#Chapter 32: The Offer

I want Sirius to stop saying marriage. I want him to stop saying we in relation to him and Claudia. I want time to stop and for him never to say the phrase “rekindle our marriage”. I want to stop feeling this ache in my chest that no matter how hard I rub, it will not go away. Claudia takes a deep breath, regaining some of her composure. “Fine. But there will be conditions.” “Name them,” Sirius says, his voice steady. “You will treat me with respect, both in public and private. No more of this controlling nonsense. I have my own life and I intend to live it.” She glances at me briefly before returning her gaze to him. “And Elise stays out of our business.” “Respect is mutual, but I will not engage with you outside of public affairs. Also I couldn’t care less what you do with your life.” Sirius leans down to me with a spoon full of broth and I tentatively take a half of a sip, not finishing all the broth with the spoon. “Elise is my business, you should never concern yourself w