I Put a Price on My Don Husband Chapter 16
He remembered she never drank coffee, only warm vanilla latte. He knew she loved blueberry muffins from an old shop in town, and always grabbed a sun hat for her before they headed out, for she hated the harsh sun.
His love was calm and constant. It was nothing like Vincent’s grand, explosive displays, yet it brought genuine warmth and peace.
An outdoor art show opened in town that day, and Jack’s paintings took pride of place at the front.
Claire walked over with her parents. She froze mid-step the moment her eyes landed on one canvas, a soft warmth spreading through her chest.
The painting captured the town at dusk. Gentle sunlight spilled down, and a soft breeze brushed past a lone woman in an off-white dress, standing peacefully beside a stream.
It was her. The woman she’d been three years ago, and the woman she was now.
“I’ve been working on this painting for three years,” Jack said as he stepped up beside her, his voice soft. “I knew I had to paint you the first time we met. I wanted to keep you in my art, and keep you in my heart.”
Claire lifted her head and met his sincere, loving gaze. Her heart skipped a beat.
“Claire,” Jack said, wrapping his warm, dry hand around hers. “I know you’ve been hurt. I’ll never push you. I only want to stay by your side, take care of you, and build a safe, loving home for us.”
“I don’t love you on a whim. I’ve thought of you every single day for three long years.”
His tone was gentle but firm. He never spouted empty sweet talk or hollow promises, yet every word struck straight to Claire’s heart.
All the companionship, care, respect and tenderness he’d given her over the days merged into a warm feeling wrapping around her cold heart.
She did not pull her hand away. She simply lowered her head, a faint blush tinting her cheeks.
The setting sun bathed them in soft light, romantic and calm. Time seemed to stand still in that moment.
Her parents stood a short distance away. They exchanged a quiet smile, their eyes filled with relief.
They knew their daughter had finally stepped out from the shadows of her past and was ready to embrace happiness once more.
As days turned into weeks, Claire and Jack’s bond grew stronger, nurtured by quiet, constant companionship.
They hiked into the woods to paint together. Jack focused on his artwork while she sat nearby, handing him water and wiping sweat from his brow. Sunlight filtered through the tree leaves, wrapping them in a warm, cozy glow.
They wandered the town market for fresh groceries like any ordinary couple. They’d head home to cook side by side, enjoying a quiet life filled with cozy happiness.
They took walks under the night sky, staring up at the countless stars while listening to crickets chirp. They talked about their future, living out plain, content days.
Jack never brought up her past or pressed her about her pain. He simply healed her and cared for her in his own quiet way.
When memories of Lily crept in and sadness clouded her eyes, he would pull her into his arms, rub her back softly and murmur quiet comfort.
“I’m here. I’m right with you.”
If she woke up screaming from nightmares, he would hold her hand all night long and soothe her until she fell back into a peaceful sleep.
He respected every part of her, her history and her choices. He never forced her to do anything she did not want.
Slowly but surely, Claire’s heart thawed and opened up to him, warmed by his endless kindness.
She accepted this love at last. She finally believed someone could cherish her deeply, treasure her, protect her and ease her pain.
She was no longer the broken, cold woman who’d been hurt, betrayed and abandoned. No longer the woman who’d put a price on her own company, numb to the world.
She was loved deeply. She could laugh freely and lean on someone without fear.