Chapter 4 A Setup For Mockery

The sight made Claudia uneasy, prompting her to avert her eyes.

Unexpectedly, Eddie had already taken his seat by then. Gwyneth cheerfully made the introductions. "Eddie, meet my sister, Claudia Murphy."

Eddie regarded Claudia with a cool detachment, as though meeting her for the first time. "Hello," he said evenly.

Claudia felt a pang in her heart. After a pause, she mustered a faint, "Hello."

As dinner progressed, conversation flowed freely around Gwyneth and Eddie. Laughter filled the air, creating a warm, congenial atmosphere. Meanwhile, Claudia seemed to fade into the background, her responses few and far between, a pattern that persisted until the meal concluded.

She grabbed her bag, eager to escape as soon as dinner ended. Vickie attempted to persuade her to stay longer, but she was resolute, concocting an excuse to leave immediately.

With no other option, Vickie reluctantly let her go. Eddie, who had been engrossed in conversation with Gwyneth, stood and announced his departure, "It's late. I should head back."

Gwyneth's face fell at his words. On impulse, she urged, "It's rare for you to have a free evening. Why leave so soon?"

Javier chimed in, supportive, "Yes, why not stay a bit longer?"

Despite their entreaties, Eddie declined. Instead, he turned to Claudia, offering, "Shall we leave together, Miss Murphy?"

Claudia was taken aback. Suddenly, everyone's attention was on her, especially Gwyneth's piercing gaze.

Claudia felt annoyed but kept her composure. With a forced smile, she refused. "No, thanks."

Eddie, however, insisted, "Come on, it's no big deal." He then got up and left the room.

Reluctantly, Claudia pursed her lips and followed him outside. As she reached the yard, Gwyneth's voice unexpectedly called out from behind her.

Turning around, Claudia saw Gwyneth approaching rapidly. With determination in her voice, Gwyneth confessed, "Claudia, Eddie and I were classmates in college. I've had feelings for him for years. In truth, I came back for him this time."

Claudia stood there, dumbfounded.

Gwyneth continued with a smile, "I heard from Vickie you're planning to resign. Maybe I could talk to Eddie for you..."

"No, thanks." Claudia cut her off sharply. She forced a hollow smile, concealing her feelings. "I have plans for after I resign. You don't need to worry about me."

Gwyneth's expression stiffened.

Claudia didn't pause for a second. She spun around and made a swift exit, her steps hurried as if trying to outpace her shadow.

With each step away from the house, a heaviness settled over her. Out of nowhere, a teasing voice interrupted her retreat. "Why the rush? Are you being chased by a ghost?"

She halted and looked back, finding Eddie lounging against his car, an amused grin lighting up his face.

Upon seeing him, Claudia's frustration deepened. Her voice was sharp with irritation. "Believe me, if there's a ghost, it's probably conjured by you."

Eddie's laughter rang out, carefree and mocking. "Really, me? Ghosts flock to the guilty. What are you running from?"

At his words, Claudia rolled her eyes in silent frustration.

Eddie didn't give her a chance to respond. "Come on, get in the car."

Claudia remained motionless, her eyes narrowing at Eddie's relaxed stance. The words Gwyneth had insinuated earlier echoed in her mind, stirring a mix of regret and humiliation. Why had she even come here? It was nothing but a setup for mockery.

With that realization, she turned her back on him and walked away, her departure silent and resolute.