Let Me Go, My Mafia Husband (Aria and Alessandro)
Husband Novel 290

Chapter 290 Falling Apart

"Benjamin, Adam is here," Claire whispered, her voice weak and filled with concern. "It won't be good for the hotel if we come face to face."

Benjamin sneered at her, his voice dripping with disdain. "Don't worry about the hotel's reputation, you slut," he spat. "Don't forget we gave you a job when the whole world turned their back on you."

Claire lowered her head and remained silent. She knew exactly why Benjamin had given her this job. The scandal surrounding her had brought unwanted attention, and Adam's fans came in droves, drawn to the place just to sneer at her, humiliate her, and release their anger on her for betraying their idol. It was sickening, but Claire had no choice but to endure it.

She stayed quiet, enduring every insult and humiliation for the sake of her unborn child and her will to survive. She was willing to put up with anything for the sake of the little one growing inside her, hoping that with time, the scandal would be forgotten-and maybe, just maybe, people would forget her, too.

"Now get back to work," Benjamin spat with disgust. Claire clenched the fabric of her waitress uniform to bear the humiliation and turned to resume her duties. Her gaze remained fixed on the floor as she walked away. Her steps were slow and tired. "Claire!"

The deep, familiar voice-laden with yearning-stopped her in her tracks. Her heart skipped a beat as she instinctively lifted her eyes, only to replace herself face-to-face with her ex-husband, Adam Whitmore.

Panic surged through her. She wasn't ready for this-this encounter, this moment.

"Excuse me, sir," she murmured, forcing indifference into her tone as she tried to sidestep him.

But Adam's hand shot out, grasping her arm gently yet firmly, halting her retreat. His gaze dropped, settling on her rounded belly.

"You're pregnant?" he whispered, his voice tinged with shock. His eyes, now wide with questions, searched hers for answers she wasn't willing to give. Claire looked away, refusing to meet his gaze, the lump in her throat threatening to choke her. "Let go of my hand," Claire protested softly, trying to pull her arm free from his grasp.

"Leave us alone," Adam barked suddenly as his fiery glare turned to Benjamin, who had been watching the scene unfold with thinly veiled amusement. The manager's face paled, and he quickly bowed his head before slinking away, unwilling to challenge Adam's fury.

"Claire," Adam sighed, his tone

softening as he took in the sight of her. His eyes, filled with both longing and pain, seemed to drink her in like a man parched. "I've been looking for you everywhere," he admitted, Kis voice heavy with sadness. "Why did

you leave without a word? You did

didn't

tell anyone where you were going. No address, no contact. Nothing."

Claire had blocked Adam's number right after their divorce and changed her contact information when she moved to New York City. She'd vanished without a trace, leaving no clues about her whereabouts.

"Mr. Whitmore," she said coolly, lifting her gaze to glare at him, her tone sharp and distant. "You shouldn't be seen with me. It's not good for your reputation."

Adam's jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened with frustration.

"I don't care, dammit," he said, his voice rough with emotion. His frustration grew as Claire avoided answering any of his questions, treating him as though he were nothing more than an unwanted shadow from her past.

Claire's gaze flickered around the

room, her heart pounding when she

1.n

noticed people taking photos and recording videos with their phones Whispers and curious glances buzzed in the air, growing louder by the second. Her chest tightened with anxiety. She was already enduring enough hatred and humiliation-this public spectacle could only make her life worse.

"Everyone is watching," she said in a low, urgent voice, her eyes pleading for him to understand.

Adam's expression softened, but his gaze moved back to her belly, lingering there with a mix of hope and dread. His throat tightened as he hesitated before asking the question that had been gnawing at his heart. "Claire... is this child mine?" Claire didn't hesitate. She met his gaze with cold resolve, forcing her voice to remain steady. "No. It's not."

The firmness in her reply hit Adam like a punch to the gut. His face reflected a storm of emotions-shock, disbelief, and a flash of heartbreak.

"Now leave me alone, Adam

Whitmore, and don't ever appear in

my life again she spat, her voice trembling with suppressed pain. Adam's hand loosened as he came back to reality, letting her arm fall from his grasp. Without waiting for his response, Claire turned and hurried back to the counter, her head held high despite the tears stinging her eyes.

She couldn't afford to cry. Not here. Not now. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm the storm raging inside her, willing herself to appear composed. It was better this way. Better for Adam to stay far away from her, even if it tore her apart inside.