Chapter 3

"Mrs. Thorne, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me."

Clara's voice was steadier now and I could see something like satisfaction hiding behind her eyes.

Someone backed her up. "She doesn't mean any harm. She's always been like this, says whatever comes to mind. She was drunk once and said she wanted to marry Professor Thorne." The second it came out the guy winced and covered his mouth. "That's not what I meant. I'm just saying she doesn't think before she speaks. Everyone knows you two are solid. No one could come between that."

The room went dead quiet.

I smiled and said nothing for a moment. Then I looked at Clara.

"It's fine. I don't blame you."

Everyone exhaled.

Then I kept going.

"Julian and I are getting a divorce. Congratulations in advance."

"Sienna." Julian's face darkened. "Don't say things like that in front of everyone."

"You can get down on your knees in front of everyone and ask me to give her my heart, but I can't mention a divorce?"

He frowned. "It was an April Fools prank. Clara already apologized. If you keep pushing this you're the one making it awkward for everyone."

Friends jumped in.

"You're still pregnant. Don't stress yourself out over this."

"We all saw how upset Julian got just now. He never talks to Clara like that."

I looked at him and my voice was strangely calm. "You weren't upset for me. You were upset because she joked about needing a transplant. When you found out it wasn't real you were relieved."

He blinked and I could see the irritation creeping into his face.

"Please. Not here."

"You're embarrassing yourself. And her."

The exhaustion hit me all at once. I closed my eyes.

"Fine. Monday. Let's get this divorce done."

I stood to leave but Clara dropped to her knees in front of me.

"Mrs. Thorne, please don't take this out on him. He only ever wanted me to be healthy."

I looked at this girl crying her pretty tears and couldn't help but laugh. "You went to all that trouble to prove how much you matter to him. I hope it felt worth it."

She went white.

I stepped around her and walked out. Then behind me I heard his voice, quiet and cold.

"Sienna. Don't forget your mother is at Thorne Medical."

I stopped.

I would never have thought Julian would use my mother against me.

After a long silence I turned back and pulled Clara off the floor.

"I was joking. I don't blame you for anything."

She sniffled. "I'm glad. I'd hate to cause problems for him."

That was the end of it. Julian drove me home.

On the way he said, "I had to say that. I wouldn't actually do anything to your mother."

"I'll make it up to you. I'll come with you to see the baby tomorrow."

"Sienna. We've been together over ten years. I'm not without feeling for you. If you can, I hope you'll try to get along with Clara."

I leaned against the window.

"I meant what I said."

"Julian, let's get divorced. Whatever happens with you two after that has nothing to do with me."