If you read the books, you will find that Claire wanted to live alone but he insisted that she should live with him. He wanted a child and had refused the idea of adoption in the beginning. Now, Brianna is his only chance. Claire accepted his proposal but did not promise to love him as before. She is not happy with him anymore and is also involved in her studies and work later on. Frank is not the man who can give her a satisfying love. She does not have feelings for him and does not talk about Jamie as promised, which makes them two different people. Strangers in a way. She can be comprehensive for his hidden flirts and outside liaisons, and does not talk about it either, except when he suddenly managed to find a job in Cambridge and tries to steal Claire's daughter away and to take her to England with him and the woman he has fallen in love with. Not very fair of him. But yes, she kept him at distance and he knew she could not forget Jamie. They should have separated earlier, it it is easy to criticize for us...
Thank you for sharing this insightful perspective! The relationship between Claire and Frank is indeed very complicated and full of conflict, especially after Claire returns from the past with Jamie. They both seem to have become strangers, lacking any deep feelings or connection. Frank's refusal to adopt and his attempts to keep a family with Claire, despite knowing she no longer loves him, only adds to the tension. Claire’s choice to distance herself and focus on her career and responsibilities is completely understandable, but it seems they were both holding on to a relationship that was beyond repair. Breaking up sooner might have been a better choice for both of them. This story really highlights the complexities of love and sacrifice in marriage.
