Chapter 18 A vintage coffee shop , private room .
Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows , illuminating the coffee cups .
I stirred my coffee , my movements listless , unable to mask my nervousness .
I started and stopped several times , unable to speak .
Ryders gaze remained on me , deep and intense .
His voice was cool .
Claire , look up .
Before my brain processed the order , my body reacted instinctively .

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Even after three years apart , his commanding tone still elicited an automatic response a habit ingrained over a decade , difficult to break .
Ryder was satisfied with my obedience .
I was still the same girl , a child who made mistakes and was scolded .
The coldness in his demeanor softened .
This was the girl hed raised .
Why did you disappear for three years ? His voice , though still low , held a barely perceptible gentleness .
My eyes flickered .
I didnt disappear .
It was a carefully considered decision .
Uncle , I know you didnt like this marriage , didnt like me clinging to you .
I needed to pursue my own goals .
So you filed for divorce behind my back ? His voice turned colder .
11:38 2.5 % < Chapter 18 I clenched the spoon , my voice barely a whisper .
Menu Yes .
I didnt want you trapped in this marriage anymore .
And I didnt want to be trapped either .
A slight , almost amused , laugh escaped Ryders lips .
Who said I was trapped ? This had been his dream marriage for years .
But … The memory of the stamped divorce papers made his breath heavy , the veins in his hands bulging .
I was taken aback , unsure what he meant .
After a moment , I realized he was asking how Id known he didnt like the marriage .
When Autumn Sears returned your book , I saw the inscription , and the bookmark youd written .
You said marriage was a prison for love .
I paused , speaking each word clearly .
Uncle , I didnt want this marriage to destroy us both .
It was torture for both of us .
Ryders dark eyes were intense .
That inscription was just a quote from the book .
I just copied it down .
I was surprised by his explanation .
continued stirring my coffee .
Okay , My tone was docile , as if speaking to an elder .
understand .
It was a stark contrast to the playful , animated girl Id been with Ethan Fuller .
It was fake .
Hed raised me ; he knew my true nature .
11:38 When I was comfortable with someone , I relaxed and teased them .
With strangers , I was polite and reserved .
Three years had changed things .
Ryders chest tightened .
Autumn and I … its not what you think .
I dont like her .
I froze .
I hadnt expected that .
Id assumed hed moved on with Autumn .
Why was he telling me this ? Before I could respond , he took my hand .
Claire , Ive been looking for you for three years .
Dont you ever run away like that again !