Chapter 19 My heart pounded .
Uncle , I left you a letter .
You didnt need to look for me .
Im a grown woman ; I can take care of myself .
Ryder looked at me , his eyes filled with an unreadable emotion .
He spoke softly , slowly .
Youre a grown woman , yes .
But youre also my wife .
The words exploded in my mind .
I thought Id misheard ! For the first time , he was acknowledging our marital status .
Acknowledging * me * .
I couldnt process my emotions .
My lashes trembled ; I clenched my The pain brought me back to reality .
hands .
I took a deep breath , meeting his gaze .
Uncle , I believe I signed the divorce papers , and so did you .
The divorce papers were a constant wound for Ryder .
The mere mention caused a sharp pain in his heart .
His throat tightened .
I never intended to divorce you .

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My father submitted those papers .
I paused , then smiled faintly .
It doesnt matter ; the result is the same .
Were divorced .
Uncle , that chain binding us is gone .
Were back to being uncle and niece .
No , I dont want that ! His voice shook .
11:38 2.7 % < Chapter 19 Claire , I feel more than … Uncle ! Menu I interrupted sharply , my voice cold , though my heart hammered .
Silence fell .
I pulled away , looking away .
Uncle , youre just my uncle .
Ryders tall frame trembled .
The words were a knife piercing his heart .
Each breath was agony .
Id simply echoed a phrase he often used .
It was devastating .
Hed said it countless times without He clenched his fists , his lips moving slightly .
Youre in love with someone else ? That man ? How long have you known him ? Do you know him ? The questions were like an interrogation .
consequence .
I felt uncomfortable , my voice flat .
Uncle , please dont treat me like that anymore .
I have the right to choose my friends .
In high school , Id had a few male friends .
Ryder had interrogated me , scrutinizing every detail .
Hed even tracked down the boys who gave me gifts , paying them back .
For years after , I had almost no male friends in college .
Id talked to my closest roommate about it .
11:38 2.7 % < Chapter 19 Shed called it possessiveness .
Menu At the time , Id been happy ; he cared , he was jealous .
Later , I realized it was just a male insecurity .
Men , even if they dont love you , wont let others touch their things .
Ryders throat bobbed .
Answer me .
Are you in love with him ? He stared at me intently , scrutinizing every expression .
He desperately wanted the answer , yet feared it .
His heart pounded , barely containing the turmoil within .
I lost interest in talking .
I stood .
Uncle , youre my elder .
If I have someone , Ill introduce him to you formally .
I neither confirmed nor denied it .
Ryders eyes flashed crimson .
As my fingers touched the doorknob , he pinned me against the wall .