While Claire stepped into the shower, Adrian managed to quietly usher Vanessa out the back, just in time to run into the actual pizza delivery. Claire overheard the exchange and asked, “Did you order food?” Adrian nodded, spinning a quick story.
But the first bite of pizza made Claire pause. It was unusually spicy—extra hot, with a dash of something familiar.
Later that week, Claire went to dinner with her friend Vanessa. When the server asked for their order, Vanessa spoke up: “Half-regular, half-extra spicy, please!” Claire’s fork froze midair. It was the exact order from earlier that week.
Her thoughts spun as she recalled the familiar scent of perfume, the odd behavior, and the pizza. Something wasn’t right.
Back home, Adrian believed everything had blown over. He relaxed, thinking Claire was overseas. But when the doorbell rang again, he opened it casually—only to find a delivery box. It wasn’t pizza. Inside were legal documents.
And behind the helmet of the courier stood Claire.
“Surprise,” she said calmly, stepping inside.
Vanessa, caught off guard, tried to explain. “Claire, I—this isn’t what it looks like.”
Claire remained composed. “There’s nothing left to say. You both made your choices. I’m making mine.”
She handed Adrian the paperwork. “You have an hour to pack.”
And with that, she left—leaving behind her wedding ring, but taking her strength with her.
Weeks passed. Adrian never called, even after learning about the baby. Vanessa disappeared from Claire’s life as well. But Claire wasn’t dwelling on the past.
Instead, she stood beneath golden skies on a Hawaiian beach, one hand resting gently on her belly, eyes set on the horizon. A new chapter was beginning—not from betrayal, but from resilience.