Chapter 42: A Deadline for Love

By the time the day changed direction, nobody in the room was prepared for where it would lead.

Claire tells Adrian she will not postpone the hearing. If anything survives, it must begin after the marriage that harmed them is legally over.

Claire understood that the next choice would be remembered long after the explanation. Lucy remained the line neither of them would cross. Whatever happened between the adults, their daughter would not be asked to purchase harmony with her own safety.

Adrian accepts, though it costs him, and asks for one honest date after the decree.

"Not a second chance. A first date with the people we are now."

Claire felt the old instinct to protect everyone from discomfort. This time she let the truth remain in the room.

Before she can answer, flames erupt from Bellweather's upper floor.