Part 2/11:
He listened as Clara envisioned securing a ring merely as an "insurance policy," to buy her more time, all while plotting to "trade up" once her ambitions were achieved. The realization was a gut punch—her affection was superficial, her loyalty conditional, rooted in convenience and a desire for social status rather than genuine love.
The Calm Before the Storm: Strategic Deception
Rather than reacting with anger or confrontation, the builder chose a measured, calculated response. Recognizing that their foundation was fundamentally flawed, he decided to dismantle her plans quietly. Using his expertise as a builder, he began planting subtle clues.