Seven Years Married, But I Never Existed

Chapter 3 Just Toy?

Claire stumbled through the front door, her hand blistered from the burn, her face so pale it startled the housekeeper.

"Mrs. Pierce, your hand, that's a serious burn. We need to get you to the hospital right away. I'm calling Mr. Pierce now." The housekeeper reached for the phone with shaking hands.

"Don't," Claire said weakly, catching her wrist, "just help me put some ointment on it."

"You're worried about troubling him, aren't you? He wasn't supposed to be back for another four months. He only rushed home because he heard you were sick. If he sees this," the housekeeper shook her head, "it would break his heart."

She returned with the first aid kit and carefully applied ointment to the angry red skin, "Did that hurt?"

Everyone believed Zack adored her. No one knew his devotion was divided, that another woman held the same place in his heart.

Claire lifted her free hand and wiped away tears she hadn't noticed falling. She forced a faint smile, "Thank you. I'm fine."

When she was alone, Claire began packing.

Only then did she realize how little of Zack existed in this house.

A few suits hanging untouched in the closet. One framed photo on her dresser, her smiling beside a man who now felt like a stranger.

That was all.

The truth had been there all along. She just refused to see it, clinging to trust like it was the only thing keeping her afloat.

By dawn, Claire still hadn't slept. The sheets were twisted from a restless night, Zack's side of the bed cold and untouched.

He hadn't come back.

The next morning, a noise from the living room jolted her awake. Thinking it was the housekeeper, she stepped out, only to freeze.

Hannah and Lucas were standing in her home.

Lucas stood on a stool, reaching into the cabinet, his hand already grabbing the small wooden horse, the only keepsake Claire had left from her parents.

"Put that down." Her voice cut sharp through the room.

The boy flinched but didn't let go. Hannah stepped forward, lifting him down and setting him on the floor.

"Ms. Lawson," Hannah said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, "Lucas and I will be staying here for a while."

Claire ignored her and walked straight to Lucas, "Give it back."

The boy looked at her defiantly, hiding the wooden horse behind his back, chin tilted up, "Finders keepers."

"You wouldn't take it out on a child, would you, Ms. Lawson?" Hannah's tone was soft, almost sweet, "it's just a toy. He's curious. If Zack were here, he'd let him keep it. After all, this is Zack's son. You already knew that, didn't you?

Claire shot her a cold look and reached for the horse.

Understanding flashed across Hannah's face.

"So you do know," she smirked, "and you still refuse to let go of him. Fine. Then today, I'll show you exactly who matters more."

Before Claire could react, Hannah shoved Lucas hard.

The boy fell to the floor with a loud cry.

"What's going on?"

Zack's voice cut through the chaos as he appeared in the doorway, suitcase in hand.

His eyes locked onto the crying child. In a few quick strides, he scooped Lucas into his arms.

"Zack, don't blame Ms. Lawson. This is our fault." Hannah snatched the wooden horse from Lucas's hands, her tone trembling, "I didn't teach him well. He's too curious, always wanting things that aren't his. This is on me."

"Ms. Lawson, he's just a child. Here, take it back."

Claire reached for it, ignoring the sting in her words.

Before her fingers could touch it, Hannah let go.

The wooden horse hit the floor with a sharp c***k, splintering into pieces.

Her breath stopped.

Her parents' last keepsake.

Claire dropped to her knees, gathering the broken fragments with shaking hands, splinters scattering across the floor.

It was ruined.

"Was that toy really worth scaring a child?" Zack's voice turned cold.

Claire stood, anger shaking her voice, "A toy. You know exactly what that was, it was the only thing my parents left me."

Zack stiffened.

Hannah immediately clung to his arm, her eyes shining with tears, "I didn't know it meant so much. This is our fault. We shouldn't have come. Zack, don't be upset with her. We'll leave."

She made a move to go, but Zack caught her wrist.

When he looked back at Claire, guilt flickered in his eyes.

"Lucas is sick. They'll stay here for a few days. Let it go for now. I'll get you a new one, alright."

A hollow laugh slipped out as Claire's eyes burned.

"Fine. Let them stay. It doesn't matter. I won't be here much longer."

She carefully placed the broken pieces into a bag and turned to leave.

Zack suddenly grabbed her wrist, his grip firm, his gaze steady.

"Where are you going?"