Truth

determined to play nice, for Claire. It was after all, his olive branch to his fiancée. Thanksgiving went well. The ladies didn’t seem to recognize the subtle feather ruffling and posturing which occurred on multiple occasions.
    He tried to endure John because of Emily, Claire’s sister. Tony knew Claire wanted to see her family. He also knew Claire obeyed his rules while alone with her sister. After all, he listened intently to the recordings of each private conversation; from their after dinner catch-up in New York, to their giggling girls’ sleep over prior to the wedding. Never once did Claire allude to her and Tony’s less than conventional beginning. He was extremely proud of his wife’s obedience.
    Allowing his mind to change directions, perhaps Claire had earned the right to spend some time away from the estate. He would reconsider that possibility.
    Rubbing his temples, Tony contemplated John Vandersol’s future as he remembered the man’s past. Their first open disagreement occurred the night following Thanksgiving, regarding the prenuptial agreement. Tony was both amused and shocked by John’s impudence. The man actually thought he could persuade Claire to defy Tony’s authority. Smiling to himself, Tony knew he’d trained Claire too well. Public defiance from his wife wasn’t a concern. Nonetheless, John’s audacity agitated Tony beyond words.
    And then there was the wedding rehearsal -- where John didn’t give Claire away. It was at that moment, as Tony stared into Claire’s anxious eyes, when Tony determined John Vandersol will pay . This insolent man not only upset him, but his words caused Tony’s future wife distress. Her connection with John was his only saving grace. By causing her discomfort, at her own wedding rehearsal, John secured his own demise.
    Tony’s first plan was brilliant: offer John a job. It appeared as though Tony was taking the high road, recognizing John’s superior legal abilities, offering him an exorbitant amount of money and pleasing Claire. It was win – win. Rawlings Industries could always use another competent attorney, but he’d be under Tony’s thumb.
    Nonetheless, in the ultimate act of defiance, John Vandersol refused Tony’s offer. It was an act which has infuriated Tony ever since he learned of it two weeks ago. He hadn’t told Claire until a few hours ago.
    Tony was certain Claire understood the implications (her ability to see her sister now or in the future was in serious jeopardy) without Tony spelling them out. That was good because the thought of his wife’s family caused his blood to boil, and it was truly better for Claire, if he didn’t experience that feeling while in her presence.
    Tony poured himself a drink, perhaps it would help him sleep. Pacing the confines of his regal office he contemplated his wife further. He thought about Catherine’s words. She claimed Claire’s strength in the face of Tony’s adversity was proof of Claire’s true competence. Truly, Catherine’s encouragement regarding their relationship helped propel it beyond the original plan. Catherine claimed she saw Nathaniel’s positive qualities in Tony when he was with Claire. Comparing him to Nathaniel was no small compliment. Catherine’s approval of Claire continued to mean a great deal to Tony.
    That was why Tony wanted Claire at the estate, safe, with Catherine to watch over her. With Rawlings Industries, Sophia, and John Vandersol, Tony didn’t need to be concerned about Claire, too. Her role as Mrs. Rawlings had just begun. And admittedly, in most situations, she’d done well. However, there were a few occasions she’d forgotten the significance of her new title. He didn’t want to spend his days worrying how her actions reflected upon him.
    Claire said she wasn’t a spouse or a partner. That wasn’t true. He wanted her as both... however; Anthony Rawlings never shared control. His percentage always held more weight... therefore; it didn’t matter if she was bored: if he wanted her at the estate -- that was where she would be.
     
     

 
     
     
    All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy;
for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves;
we must die to one life before we can enter another. – Anatole France
     
    Chapter 51
     
    “ Ms. Nichols, we’re almost to Palo Alto.” Grace’s voice penetrated Claire’s dream, resounding through the hum of engines. “Ms. Nichols, please return your seat to its upright