The Secret Heiress

VE'

ut Clare. He'd revealed details I knew, but also some I didn't - like her use of her

lled by. She was sipping coffee and chatting with another woman.

nd: "Marriage is on the table, Stephen

e café. "May I sit here for a minut

waiter. "Yeah, sure. I'm about t

to play along yet hiding my

you," she rep

ty. "Please, can I kno

ed, her eyes spark

I said, exten

ze, my expression open and sincere. "I couldn't help but notice you feeling a bit d

ing whether to open up to me. Then, her expression softened, and she nodded slightly. "

more to the story. "I'm here to listen if you

s if searching for something in my eyes

riage," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. "I stayed with someone who only used me for th

er. Her vulnerability was palpable, yet sh

up with tears. "But it's hard when the memories linger. I feel like I've lost myself

ain of feeling lost. "You're not alone, Clar

urage to face it, to admit our mistakes, and to mo

glimmer of hope there. "So, Steve, what do you

I work shifts, trying to make ends meet.

how that is. You should come work at Sterling

don't think so. I've heard ho

int in her eye. "Leave that to m

also noticed the eyebags under her eyes and was c

g with him," Clare admitted, he

not stupid, Clare. You're strong and resilient

to talk then left. I paid for the coffee and left t

bout this captivating woman. Maybe, just maybe, t

RE'

the front desk, his confident stride and piercing gaze comman

nocently I questioned, trying t

dropping off my application. I took your advice and d

So glad you took my advice on that one. You feel can do bette

getting burned out with the different

about him afterward. "How's it going, anyway? Steve was genuinel

"I'm doing alright, thanks.

c. "I can imagine. Well, I should ge

ks from the employees. They murmured to one another, at least once or twice pee

that dripped with judgment. "Who is she,

a chuckle at the banter. At every stealthy sn

of who I was or wh

ong can I kee