Chapter 21 " Adri ! " Corbin tugged at his tie impatiently . " I grew up alongside Ambrose , which means I watched Clarinda grow up , too . To me , she's like a sister . If I had feelings for her , what would that make me ? Can't you be rational for once ? " " Then when are you divorcing her ? " Adrienne pressed . Divorce . It was the word Corbin had heard more than any other lately . Everyone seemed to think it was what he should do . But only he knew how that word lodged in his chest , making it hard to breathe . He couldn't explain why . Maybe because a divorce now would shake the company's stock , maybe because it would tarnish Adrienne's name . way , he knew with absolute certainty he could not Either way , divorce . Chapter 21 The words left his lips without hesitation , firm and final . " Never . Not now , not ever . " *** The next morning . Half - asleep , Clarinda finally saw Corbin's reply . " What is it ? I'll come home tomorrow , we'll talk . " She knew he didn't want her storming into Adrienne's presence again . He was probably afraid she'd throw another bottle at her . Still , his answer was enough for her . Once he came back and they cleared the air , she could walk away from this house that no longer gave her peace . She washed up , dressed with a light heart . Just before leaving the dressing room , she paused , thoughtful . Corbin wasn't exactly a doting husband , but whenever he needed a companion at social events , he brought his wife . At times , there were occasions when Clarinda had to attend by his side . So , the walk - in closet was overflowing with designer clothes , jewelry , and handbags . Clarinda blinked in surprise and instinctively asked , " Matilda , what brings you here ? " Matilda beckoned . " Come here . " Clarinda's gaze dropped to the unwrapped gift box on the coffee table , her lashes trembling . She didn't know if Corbin had seen the divorce papers yet . But clearly , the family elders had . Chapter 21 She walked over , inhaling deeply to steady herself . " You've seen it ? " " You want a divorce ... " Matilda wasn't the domineering sort of mother - in - law . Her tone softened as she tugged Clarinda to sit . " Why didn't you tell me or Stacey first ? " Clarinda poured her a fresh cup of coffee , keeping her head bowed , her manner respectful . " Stacey was just admitted to the hospital . I didn't want to upset her again . " " And divorcing in secret won't upset her ? " Matilda's voice grew firm , though she sighed afterward . " I know you've always been thoughtful . If you want a divorce , you must have your reasons . But have you truly thought it through ? Have you and Corbin really reached a point where divorce is the only way forward ? " " Matilda ..." Clarinda lowered her gaze to the marble floor , her long lashes casting shadows over her eyes . After a long silence , her lips parted . " I've been married to Corbin for three years , and we've never once shared a bed ." Chapter 21 Never sharing a bed . Matilda was a married woman . Of course she knew exactly what that meant . Matilda's pupils trembled as she asked in disbelief , " You're not joking with me , are you ? " " How could I ever joke about something like this with you ? " Clarinda lifted her eyes , her face dim and tired , though her tone remained gentle. " Matilda , aside from divorce , I truly can't think of any other way ! " Matilda was furious , but not at Clarinda . Her anger was aimed at her own son and Adrienne . One careless , the other greedy for more . Even as a strong - willed woman , Matilda couldn't bring herself to tell Clarinda not to divorce . How could she ? Her son had wasted three years of another woman's life for nothing . Clarinda had carried the title , yet had never once experienced Chapter 21 married life . Matilda drew in a deep breath to calm herself , then patted Clarinda's hand . " I see the agreement says you only want the Brenwick Road house ? " " Yes ," " Clarinda pressed her lips together lightly . " If that's too much , I can give it up ... " She knew well that her only purpose today was the divorce . With the four million from before , plus her own savings , she had more than enough to live comfortably . To outsiders , she had wasted three years enduring her husband's affairs , only to walk away with nothing . It was the joke of the entire upper circle . But she knew better that it was worth it . These three years had given her freedom , far more than she ever had in the Langdon family . Just in terms of being spared countless beatings and punishments , she could never regret it . " What nonsense are you talking about ? " 245 Chapter 21 Matilda looked at her . " If word gets out , people will think the Aldens mistreat their daughter - in - law . So here's what we'll do . Keep the Brenwick Road house , and I'll give another one to you under my name . Also on Brenwick Road ." " One for you to live in , one you can rent out for daily expenses ." At that , Clarinda was a bit stunned . The Brenwick Road apartments were expensive . Renting one out alone brought in four figures a month , not to mention the selling price . Over the years , the Aldens had treated her decently , but it would be a lie to say there was deep affection . By logic , they wouldn't give her a second property for no reason . ) Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.