CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVE - The Decision to Leave

Meanwhile, across the city, Mason paced his apartment, his mind racing. The resolution of the lawsuit should have been cause for celebration, but all he could think about was Claire. Her brief, polite response to his message had left him feeling hollow. He stopped in front of a framed photo on the bookshelf - him and Claire in Paris, standing on a bridge over the Seine, their faces alight with laughter and love. It was from their first trip together, a magical week that had cemented their relationship. Suddenly, an idea began to form in Mason's mind. If he couldn't bring Claire back with words alone, maybe he could remind her of the connection they once shared. With renewed energy, he grabbed his laptop and began to plan. Hours passed as Mason worked feverishly, making calls and arrangements. Finally, as the first light of dawn began to creep through the windows, he sat back, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through him. He had done it. He had arranged for them to r