Clara's POVAs I inserted the garment into the machine, I nodded."If I were you, I would just exercise caution. You are aware of the tale of these wealthy elderly men, and you can never be certain of their intentions." She said,I said, "I'm sure he was just being polite."Marcus snapped his fingers and stepped in."Hurry up, what are the two of you still doing here?" He said.Marcus could hardly be avoided; he was there everywhere. There are moments when I feel like he's watching the monitor wherever we are all the time simply to make us feel bad."Maybe we wouldn't be so slow if there was someone for the laundry and we didn't have to clean up the guest's room and do laundry here," Ivy said."Excuse me?" Marcus said.Fortunately, Marcus was not in close proximity to us. Ivy swiftly took her words back."Nothing, boss," was her response.Marcus said, “Clara," and I stopped dead in my steps. "I need you to clean up Derek's room before he gets back once you are done with what you are d
Derek POVI massaged my neck softly as I sat back in my chair. This has been a stressful week, and I had another busy one. Everyone has only been able to provide justifications, and I cannot handle ineptitude.I thought about that girl from two nights ago again. I have no idea what occurred that night. I should have recalled her that night if I could recall anything. She was incredibly seductive and difficult to overlook.She was seeking my money, and she had failed at it. Therefore, I needed to stop thinking about her.Luke came to my door and knocked."Your mother phoned, sir. She responded, "You must bring a girl home; it's time to fulfil your half of the bargain." He said.I averted my gaze.I said, "Tell her I'm busy." "Also, let the architects know I want to view their restoration plans right now."Luke said, "Sir, they still have one more week to work on that project.""Alright, let them know that I'd want to view it by the end of the day.""Just to wrap up, Madison is ready. I
Derek POVDad said, "I still find it surprising that you chose to invite someone over." "Like, a genuine lady?" Mom inquired. "Derek, I always thought you had a vivid imagination as a child; you may be seeing a lady."I said, "Yes, mother, that is a genuine lady."To get me through this evening, I would require a big drink."So you're not going to get your helper some clothes so he can pass for a woman? You two are together all the time." Grandma told me.I argued, "No, grandmother, she's genuine." She had to be sincere, indeed? There has to be a genuine person there someplace below all those silicone breast and lip injections."Are you one of those wealthy guys that pay ladies to be with them, please?" Lucy laughed.Dad said, "I don't know why you still distrust our son—he has my nice looks." "Those were the days, I recall when I was his age. Every woman I..."His idea was cut short as Mom scowled at him."I find it surprising that he chose to attend," Mom said, shifting the topic
Derek POV"I was beginning to believe you were sleeping here since you didn't have a residence." Granma pretended to chuckle.Madison seemed uncomfortable and unsure of her response.I said, "I suppose I should drop you off at home."I got out of my sofa.Grandma said, "You should remain, son. I have something important to tell you." "You may have her driven home by one of the drivers." She recommended it.With a nod.Maddison followed me to the door."Having you here tonight was a pleasure." My lips found hers.I waited until the vehicle was securely filled with her. I stood outside in the chilly wind until the driver had left the yard.I knew I would get an earful as soon as I walked back inside the home."What were you thinking? Her name contains the word mad." Lucy gave me a shoulder smack. I said, "Well, she just happens to be what I like."Lucy said, "And when he chose to drop out of medical school, I believed my son was a failure." At me, Lucy shook her head. She escorted her
Clara POVYes, that would be Derek Montenegro.Before he could further identify that it was me, I hurriedly pulled myself together and stood up. I withdrew from his embrace and turned my head to face the corner.I hit the floor button that was closest to me.He said, "I'm sorry about that, Miss."My hair hung down the sides of my face, and I maintained a bent head.He leaned over to my side, and I noticed. I freaked out; maybe he wanted to see my face and find out I was lying. I made every effort to look away from him.He leaned back and shifted to his side as his hand went for the elevator controls and pressed the button for the top level.Safe was I. Until today, anyhow.As soon as the elevator doors opened, I hastily exited.After the elevator doors shut, I exhaled deeply, like I had just finished a marathon. I was holding my breath without even realising it.For an instant, I thought about using the stairs rather than the elevator so I wouldn't run into the danger of running into
Clara's POVIvy assisted me in moving the load. It was almost time for us to clock out by the time we had completed folding all the clothing and doing the other tasks.My feet hurt as Ivy and I left Maddison's apartment."After this, I find it unbelievable that we still have to stand in the bus. We can probably both agree that it's about time for one of us to start dating someone wealthy." It was Ivy.I dragged my steps and said, "I'm banking on you for that; I have horrible luck at love.""That's only because you reject every man who even bothers to smile at you." She responded.Awaiting the elevator, we waited.Marcus stopped me in my tracks and said, "Clara." Then I pivoted."I need you to steal the boss's tuxedo before you clock out." I need you to deliver it; it has been at the dry cleaners." He gave guidance.I knew whose boss he was talking about, and my heart pounded, ready to burst out of my chest. Didn't I already have enough of an issue with him earlier? I was sure now tha
