Julian interrupted, voice hoarse. “I want to speak to my wife alone.”
“She is not your wife for emotional convenience,” Clarissa’s attorney said.
Clarissa raised her hand. “It’s fine.”
Her lawyer frowned, but stepped out with the others.
The door closed.
Julian stared at her.
“I loved you once,” he said.
Clarissa’s face did not change. “I know.”
His eyes filled. “That doesn’t matter to you?”
“It matters. That’s why this hurts.”
He leaned forward. “Then why destroy me?”
She looked at him for a long moment.
“I didn’t destroy you, Julian. I stopped protecting the illusion that you were good to me.”
His mouth twisted.
“I was under pressure. The company, investors, expectations—”
“And Chloe?”
He closed his eyes.
“She made me feel admired.”
Clarissa nodded slowly. “I made you feel known. That was harder for you.”
The words struck him silent.
Then he reached into his jacket and pulled out a small photograph.
