Chapter 5 Menu I carefully folded the signed divorce papers and put them away .
Then , I took my notebook and crossed out the item Print Divorce Papers .
I glanced at the calendar : December 14th .
Eleven days until Christmas , eleven days until my departure for Quantico .
I started packing .
As I sorted through my belongings , I realized something : our wedding supplies had never been used .

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The crimson double happiness quilt , untouched .
A pair of enamel mugs , one gathering dust .
The premarital counseling booklet issued by the base , pristine and unopened .
I had treasured them , hoping to use them for our golden wedding anniversary .
But then I remembered that night , my face flushed with anticipation as I waited for Ryder .
Instead , I was met with his icy gaze .
Hed said , Claire , things will remain as they were .
This is just a marriage to satisfy everyone .
Youll sleep here , and Ill sleep next door .
At the time , Id thought he was just adjusting to the change in our relationship .
Id waited .
But six years of a loveless marriage had finally made it clear .
That night , Ryder had made his position clear : he didnt want 701 < Chapter 5 this marriage , he didnt want intimacy with me .
Menu Shaking off the memories , a faint smile touched my lips .
I gathered those things , bundled them in a cloth bag , and took them to the dumpster .
My space felt clean , purged .
Night fell , dark and heavy .
Ryder didnt come home .
I didnt call , instead focusing on my designs .
It wasnt until the next evening that he rushed in .
His eyes narrowed .
The house … its different .
Uncle , you didnt like those wedding things , and we didnt use them , so I put them away .
Ryder sounded relieved .
Good .
They were … irritating .
A pang of bitterness hit me ; I was glad Id gotten rid of them .
Ryder , oblivious to my emotions , pulled a plaid scarf a popular style lately from his bag , offering it to me like a peace offering .
I was too hasty the other night .
This is compensation .
He paused .
But dont have those thoughts again , understand ? I recognized the scarf ; Autumn Sears wore that style often .
I lowered my gaze , refusing the gift .
No need , Uncle .
You raised me ; you never owe me an apology .
I went back to my room .
Ryder watched me leave , his brow furrowed .
In the past , I would have clung to him , chattering incessantly .
Why was I so distant now ? 11:36 0.7 % < Chapter 5 Menu A strange agitation simmered within him , a heat in his chest .
He loosened his tie and took a cold shower .
Christmass was approaching .
The kids were on holiday ; the base buzzed with activity .
Seven days until my departure for Quantico .
Id sent most of my luggage ahead .
On my way back , I saw several familiar army wives with shovels and saplings , heading towards the woods .
The annual spring planting was underway .
Families always participated .
As Ryders wife ( in name only ) , my absence might cause trouble .
I hurried home , grabbed my tools , and caught up with the group .
A red banner fluttered in the snowy air : Military and Civilians Working Together ; Planting in Winter for Springtime Beauty .
The soldiers worked efficiently , clearing the snow , preparing the ground ; the wives planted the saplings .
Their cooperation was seamless ; laughter and joy filled the air .
Suddenly , the phrase sharing joys and sorrows came to mind .
Perhaps that was what marriage should truly be .
A slight smile touched my lips , but I quickly focused , searching for Ryder .
Finally , I found him chatting with a comrade .
I approached , about to call him when the comrade spoke .
11:37 0 79 , < Chapter 5 Menu Ryder , if you hadnt married your niece , but Autumn instead … youd probably have a couple of kids by now .
**** old , and still alone ! His words struck me like a knife ; I couldnt speak .
I turned to leave , but Ryders low voice stopped me .
Perhaps .
Without Claire , Autumn would have been my choice .