Clara's POV"What can I get you, Miss?" the bartender asked."Something really strong that would help me forget all about my problems," I answered."I'm sorry, she doesn't get out much. We'll get two vodkas." Ivy interrupted.The bartender nodded and then carried out our orders."Are you sure you don't want to go to a place a bit quieter with preferably less sweaty people?" Ivy asked."This is right where I'm meant to be," I answered assertively.The bartender slammed our two drinks on the counter, two tiny glasses.I was surprised that that was it. I expected a lot more.Maybe I should go out a lot more often.I took a shot of the strong liquor, the fluid running down my throat.With alcohol tasting this horrible, how was it ever supposed to help anyone feel better?"I want a whole bottle," I said, slamming the glass down.Ivy looked at me, concerned, as the bartender nodded at my request.We started drinking, both of us taking turns taking our shots as I continued to elaborate on my
Clara's POV I sighed. "I feel like I've been deceived my entire life, and I don't ever want to do that to anyone else or for them to feel how I feel now. It hurts. I hope he will forgive me. It's the right decision for me to make." I answered. Maybe I wasn't so drunk after all; a part of my brain was still working.Ivy shook her head in disapproval of my newly found moral compass."I think I'm going to move out. Leave and go to a very faraway place where no one knows me so that I can escape all of my problems." I deducted next. I raised my glass to take my final shot."You should put that glass down. Do you want me to phone Derek and tell him that his baby mama is an alcoholic?" she asked."I won't be anymore in less than twenty-four hours," I answered.I'll be jobless and probably ruined.I couldn't help but laugh at my misery. Doing the right thing was not going to be easy.Loud cheers were erupting from the far end of the bar. I couldn't help but look.Surprisingly, the star of th
Derek POV Maybe I should make the announcement already and leave."Well..." I said, grabbing both of their attention. "I have someone I'd like the two of you to meet," I announced.They were both quiet, just staring at me like some lunatic. I thought they'd be happy about it, maybe not too happy since the last time I brought someone, it was Madison."You mean an actual woman can stand to be around you? That hopefully isn't a mad person?" Mom laughed.I couldn't answer that without saying something that would possibly land me in the hospital."Maybe you might get the grandchild that you so desperately want." I hinted at it.Mom continued staring at me as if I'd lost my mind."You don't have to try and get my hopes up, and I already know that you've insisted on not giving me any grandchildren." She answered.I wonder where the change in attitude came from. Not long ago, she was ready to pair me up with almost anyone so I'd have a child."We should be happy about this," Dad said. Finall
Derek POV “Derek, what would you think about a wedding in the summer?" Mom asked.I nearly choked on my food. I don't know why my mother continues to surprise me. These are all things I'd expect her to do.From everything, at least now I knew she planned to get rid of Madison and find me a wife. She was trying to get her way again."Didn't you and Dad have three weddings? Why would you want another one?" I asked.Mom stared at me murderously.I sighed. "I think I'll excuse myself. I'm already full, and I'd like to get some fresh air," I said, pushing out of my chair."Oh, why don't you take Susanna along with you? Take a stroll in the garden. The evening is quite lovely. I'm sure the two of you will have some fun together." Mom smiled.Susanna stared at me pleadingly; I figured the poor girl hoped to escape this madhouse. This wasn't her fault."Okay," I answered hesitantly. "But I prefer to have my walks in silence."Susanna nodded gratefully as she rose from her chair.We set off f
Clara's POVShe was off sprinting to the closet with the dress before I could object.There were several reasons why this was a horrible idea.We had to get the job done because Maddison was probably going to come soon, so I moaned as I finished the remaining tasks. It was a few minutes before Ivy came out of the closet."How do I look?" she said as she leaned against the door."Wow," was all I could say.The majority of her back was seen due to the floor-length gown's sharp neckline and exposed leg. It accentuated every aspect of Ivy, fitting her flawlessly.Ivy said, "Wouldn't it be great to be rich?" "I just looked at the price tag, it costs enough for me to buy myself a decent car." She said,"It's a shame she is probably only ever going to wear it once," I said. "You should take the dress off before you get us into any trouble.""You're correct," she said. Looking behind her back for the zip, she extended her hand.Ivy yelled, "The zipper won't open."Panicked, I gazed at her.
Clara's POV Perhaps she wouldn't even realise it was missing.I pretended to dust some furniture and waited outside the door.While deciding which dress to wear, Maddison spread out all of the gowns on the bed.Maddison said, "Didn't I ask to have five of these delivered?" Her helper gave her a bewildered look.And what would I do? I could say it was never delivered, but that may lead to the termination of another person. I had to figure out how I was going to survive this one."I think you are better off wearing the blue one ma'am," I said.Madison said, "Excuse me," as she turned to face me.Her companion and her helper both raised an eyebrow at me. I was probably fired for speaking out of turn at this point."I mean, a woman like you, the blue one perfectly highlights your curves. It shows your elegance, that you are different and not like the other girls. It says 'irresistible', you need to make him imagine what he could have. You will be the envy of them all." I was speaking wh
Derek POVThe rest of our walk was silent as we stepped back into the house.Mom was the first to greet us as we stepped back into the house.They had already finished dinner and were now in the living room."You two looked so happy from a distance. I hope you enjoyed each other's company." Mom said.Susanna nodded happily. "Your son is something special," she commented. "On that note, I have to let you know that I have to leave now. It was lovely meeting all of you.""You are leaving already? Please tell me that you will be back soon." Mom said."Of course I will. You'll get tired of my face soon," Susanna answered.Susanna smiled as Mom pulled her into a hug."On that note," Susanna said as she pulled away from mom's hug. "I think your son is very smart and capable of making his own decisions," Susanna said as she smiled back at me.I nodded with a small smile, showing my appreciation.Mom shot me a glare. She masked her disapproval, returning her attention to Susanna. "Maybe you sh
Derek POV One of my friends, Aaron, had recently gotten married without as much as a warning to his parents, who were on the verge of disinheriting him. To celebrate, he said he wanted to go out.And of all the places he could have gone to, he said he wanted to be where he wouldn't be recognized or have the paparazzi snap his pictures. So we ended up here. At a small bar that I'm pretty sure no one knows anything about.Both Aaron and Vincent were pretty easy to track down. Find the loudest spot in a bar, and you'll find them there."I guess I should congratulate you for getting married," I said as I greeted Aaron."You know me, dude, I'd be divorced before you know it." He answered, raising his glass.Why did I still hang out with these losers?He handed me a glass. I raised my glass, too, taking a shot of liquor."Vincent is about to take on the drinking challenge.""I think I'll sit there," I pointed at an empty table. I didn't want to be around if anything was to happen.Aaron sh