumors. 

Claire tramped down the corridor while holding her gown. Since the party was unfolding on the lawn outside the mansion, she had to walk all the way from her room to the outside. What’s more, the lights of the mansion were dimmed, making it difficult for her to make her way out. 

Her lungs burned from heavy breathing. Her gown was heavy and carrying it in her hands while she walked in six inches high heels was draining her energy. But the door was in sight. Her spirits ignited, taking her towards the door. 

Claire was about to step out when a hand came around her waist. A cry burst out of her mouth, feeling herself being carried off the ground. 

She was carried to some distance on a shoulder while her throat tightened. She couldn’t make a noise or cry for help. Just when she made up her mind to hit on the back of the man who dared to carry her against her will, she was placed down on the floor. 

“You” Claire’s voice disappeared as she was pressed against a wall in the dark. 

Icy hands of terror encompassed her. All the bad thoughts entered her mind. Was it Tia who sent a man to violate her and spoil her image for trying to trick her son? 

Or was it grandpa Nathaniel who was piqued because of the article and wanted to hurt her for trying to tarnish Murphy Family’s name for getting clicked with his precious grandson? He was a smug old man with an ego as huge as a mountain. He could do it, considering his obsession and pride towards his elder grandson and heir to his empire. 

Or was it some sexually dissatisfied pervert with illicit fantasies which involved a divorced woman! 

Her senses blinked black and white as she felt the man holding her hands beside her face. 

Then slowly his face drew close and he whispered, “Don’t make a noise, ex wife! You don’t want people to catch us in the dark like this, do you?” 

“H–Hunter!” The mist of terror subsided from across her vision. 

Claire’s body calmed down, knowing that it was Hunter. She blew out a sigh as his woodsy cologne entered her lungs with the air. Except that the old memories plummeted in her mind, waking up her anger. 

How dare you!” She hissed between her clenched teeth. 

Claire raised a hand to punch his mouth. To her astonishment, Hunter grasped her tiny fist and pinned her hand above her head along with the other one. 

“You jerk! Get off–huhh!” Her jeer metamorphosed into a gasp as Hunter came closer till their foreheads touched, and lips brushed together. 

The… 

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