No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 221

Faced with York's agitation, Claudia struggled to sit up.

"I'm really fine," she said.

The sting of the whip was nothing compared to the pain of hearing York say he didn't love her.

It was nothing compared to the moment she found out he had cheated, watching their grand reunion on a screen.

York sat on the edge of the bed, their faces close.

Claudia was too quiet now, too composed.

It made him uneasy.

He tentatively reached for her hand. "I was wrong tonight. I shouldn't have let Ann into our dressing room, and I definitely shouldn't have let her wear your clothes."

Claudia subtly pulled her hand away. "If you can be shared with her, what's a dress? It's been worn, so what."

Her casual words landed on York's chest like a mountain, making it hard for him to breathe.

He grabbed her wrist, his gaze fixed on her as he hesitated for a long moment.

Finally, he began to explain. "Claudia, believe it or not, it's not what you think between Ann and me."

Claudia looked down, a cold smile touching her lips.

She didn't need to think. Everyone had seen it with their own eyes.

"Back in college, Ann saved my life," York said. "She pursued me for a year. Her family was ordinary, but she was honest, frugal, and kind. I eventually agreed to date her, and after graduation, I even considered marrying her."

Seeing no reaction from Claudia, his grip on her wrist tightened unconsciously.

York lost his cool. He pulled her into a fierce hug and held on tight, like he'd never let go.

"Claudia," he said, his voice strained, "I only chose to take care of Ann James and her son. You and I are the ones who are husband and wife for life."

He still didn't risk telling her that Ann's son was not his.

Claudia's cheek was pressed against his chest. Hearing the strong, steady beat of his heart, she felt a profound calm.

"York," she said softly, "I don't want a lifetime shared among three people."

York didn't answer, only tightened his hold.

Even if she didn't want it, he couldn't let her go.