Fifth Time, Final Goodbye

After a few steps, Finley glanced back. Claire was still standing where he'd left her, her small frame almost swallowed by the space around her. She looked so fragile, so alone.

It hit him then—he'd promised her he wouldn't put Renee first anymore, but he'd failed. Every single time. Determined, he swore to himself he'd make it up to Claire.

Once Finley and Renee were gone, Claire returned to her seat. A waiter appeared, carrying a two-tiered cake.

"Miss, happy birthday. This cake was prepared by Mr. Lloyd," the waiter said, glancing around awkwardly when he noticed Finley wasn't there. Claire sat alone.

"Just leave it, thanks."

The waiter lit the candles and handed her a small doll as a gift. Claire closed her eyes, made a wish, and blew out the candles.

She didn't wish for herself. She wished for her baby—to be reborn into a family filled with love, where happiness wasn't something fragile and fleeting.

She took a bite of the cake. It was sweet, but all she could taste was bitterness.

Not long after, her phone buzzed. Raoul.

"The divorce papers are ready," he told her. "You can sign whenever you're ready."

Claire didn't hesitate. She went to his office, reviewed the documents, and signed with a steady hand.

Raoul watched her, his curiosity finally breaking through. "Mrs. Lloyd, you and Mr. Lloyd have a child. Everyone knows how much you love him. Why divorce now?"

Claire's smile was faint. "It's Ms. Carlson now. Finley and I have no connection anymore," she said, sidestepping the question. "Oh, and Raoul, make sure you personally deliver these to him tomorrow. Once he's signed, let me know so I can give you an address to mail the finalized papers."

"Does Mr. Lloyd even know about this? What if he doesn't agree?"

Claire chuckled softly. "He'll agree. Trust me, he's probably been waiting for this. But if not? I'll sign another set. He'll get the hint eventually."

"Understood. I'll take care of it."

"Thanks."

With that, Claire went home.

The house was empty. No surprise—Finley hadn't come back.

She grabbed a suitcase and started packing.

Emma noticed Claire packing, curiosity written all over her face. "Mrs. Lloyd, why are you packing? Are you going somewhere?"

"Just leaving for a few days," she said, keeping it vague.

In reality, her ticket to the Maldives was already booked. The ocean was calling her—the one promise Finley never kept, she'd keep for herself.

"Does Mr. Lloyd know?"

"He doesn't need to."

After finishing, Claire carefully placed her prenatal records, ultrasound images, and the hospital report from her miscarriage into a small box. It would be her last "gift" to Finley.

Part of her wondered what he'd feel when he opened it. Regret? Guilt? Sadness? But none of it mattered. The baby was gone, and no reaction from him could change that.

She handed the box to Emma. "Give this to Finley tomorrow morning."

Emma frowned, confused. "Why not wait and give it to him yourself?"

"I won't be here," Claire said simply, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Why wasn't she staying? Because she couldn't stand to see him again—not now, not ever.

As the plane to the Maldives soared into the sky, a wave of relief and joy washed over her.

So this was what it felt like to let go of someone who didn't love you. It felt amazing.