Chapter 2 - The Packing of the EvidenceClare stood up from the floor, walked to the closet, and began un-packing the linen dress she had carefully folded just twenty minutes earlier.
She didn't pack light. She packed deliberately.
Every legal document, tax return, corporate asset valuation for Bellweather Journeys, and pre-nuptial disclosure form—which Ethan had eagerly signed believing her family business was small potatoes compared to his rising tech-consulting firm—was gathered and locked into a fireproof safe she kept in her studio.
She looked around the Manhattan apartment. The rent was paid through her business account. The furniture had been selected by her interior designer mother. Ethan had moved in with two suitcases and a high-end espresso machine; he had contributed virtually nothing to the foundation of their daily life except his charm and his unending parade of excuses regarding Vanessa Reed.
At 11:00 AM, the front door clicked open.
Ethan strode into the hallway, smelling of expensive cologne, Italian leather loafers tapping lightly against the hardwood. He carried a fresh pastry bag from a bakery down the street and looked like a man who had already won the lottery.
"Babe?" Ethan called out, tossing his keys onto the entry console. "You won't believe how smooth the office transfer went this morning. The board meeting pushed back my departure by six hours, which means we can grab lunch at Balthazar before heading to JFK tomorrow."
Clare stepped out of the bedroom, holding a single manila folder.
Ethan stopped dead in his tracks. He took in her calm demeanor, the absence of suitcases by the door, and the cold, unflinching look in her eyes.
"Clare?" He frowned, forcing a charming, boyish grin. "What’s wrong? Did something happen with the flight?"
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"Nothing with the flight, Ethan," Clare said softly, walking toward him with slow, deliberate steps. "In fact, your flight to Malé is entirely confirmed. Seat 4A for you. And seat 4B for Vanessa."
Ethan’s face went completely pale. The pastry bag in his hand crinkled loudly as his fingers locked around it.
