Chapter 6 - A DIFFERENT WORLD
When Claire awoke the next morning, the bright winter sun was streaming through the massive windows of the master bedroom, reflecting dazzling white light off the snow outside.
She felt warm, remarkably well-rested, though her body still ached with a deep, dull soreness.
She sat up slowly, realizing she was wearing a soft, oversized silk pajama set that clearly belonged to Roman. The scent of dark cedar and expensive cologne clung to the fabric, wrapping her in a strange, comforting embrace.
The bedroom door opened quietly, and Mrs. Patel walked in carrying a tray laden with hot tea, fresh fruit, fluffy pancakes, and scrambled eggs.
"Oh, Claire, thank you God you're awake!" Mrs. Patel exclaimed, setting the tray down on the bedside table and wiping a tear from her eye. "We were all so worried about you!"
Claire offered a small, shy smile. "I'm okay, Mrs. Patel. Really."
"Mr. DeLuca ordered Chef Alvarez to make your favorite breakfast," Mrs. Patel said, placing a warm napkin over Claire's lap. "He said you are not to leave this bed until the doctor clears you."
Claire blushed, looking down at the lavish spread. "Where... where is Mr. DeLuca?"
Mrs. Patel’s expression turned respectful and somewhat awed. "He's downstairs handling business. But Claire... Ms. Mercer and her father left last night. In the middle of the storm. Mr. Frank told the staff the engagement is officially canceled."
Claire’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Canceled?"
"Yes," Mrs. Patel smiled warmly, pressing Claire's hand. "And Mr. DeLuca made it very clear that anyone who ever disrespects you in this house again will answer to him directly."
Claire sat in stunned silence as Mrs. Patel left the room. She couldn't process it. Vivian was gone. The terrifying threat hanging over her sister was... over?
Later that afternoon, after Claire had showered and changed into a cozy sweater provided by the staff, the bedroom door opened again.
Roman walked in.
He had removed his suit jacket, wearing only a crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, looking impossibly handsome and powerful.
Claire stood up instinctively from the armchair by the window. "Mr. DeLuca."
"Sit down, Claire," Roman said softly, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him. He walked over and sat on the ottoman opposite her chair.
Claire looked down at her hands, feeling suddenly shy under his intense, steady gaze. "Mrs. Patel told me about... Ms. Mercer. And the engagement."
"It should have been canceled months ago," Roman said quietly. "It was a political transaction arranged by my advisers. I never loved her. But what she did to you... that was unpardonable."
He reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a sleek black leather folder, hand-delivering it to her.
Claire opened it cautiously. Inside was a legal document stamped with an official state seal: CERTIFICATE OF FULL DEBT SATISFACTION AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY.
Her father's name was at the top. The remaining balance—$184,000—was listed as PAID IN FULL / CANCELLED.
Tears sprang into Claire's eyes, blurring the printed text. "How... how did you..."
"Apex Financial has been dissolved," Roman explained, his voice smooth and steady. "The owner signed over the total release of all debts under... severe pressure. You owe nothing, Claire. Your father's debt is gone. Lily's care at Harbor Ridge has been paid for the next ten years in advance, under a private trust in your name."
Claire sobbed softly, covering her mouth with her hand. The crushing weight that had sat on her shoulders for six long years—the agonizing worry, the extra shifts, the constant fear of losing her sister—was suddenly, completely gone.
"Why?" Claire choked out, looking up at him through her tears. "Why would you do all of this for me? I'm just... I'm just a server in your house."
May you like
Roman leaned forward, placing his hand over hers. His grip was warm, strong, and absolute.
"Because you are the only real thing in this entire hollow house, Claire," Roman said, his dark eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her heart leap. "And because from the moment I picked you up out of that snow, I realized I would burn the entire world down before I let anyone hurt you again."
