Chapter 244

• Claire's pov
• I stood by the window, watching Nathan’s car disappear down the driveway. The engine’s low hum faded into the distance until silence swallowed everything, leaving only the pounding of my heart in my ears. For a moment, I considered driving myself to the airport, but the thought of maneuvering through traffic in my current state made me frown. My hands still trembled faintly, my head ached, and honestly, I wasn’t sure I could trust myself behind the wheel.
• I picked up my phone, thumb hovering above my contacts, and tapped the cab service number. The operator’s voice was cheerful, far too cheerful compared to my mood, but within minutes she confirmed a driver would be at my doorstep soon. I pulled my suitcase to the door, double-checked my passport tucked securely in my bag, and tried not to think too much about Nathan—about the way he had left, brisk, tense, carrying his emotions like a storm cloud he refused to let rain.