Bastard Husband

Chapter 7 

Claire’s POV 

Jackson took off his coat and draped it around my shoulders. He smiled at me as he opened the car door for me, and I hopped into the front seat. I couldn’t help but shed tears and felt hopelessly lost, thinking there would be no more chance to fix my marriage with Lucas. 

Looking up, I saw Jackson handing me his handkerchief with his initials. I smiled and took it from his hand. “Thank you,” I said. 

He didn’t dare ask what really happened but respectfully gave me a ride home. And as we got there, I stayed in his car for just a minute before stepping outside. He offered, “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here.” 

I nodded and smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said. 

*** 

As the days passed, I hadn’t seen Lucas again. A week went by without any news from him. I sighed and took a deep breath. I think I’ve become accustomed to my husband’s absence. 

“Dr. Claire, you have visitors,” my assistant nurse informed me. 

I stood up and saw that Caitlyn and Gabriella were there. They visited me after finishing their medical mission in South Africa. Caitlyn walked towards me and opened her arms happily. “Oh my god, Claire! You’ve been so busy lately, it’s been so hard to reach you.” 

Gabriella smiled and teased me, “I’ve already checked your whole schedule. You have some free time today to come shopping with us. Come on, it’s just two hours. You need to enjoy yourself too! You look a little worn out.” 

I smiled at them and was about to say I couldn’t make it, but then they dragged me outside. “Whether you like it or not, you have to come with us. Let’s go!” they said. 

I just sighed and softly laughed at them. They really knew how to force me to enjoy myself, even for a short time. I bit my lower lip as they shoved me gently into the backseat. Caitlyn grabbed my hand tightly. “Claire, we miss you!” “I miss you too, guys, but-” I started to reply with a chuckle. 

Gabriella started driving the car. “There’s no but… you deserve to buy the most beautiful bag today, and also you deserve a hair salon! Look at your hair… so dry…” 

I laugh softly, “I know, right?” 

They sandwiched me in the middle as we arrived at the mall, clinging to my arms happily. “Do you still remember cutting classes in high school just to buy something here?” Gabriella asked with an excited laugh. 

Caitlyn chimed in,,And now look at us, we’re swamped with work…‘ 

I smiled. “Yeah, I know. I miss those days too.” 

Then Gabriella grabbed a bag, her face filled with pure admiration. “Look at this Gucci bag, it’s so beautiful…” Caitlyn urged, “Get it, girl, before someone else snatches it up!” 

I smiled happily because it’s been a year since I’d seen these two people. I’ve been slumped with work and stress with my husband, and now they‘ re here to make my life a little bit lighter and make me forget my current problems. Until my smile slowly faded when I saw Lucas with May. Lucas held the child as if he were the father, and May showed Lucas a bag. “Do you think this looks good on me?” she asked. 

“I’m sure you look beautiful with it,” Lucas replied. 

My heart throbbed with pain as I watched them, a picture of a seemingly happy family. My friends paused what they were doing when they noticed me staring at Lucas. 

“Oh, that’s Lucas!” Caitlyn exclaimed. 

When Lucas heard his name, he glanced around and froze when his eyes met mine. 

“Claire…” 

I bit my lower lip, a storm of emotions raging inside me, and walked away without a word. My friends followed close behind, but Lucas chased after me, May trailing behind him. 

“Claire…” he said, grasping my arm. 

I turned my head slowly to face him, my eyes filled with anger. He explained, “I took them out because of Jacob.” “Jacob?” I asked softly. 

“Jacob is May’s child,” he said. 

May smiled at me. “Jacob’s been wanting to spend time with Lucas lately. He’s sick, and Lucas couldn’t say no to my son’s wish.” 

I forced a smile, trying to maintain my composure. They even treated me like a fool who couldn’t grasp the situation. “Oh, I see,” I said, nodding. “Well, I’m happy Lucas enjoys spending time with your son, May.” 

A soft laugh escaped my lips as I added, “Well, if you want, I don’t even mind if he became the child’s father. What do you think?” 

And when I saw their reaction, I couldn’t help but burst into a good laugh.