Chapter 3 It's Been A While

Once again, Eddie and Claudia ended their talking in disagreement.

Before he left, he had cornered her against the door, his voice sharp with intensity. "I was the one who initiated everything. What makes you think you have any say in ending it?"

Refusing to back down, Claudia had stood tall and faced him directly. "If it's not over, then let's get married. But what about Gwyneth? Can she handle that?"

Her smile had been sly as she added, "Do you think she'd accept that you've been with her stepsister for seven years?"

The aftermath of their clash was a loud slam of the door that reverberated throughout the building. Alone in the now quiet room, Claudia's smile faded into silence, followed by a trickle of tears.

The following day, Claudia received a call from her mom Vickie Riley. At that time, she was in the process of resigning from the company. Though Eddie hadn't approved it yet, with a month's notice provided, it was considered a resignation when the time came.

Vickie invited Claudia to come home for a meal, mentioning it had been a long while since the family gathered.

Claudia hesitated, then replied, "Gwyneth might not be happy to see me, so I'd rather not show up."

As Claudia was about to end the call, Vickie quickly interjected, "It's been so long. Can't you move past it all? Gwyneth is the one who asked you to come this time. She's looking to mend things. Please don't shut down her attempt to make things right."

Claudia remained silent while Vickie continued to complain. Eventually, Claudia's irritation grew, and she relented just to end the conversation.

By the time Claudia arrived for the family gathering, it was already seven in the evening.

Exhaustion weighed heavily on her; despite Eddie's absence, he had passed all his responsibilities to her, as if to purposely complicate her day. Claudia found herself swamped not only with her own tasks but also with his.

Upon entering her parents' place, she was greeted by the sound of enthusiastic voices.

"Gwyn, please stay this time. Your dad has missed you terribly these past two years." Vickie's voice rang out.

"I'm considering it, but I need to think it over carefully," Gwyneth responded.

As the conversation continued, Claudia stepped into view. Catching Gwyneth's eye, she received a warm, bright smile. "It's been a while, Claudia."

Claudia nodded in acknowledgment. "It's good to see you back."

Just then, Vickie joined them. She ushered Claudia to a seat and casually inquired about her work. Meanwhile, Claudia's stepfather, Javier Riley, was on the verge of asking the maid to serve dinner when Gwyneth interjected, "Hold on a moment. We're still missing one guest."

"Oh?" Javier perked up with curiosity.

Yet Gwyneth wore an enigmatic smile. Glancing at the clock, she excused herself and stepped out, only to return moments later with another guest in tow.

The man greeted Javier and Vickie with a nod. "Mr. and Mrs. Riley, I'm Eddie Selleck."

At the mention of the name and the sound of that familiar voice, Claudia, who had been sipping her juice nonchalantly, suddenly found herself staring. Seeing Eddie arm-in-arm with Gwyneth, the juice lost its flavor instantly.

Javier, recognizing the name, stood abruptly, a mix of surprise and recognition on his face. "Mr. Selleck?" he echoed.

Eddie greeted him with a calm smile. "Mr. Riley, it's been a while."

Vickie, quick to gauge the situation, sensed Eddie's newfound stature as either affluent or influential, given Javier's keen interest. She quickly shifted her demeanor to one of greater warmth and welcome.

All the while, Gwyneth stood by quietly, a shy smile playing on her lips whenever her eyes met Eddie's.