Clara's POV I felt my whole body freeze, regretting what I had said.Just what had I done? Even so, where did that notion originate?I yelled the first ridiculous thing that came out quickly because I didn't want him to fire me. Although it seemed to have worked, I was now more dangerous."And you're confident about this?" Derek's voice startled me out of my reverie.I firmly nodded my head.Why did I do that? Why was I strengthening my lie? That would lead to further problems for me.Perhaps I could retract what I had just said and tell him that I wasn't pregnant—after all, how can you say "it's your kid" and then not mean it?Derek walked the room before kicking the table to knock it over."You may be lying for all I know; how am I simply meant to think you are pregnant?" He said.I had lied. However, it was now too late for me to retract this falsehood."I understand your feelings; I was taken aback, too, when I learned," I said.I wasn't very adept at lying, so my voice became so
Clara's POVMy mother and Katy were in the kitchen baking cupcakes when I got home.My luggage fell out the door. I waved at Mom and Katy in response.I was emotionally and physically exhausted.I needed to speak to someone because if I said the word "pregnant," my mother would slap me across the face, not to mention the fact that I had lied to them about being pregnant.Ivy's number was in a phone book I had from years ago, so I took my mom's phone to my room and punched it in.My phone still hasn't been replaced."Hello," I said as soon as Ivy responded."Hey, how are you?" Ivy enquired.I breathed in deeply. It was going to seem absurd even to try to explain this.I said, "I told Derek I was pregnant."Ivy kept quiet.I started by telling the remainder of the narrative.It was uncommon for even Ivy to be left speechless.I wait for her response, nervously biting my nails.I don't see what you are scared about based on what you just stated. This is ideal for you since he wants you t
Derek POV The things he is willing to do make me sick to my stomach, and I'm finally done. He deserves everything coming to him. I was glad that the trial with Maddison's mother went smoothly. Turns out, there is nothing Maddison loves more than her reputation and money, and for that, she is willing to let her mother rot and make herself the victim.I was finally done with the cooking and dished our food in the dining room.I slipped my hand into my pocket, ensuring the ring was safely secured.Clara voiced her approval. I'd made a Pad Thai dish for her, knowing it was her favourite. I finally influenced her. "If my mom calls, please tell her I'm not pregnant." She stated this in the middle of her dinner.I nearly choked on my food as my eyes widened."Are you pregnant?" I questioned, puzzled. "Of course yes. She came over the other day and found a pregnancy test in my bathroom." She explained."Oh," I noted, amazed. "That explains why she's been texting me a lot more often." I am
Derek’s POVI must have looked at my watch about five times in the same minute. Why was I nervous? I've made far more risky decisions, and none have ever made my heart beat this fast. The house had already been set, our dinner table was perfect, and the garden was just as I had instructed. Clara would be arriving any moment from now, and I was almost done cooking. Everything was perfect, so why was I this nervous?I wiped the sweat off my brow. Vincent was right; my idea was stupid. What was I thinking about planning a proposal here? Surely, I could have thought of a better idea.I needed to calm down. Hopefully, she had another busy night, and she wouldn't show up.Maybe I should turn off my lights and pretend I wasn't home. But she'd walk in. That's what I get for giving her an extra key.Since we've both been tied up with work, we have dinner almost every evening. It made sense that we'd both have the keys to each other's apartments after she moved out of her mother's.I needed to
Derek POV About a month ago, my mother decided that the best way to end her obsession was to start a new one. She went and got herself a replacement kid. I don't know who in their right mind decided that it was okay for her to adopt a ten-year-old kid. I'd be fine with all this, except the kid hates me. I've done nothing wrong to him. Maybe I'm a bit biassed, but it only took one visit to know there was no longer any space for me in that house."You should be happy about this," Vincent laughed. "Your mother will finally get to fix all the mistakes she made with you. It happened to me, too." He laughed.The secretary walked in to announce that an old friend of ours, Dexter, had arrived. We were working on a new business venture, and we had been waiting for him to start our meeting officially.Dexter walked into my office as laid back as usual. He had barely changed much since I'd last met him. He had a few classes in college together.We exchanged greetings as Dexter settled himself i
