Claire yearned for Jamie to understand the predicament she found herself in. She wanted him to know that her circumstances were beyond her control. Fear coursed through her veins as she grappled with the possibility of him despising her, much like her mother’s family had done. But deep down, she knew that she had to reveal the truth to him, no matter the consequences. Summoning her courage, Claire took a steadying breath before opening her heart to him. The weight of her words hung heavy in the air as she began, her voice laced with vulnerability and honesty.