“She’s My Wife on Paper, Nothing More” — The Crime Lord Laughed… Not Knowing She Heard Every Word
Chapter 12
Years later, Clara returned to the old chapel.
The building had been rebuilt.
No trace remained of the fire.
She stood beneath the new stained-glass window with Lucian beside her.
“Do you remember that night?”
“Yes.”
“You almost died.”
“So did you.”
“You said you loved me.”
“I did.”
“You nearly died before explaining.”
“I was injured.”
“You were dramatic.”
Lucian smiled.
“I was trying to make an impression.”
She laughed.
He took her hand.
“I have something for you.”
He removed a small box.
Inside was her original wedding ring.
The one she had left on the table the night she overheard him.
Clara stared.
“You kept it.”
“Of course.”
“Why?”
“Because even when you thought our marriage meant nothing to me…”
He took her hand.
“It meant everything.”
She looked at him.
“Do you remember what you said?”
“Yes.”
“Say it.”
Lucian smiled.
“She was my wife on paper.”
“And?”
“Nothing more.”
Clara raised an eyebrow.
He laughed.
“That was a lie.”
She leaned closer.
“What is the truth?”
He kissed her forehead.
“She was the woman who taught me how to become human again.”
