Chapter 818

Most of his friends had married for alliances, either between families of equal standing or between the worlds of politics and business. Their wives were assets, women who brought them prestige. But an actress? In their elite circle, that was practically a slur, a term for a mere performer. It was why the public knew Felix was married, but had no idea who his wife was. Even his business associates had asked about her, but Felix always remained tight-lipped. Deep down, he was still ashamed of Claire’s profession. This wasn’t the first time Felix had thrown her career in her face. In the past, Claire would have been hurt. She would have forced herself to change, to do whatever it took to smooth things over with him. But now, she was done playing a part. She was tired. All she wanted was to be herself. So, she said bluntly, “You think I’m being harsh? Of course I’m being harsh. Why else would I say it? It’s not like I don’t know how to be polite.” The implication was clear: she had no interest in getting along with him. It just wasn’t necessary. Her words were sharp and piercing, and Felix obviously didn’t like hearing them. But not wanting to start a fight right there, he reined in his temper. “Are you in such a hurry to divorce me because of Wilbur?” Claire was dumbfounded. This man was truly certifiable. Hadn’t she brought up divorce long before she even met Wilbur? Felix really needed to get his head checked. “I seem to recall someone telling me she liked me,” Felix’s tone turned sour as he taunted her. Claire shifted uncomfortably. She had said that. In the heat of the moment. When it came to her feelings, she had always been open. Even now, with Felix digging up the past, she had no intention of denying it. But it was incredibly irritating. They were getting divorced. Why was he bringing up all this pointless stuff? “Yes, I admit it. I said that. I’m surprised you remember it so clearly,” Claire confessed honestly. Felix’s slightly furrowed brow had just begun to relax when Claire added, “You can’t take things a woman says in bed seriously, can you?” Felix’s face instantly darkened, becoming as black as the bottom of a pot. But Claire wasn’t finished. “I haven’t forgotten my last one, I liked you too, and I’m looking forward to the next. Do you understand what I’m saying?” Felix’s jaw tightened, his eyes filled with suppressed anger and simmering rage. “Even though we’re in the process of divorcing, I feel I should remind you: don’t you dare cheat on me during our cooling-off period!” “You’ve cheated on me plenty,” Claire said with a light laugh. “Let’s be fair and not get hung up on the details.” “Madeline and I don’t have that kind of relationship.” Claire held up a hand to cut him off. “And Wilbur and I don’t have the kind of relationship you’re imagining, either. But would you believe me if I said that?” Felix clenched his jaw and ground out the words, “So, Wilbur is your lover? You want to divorce me because of him, don’t you!” “Think whatever you want.” She was sick of this. She didn’t want to argue with him about these baseless accusations. She turned to leave, but Felix grabbed her arm, his grip surprisingly strong. Claire let out a muffled grunt of pain and was about to shake him off when she heard him ask in a low, heavy voice, “Do you love him?” She rolled her eyes. “That’s a funny thing to say. You can marry without love, but how can you have a lover without it?” With that, she wrenched her hand free and strode away. She didn’t look back. So she didn’t see the dark, brooding expression that settled over Felix’s face. When forced to choose, Claire had unhesitatingly chosen Wilbur. She had thrown him away.