Bastard Husband

Chapter 12 

Claire’s POV 

I’ve been so busy with work lately that I forgot Lucas existed in my life. After the argument, the bastard didn’t contact me again for almost three weeks. It’s been a pleasant day without him bothering me until one day, something unexpected happened. 

My breath hitched as I saw his car parked right in front of my building. He emerged, red–rimmed eyes reflecting a desperate plea. “Claire,” he croaked, “please talk to me.‘ 

I shook my head, my voice firm. “This is crazy, Lucas. Stop doing this!” 

I stepped back and fried to enter the building, but he shadowed me. Planting my feet, I faced him squarely. “What do you want from me, Lucas? Why are you doing this? Parking your car right in front of my apartment is harassment, not some grand gesture! 

“Do you still love me?” he pleaded, his voice thick with pain and regret. 

I sighed calmly. “Lucas, to tell you the truth… I don’t love you anymore. I hope you understand that.” 

“Please, love me again,” he said, tears slowly streaming down his face. He begged again and again, his pleas relentless, as if he wouldn’t tire of asking for a second chance. 

“I’m sorry, but you have to accept the truth. Please, sign the divorce papers, or I will sue you.’ 

“Do you really have to do this, Claire?” He stood there momentarily, shoulders shaking, before breaking down again. Wiping away tears, he met my gaze with a silent plea. 

“Send me a copy after you sign the divorce papers,” I said, turning and walking away, leaving him standing there in 

frustration. 

**** 

The next day, Lucas finally agreed to the divorce. He signed it and even sent me a copy of the divorce decree. It made me feel better, so I sighed and put the paper in my drawer. 

I thought he would stop bugging me once he finally accepted the truth, but I was wrong. He kept following me everywhere. 

And it’s truly alarming. 

One month later, as I was getting ready to work, my eyes widened when I opened the window, and there he was. Standing in front of my apartment again like a real creepy stalker. 

I put my shoes on and walked outside to confront him with anger, “Lucas, what the hell are you doing?!” 

“Claire…” He uttered my name, his voice warm. “Claire, I just want to protect you. I want to know if you’re okay. I’m worried something might happen to you-‘ 

I scoffed softly, my eyes filled with defiance as I mockingly stared at him. “Do you even hear yourself, Lucas?! I don’t need your protection, I can take care of myself….” 

I bit my lower lip, unsure what to do with my ex–husband anymore. My patience was wearing thin. 

And I gasped when someone’s hand grasped my shoulder, pulling me closer to them. I looked up, and it was Jackson. 

“Is everything alright, love?” Jackson asked softly. 

Love? Uh, I should play along, yes. 

Lucas narrowed his eyes. “So, this man is your new boyfriend now, huh?!” 

“Yes, he is,” I said bravely. “I want you to stay away from me from now on, Lucas.” 

“How can you find someone new so fast while I’m still here and can’t get over you?” he asked, his voice hitch with 

accusation. 

“Lucas, we‘ re divorced. I am finally free from you. I don‘ t need to wait for you to move on just to date again…” I said this so that he would stop bothering me. 

Lucas stepped back with pure sadness written on his face. “Claire…” 

And without uttering another word, he lowered his head and walked away, accepting that he could never have me back again, no matter what he would do. 

Jackson slowly put his hand away from my shoulder and asked, “Sorry, does my acting suck?” 

I laughed softly, “No, not really.”