Claire didn’t kiss me when we crossed the threshold. She stopped just inside the doorway, still holding her purse like it was the only solid thing in the room, and looked at me with a seriousness I hadn’t expected—not tonight, not after everything. “Adam… before anything else,” she said quietly, “you need to promise me something.” I let out a breath, trying to steady myself. “Anything.” She shook her head slightly. “No matter what I show you… don’t scream. Not until I explain.” That was the moment I realized this marriage—this carefully arranged, temporary solution to my parents’ ultimatum—was about...
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