Claire thought she had found her happily ever after with James, but a conversation between him and her mother shattered that illusion. She overheard them discussing a financial arrangement where her mother paid James to marry her, viewing her as fragile and incapable of finding love on her own. Betrayed, Claire began uncovering their secrets, finding evidence of payments made by her mother to James, tied to his gambling debts.
Determined to confront them, Claire waited until Christmas Eve. At dinner, she presented her mother with the incriminating documents. The room went silent as Claire revealed that her marriage had been bought. She lashed out at both, telling her mother she was trying to control her and James she hoped the money was worth it. She walked out, filing for divorce soon after.
Months later, Claire is healing. Therapy and reconnecting with friends have helped her rebuild her self-esteem. While her relationship with her mother remains strained, Claire feels free for the first time in years.
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