Chapter 164: Letting Go Completely

"Claire, why do you insist on leaving a day earlier than planned? Are you sure about this?" Blaine Jackson leaned casually against the doorway, watching as Claire Grace busily packed her clothes. 

"Blaine, we're leaving in just 17 hours and 9 minutes. Do you honestly think anything will change between him and me in such a short time?" She answered herself with a resounding *no.* 

At last, she understood her place in his heart. 

"Claire… why don't you go find him?" Blaine asked, unable to hold back the question he had struggled with for so long. 

Claire paused, taking a deep breath and blowing a stray strand of hair off her face. 

"Blaine, I *did* go to him, but he left that day—again. You know that, don't you?" 

"But that was because he misunderstood the situation between you and me... Maybe if you went today—" 

"No!" Claire interrupted, her voice firm and unwavering. "Blaine, I've thought this through. If he can't even give me the most basic trust, why should I stay by his side?" 

"What do you mean?" Blaine frowned, hearing a finality in her tone that alarmed him. 

Claire tilted her head, giving him a serious look. Instead of answering, she asked, "Blaine, can you do me a favor?" 

"Of course." 

"Huh?" Claire was taken aback by his immediate agreement. "Blaine, I haven't even told you what it is yet." His unwavering support touched her deeply. 

"It's not like you're going to ask for my life," Blaine replied with a small smile, stepping inside and sitting on the bed. "You want me to deliver something, don't you?" 

"You're so clever," Claire said, sitting beside him. "I want you to give this to Roy and have him pass it on to Lucas." She pulled a sealed pink envelope from under her pillow and handed it to him. 

"Claire, I could drive you there. You could give it to him yourself." 

"But if I go, Lucas and Lauren will interfere again. They won't let me leave." 

"Are you really sure about this?" Blaine looked at her intently, his deep eyes seeming to search her soul. 

"The answer is clear, Blaine. His silence says it all. And I've never been one to force someone's hand." 

"Think about it for another hour—" 

"There's no need, Blaine. That's it. We still have a flight to catch tomorrow. You should get some rest." Claire forced a small, half-hearted smile, guiding Blaine to the door. She glanced one last time at the pink envelope in his hand before tearing her gaze away. Looking up at him, she said softly, "Goodnight, Blaine." 

Blaine stood outside her closed bedroom door, his chest heavy with an inexplicable ache. 

He knew she was hurting deeply. Though she didn't show it, the sorrow etched into her expression betrayed the anguish she carried inside. 

---

The next afternoon. 

With a sharp "thud," a pink envelope landed on the desk in Lucas Zeller's office. 

Lucas looked up irritably at the source of the disturbance—Roy Lin. "What's wrong with you? Are you here to pick a fight, or did you take the wrong meds?" 

Roy smirked, letting out a sarcastic chuckle. "Relax, Mr. Zeller. I'm not in the mood to argue with you today." 

"Then what's with your attitude?" Lucas frowned. "And that smug face? Don't tell me Lauren pissed you off at home." 

"It's just my usual charming demeanor," Roy retorted, shrugging. "Anyway, I came to give you this." He gestured at the envelope. "And to congratulate you. You've finally gotten rid of Claire. Lauren's little curse has finally come true—you and Claire will never be together again. Should I take you out to celebrate?" 

Lucas's expression darkened. "What are you talking about?" 

"Oh, come on, don't play dumb. You know exactly what I mean." 

"Talking to you is exhausting," Lucas muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose as he picked up the envelope. "What's this? Something Claire asked you to pass on?" 

"Who else could it be from? It's from the 'pathetic snail' you've ignored all this time." Roy sneered, barely hiding his frustration. 

"Watch your mouth!" Lucas roared, slamming his hand on the desk. "Who said anything about breaking up with her?" 

"Wow, that's news to me. But it doesn't matter anymore, does it?" Roy's voice dripped with sarcasm. 

"What do you mean by that?" 

"Open the envelope and find out," Roy replied, rolling his eyes. "Seriously, Lucas, you've gone too far. Claire waited for you all this time, and you just ignored her. Even when Lauren tried to help you reconcile, you left again. You've been nothing but a disappointment." 

Ignoring Roy's tirade, Lucas tore open the envelope. Out fell a crumpled piece of paper, its edges worn and smudged. 

For reasons he couldn't explain, his hands trembled as he unfolded the document. When he finally saw it, his whole body froze. 

It was the divorce agreement—signed by Claire. 

"Well, look at that," Roy said dryly. "Seems like Claire's finally given up on you. Congratulations." 

"Shut your mouth!" Lucas snapped, leaping to his feet. 

"And where do you think you're going?" Roy called as Lucas rushed to the door. 

"I'm bringing her back—no, I'm—" 

"There's no need, Lucas." Roy leaned back on the sofa, his voice calm but resolute.