New beginning: Billionaire love story novel Chapter 479

The soft hum of the city beyond the large glass windows filled the silence in Claire’s office. Papers lay scattered on her desk, but her mind was miles away, trapped in a whirlwind of confusion.

Her fingers tapped restlessly against the polished wood as she tried to untangle the thoughts running through her head. Finding Andre seemed like it should be a straightforward task, but for the first time in a long while, she felt hesitant.

Her phone buzzed on the desk, the name “Matthew” flashing across the screen. A breath of relief escaped her lips as she picked it up.

“Matthew,” she answered, her voice softer than usual.

“Claire,” Matthew’s voice came through, steady and calm, “I wanted to check in. How are you holding up?”

Claire closed her eyes for a moment, her shoulders sagging slightly. “I’m… trying to locate Andre, but I don’t know where to start.” She let out a frustrated sigh. “It’s so unlike me, Matthew. I usually know exactly what I need to do, but this time—”

“This time, you’re human,” Matthew interrupted gently. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, Claire.”

Claire leaned back in her chair, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I can’t afford to be overwhelmed. Not now.”

There was a pause before Matthew spoke again, his tone unwavering. “Listen, if you need help, you know I’m here. Just say the word.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of Claire’s lips, though worry still clouded her eyes. “Matthew, you just woke up from a coma. You need rest. I can’t drag you into this mess.”

“I’m fine, Claire.” His voice was firm, but there was a hint of playfulness. “Don’t make me come over there and prove it.”

She let out a soft laugh. “I’d like to see you try.”

“I mean it, though,” Matthew continued. “You don’t need to handle everything on your own. I know you’re worried about me, but I’m stronger than you think.”

Claire’s fingers traced the edge of her desk. “I know you are. But I can’t help it. The thought of you getting hurt again because of me…” Her voice trailed off.

Matthew’s voice softened. “Claire, you didn’t put me in that coma. You’ve got to stop carrying the weight of everything on your shoulders.”

She sighed. “Easier said than done.”

“Then let me help you,” Matthew insisted. “If I’m resting, I might as well be useful. Bring your laptop when you visit. We can figure this out together.”

Claire’s lips curved into a genuine smile. The idea of having Matthew back at her side, even for something as complicated as this, made the burden feel just a little lighter. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“I’ve been told,” he chuckled. “So, does that mean you’ll come by?”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the warmth in her voice. “Yeah, I’ll come by. But only if you promise not to overdo it.”

“Scout’s honor.”

“Since when were you a scout?” she teased.

“Details, details,” Matthew replied with mock indignation. “See you soon?”

“See you soon,” Claire echoed. As she hung up, a sense of purpose began to take shape in her mind.

Claire walked briskly into Matthew’s hospital room, a laptop tucked under her arm. The sight of Matthew sitting up, his eyes bright and alert, eased a knot in her chest. He looked tired but determined, the lines of exhaustion softened by his familiar grin.

“Hey, you,” she greeted, setting the laptop down on the rolling table beside his bed.

“Hey yourself,” he replied, his eyes scanning her face. “You look better already.”