Chapter 4 - The Truth She Kept for Four Years
Mark stumbled sideways against a round banquet table, sending a towering display of pastel-colored macarons crashing to the carpet. Several guests shrieked. Security guards at the double doors began to move forward, but Richard Vance held up a single hand, stopping them in their tracks.
"Nobody touches anyone," Richard commanded, his eyes fixed on his son-in-law. "I want the truth. Now."
David stood over Mark, his chest heaving, his fists clenched at his sides. "Say one more word about my sister’s honor, Mark. Just one. See what happens."
"David, please," I said quietly, touching my brother's arm. I didn't want my boys seeing violence. Luke and Owen had tucked their heads into my hips, sensing the tension, though they were remarkably brave.
I looked down at Mark, who was holding his reddened cheek, his eyes wild with fury and fear.
"Do you remember the night you packed your bags, Mark?" I asked. My voice wasn't loud, but in that silent hall, every syllable fell like lead. "You threw your wedding ring into the kitchen sink and said I was defective. You said staying married to me was a death sentence for your legacy."
"Claire, don't do this here," Mark hissed between his teeth.
"You didn't give me a chance to speak that night," I continued. "You didn't let me show you the test on the counter. You had already signed a lease on a condo downtown with your assistant. You told me if I ever contacted you again, you'd have your lawyers bleed me dry."
Diane let out a choked sob. "Claire... did you know? That night?"
"I took the test that morning, Diane," I said, turning to look directly at the woman who had spent seven years subtly insulting me over holiday dinners. "I had an appointment scheduled for the following week. When Mark walked out, I thought about chasing him. But then he sent me the divorce papers three days later through a courier, waiving any claim to spousal support as long as I signed immediately."
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"You... you were pregnant when we signed?" Mark stammered, his voice losing all its bravado.
"I was six weeks pregnant with identical twin boys," I said. "Our boys. Conceived naturally, after all those years you spent telling your friends that I was the reason your house was empty."