Derek's POVSOME MONTH LATERI swivelled in my chair, fiddling with my pen as I tried to develop ideas. When I needed my brain the most, I couldn't think of anything. I've never felt this anxious about anything before."Are you certain that's a good idea?" I inquired of Vincent, who sat across from me.He had visited my office to discuss our new business deal. We just happened to have moved on to the next item on the agenda.He looked at me in disbelief, as if there was only one obvious answer. "Yes, which woman wouldn't want you to take her to Paris and propose to her in front of the Eiffel Tower?" He answered sarcastically. He threw his hands in the air in disbelief.As incredible as his idea sounded, that didn't sound like something Clara would want. She wasn't that sort of girl.I leaned into my chair and stared at the ceiling. I always thought the proposal would be the hardest part, but I guess so was how to propose."If you think that is too cliché, you can go on a private islan
Clara's POV I leaned on the door and peeked through to stare at Derek's motionless body. My eyes were quickly whelmed in tears. I never wanted things to end this way.Without thinking, I pushed open the door and walked in.I collapsed into his chest, held onto him tightly, and sobbed."Please wake up and get back to me; I'll do anything. I love you." I whispered. I held onto him even tighter.I wish I'd said this when he wasn't fighting for his life. There were so many things I would have loved to have done differently, but now I can't take any of it back.I suddenly froze as I felt a hand patting my head.I looked up.I blinked at Derek, who was staring back at me. For the first time, I saw clearly. Derek wasn't covered in bandages or had wounds all over his face, as I expected."It's okay, I'm alright." He answered.I wiped away the tears, my vision becoming clearer. "You are not hurt?" I asked, finally realising what had happened."No, but I will be if you continue squeezing me li
Clara's POVDAYS LATERIt took a few days before the doctors could clear me out and send me home. I was being discharged today, and I had decided it would be the start of my new life.Derek hasn't come over as much, at least not to see me. It meant he was starting to get it. This way, we'd both be able to move on eventually.I was packing the few items Mom had brought to make me more comfortable when I heard a knock on my door. Layla peeked through the door before walking in.She has been responsible for ensuring a fresh batch of flowers in my room every day. She visited me a few times. I was glad she never pushed anything between Derek and me. Without me explaining, she said she understood.Today, there was something different about her. She didn't look like she was dressed for the runway, nor did she carry around her fancy handbag. She was wearing flat shoes. I noticed her eyes were red."I'm so sorry I haven't visited you much in the last few days. How are you, sweetheart?" she ask
Clara’s POV I was relieved when the nurse announced I'd have a visitor until I saw who it was.The sound of the walking stick should have been enough to know who it was. I could have used the time to pretend I was dead or, better still, leave the room,m but I was foolishly hopeful.Derek's grandfather walked into my room with his usual sinister look and a mightier-than-thou attitude.He looked over at me and smirked. "You don't look too bad. I guess everyone exaggerated how bad you were." He commented. If my hand weren't connected to an IV, I'd be the one leaving this room. He was here for a peace offering."Why are you here?" I asked."Don't worry," he replied, raising his hand. "I won't be here for too long. I wanted to be here in person to ensure my message was clear. I hope you liked my flowers." He smiled. "It's funny how I've tried to make sure you and I don't end up as a family, yet here we are." He chuckled. "You've cost me a lot lately, you and all your recent drama." He pau
Clara's POV I understood him, too. I made many bad decisions that I thought were good at the time, and he reacted that way because of it. I should have never done any of what I did, either. I know and understand that lies can never be good.But I wish things were different."You should leave," I finally replied. My mouth became dry, perhaps because I knew I was about to tell one final lie."Of course, you need some rest. I'll see you in the morning." He concluded. He smiled weakly and leaned in to kiss me on my forehead."You shouldn't come back," I added as he pulled away.He stared at me with confusion, but he dismissed whatever he was thinking as his face lightened up. "Of course, I'll be here," he answered.I shook my head at him. "You shouldn't come back to see me, not today or ever. We should end this. Everything that did or didn't happen, all of it." I explained."You should get some rest. We are not thinking right now; so many things have already happened on the same day," he
Clara's POVI woke up to a beeping sound and bright lights around me.All the anxiety rushed in. It took me a while to calm down and realise I was no longer tied up there. I was safe. I still couldn't close my eyes and not reimagine everything. I wish I could forget everything. About a month ago, I never imagined my life would turn out this way.The sedatives were wearing off when my family came rushing into my room.Mom and Katy were the first to strangle me with their hugs and kisses. Soon enough, my room was covered in flowers and soon balloons got well.It was a relief to see everyone again. I thought I never would.We spoke for hours and even cried. You never know how to appreciate these small moments until they can be taken away.I was glad to hear that the woman had finally been arrested. I hope she is locked away somewhere she can never hurt anyone again. Although everything seemed to settle, I couldn't help but think the real storm would soon follow.A nurse stopped by multip