In the days that followed, Edward Cullen did not make an appearance, and Claire Randall knew he was with Elizabeth Bennet, with no thoughts spared for her. However, it came as a surprise when Elizabeth herself showed up in front of her after five days.
Elizabeths eyes radiated coldness, piercing Claire like icy spears in the dead of winter, as if eager to tear her apart!
"Elizabeth Bennet?" Claire was puzzled as to why this woman would show up here at this time.
With a hysterical scream, Elizabeth shouted, "Why did you have to come back? Why did you have to ruin my wedding with Edward?"
"Lets get one thing straight, I am Edward Cullens wife, and you are the interloper in our relationship!" Claire was unwavering, determined to fight for her place by Edwards side now that she had returned.
Standing in place, Elizabeths face looked sinister and cold in the dimly lit room.
"Lets talk," she coldly proposed after a while.
Claire agreed; indeed, they needed a proper conversation.
...
On the thirtieth floor, the rooftop, the two women faced off in a stalemate.
A gentle breeze blew, parting Elizabeths long hair, revealing the bruises on her neck that were so striking and alarming.
"Ha ha, you see this, dont you?" Elizabeths eyes suddenly widened, pointing to her neck as she yelled at Claire, "This is all thanks to you!"
Claire was aware of what had happened to Elizabeth after she ran away and tried to soften her tone, "You should seek revenge on those thugs; this has nothing to do with me!"
"Nothing to do with you? If you hadnt come to sabotage our wedding, none of this would have happened!" Elizabeth retorted, her voice breaking.
Claire clenched her fists tightly, feeling a measure of guilt over Elizabeths ordeal, but she stood her ground, "I am still his wife, and I love him."
"You are truly shameless. Cant you see how much he despises you? He loves me now!" Elizabeths face contorted with rage, her emotions flaring uncontrollably.
Upon hearing this, Claire fell into a sudden silence, lowering her head and not speaking for a long while.
The loathing and hatred in Edwards eyes were still vivid in her mind; he had choked her, expressing his desire to kill her...
Claires heart ached sharply, and she looked up, resigned, "I know."
"Then leave him, go far away!" Elizabeth bellowed.
Claire shook her head; she had been through so much to return to Edwards side, and she was not ready to give up just yet.
"You are really vile!" Seeing Claires stubborn refusal to leave, Elizabeth roared in uncontrollable anger.
"If Edward truly loves you, what do you have to fear? It seems you dont have much confidence in yourself," Claire smiled at her.
Before Elizabeth could retort, she heard hurried footsteps in the stairwell, and a sinister smile played on her lips, "Claire Randall, you will regret your decision today!"
With those words, she turned and deliberately jumped from the rooftop!
The white skirt still fluttered in the wind.
Claire was stunned, her hand reaching out to grab her as Edward rushed past her from the side, knocking Claire to the ground.
The footsteps in the stairwell belonged to Edward!
At that moment, he was clutching Elizabeths hand, his voice filled with agony, "Elizabeth, hold on to me!"
His desperate cries pierced Claires heart.