Clara POV I looked at Derek's mother and instantly froze.By "undo all my handy work," what did she mean?Was this all orchestrated by her?She was the first to speak, breaking the stillness. She said, "I'm Layla, Derek's mother. You must be Clara. We didn't have a chance to introduce ourselves when we met last time."I attempted to perfect a grin by nodding. I was starting to feel anxious.My mind was racing with a million questions. What was her intention, and why was she here? Has she heard about the baby? And in that case, what would she do? So many questions left unsolved."I believe it's reasonable to suggest that I have to give you an explanation," she went on.She waved at me to come sit down.I was so shocked that it took me a while to react.We faced each other as we sat down on the living room couch.Her driver was right outside, so should I order anything to drink for the two of us?I rejected that with a shake of my head.Before speaking, she cleared her throat and cross
Clara's POVShe gave the impression that Derek was a five-year-old kid incapable of making his judgments.It was still not clear to me how Madison was my issue."I don't want to get involved with this; Madison is not my concern," I said.Perhaps it was time for me to go on from here and escape this lunacy. I didn't want to be a part of this any longer."The other day, you saw their friendliness. Who knows what else may have transpired between them, given how she showed off in his shirt? Her face took on a look of contempt.I finished her idea, "They didn't sleep together."Maybe I was naïve and didn't want to see whatever you before me become me; perhaps they couldn't have. Maybe she wanted to sleep over, and he only borrowed his shirt."She's a woman like you know, so maybe not yet. We must put an end to Madison because she is a monster. She would love to make you her puppet if she ever got to own his home, I don't doubt it, assuming she hasn't already attempted." She said,Suddenly,
Clara's POVAs much as I knew I would never carry out her plan, that was the least I could do for her. Besides, Derek was already so invested in this whole thing that it would break him to learn later that there was no baby and everything was a lie. Better to tell him the truth now than when he was too attached.I responded, "You should probably go soon; this room is for visitors.""It seems like you haven't lent at all. The woman said.That responds to the query.It seems she was the one who leased the suite room—likely under a different name to avoid raising red flags.I wanted to walk away from this mayhem, but one last question kept bothering me."Why am I?" May I ask?"Why was she being so adamant? I mean, if she could carry her scheme this far, she could probably find someone else to take my place.She said, "Because Madison views you as a danger."With no more inquiries, I turned around and departed from the room.What made rich men want their wives to marry into wealthy famili
Clara's POV"No, I'm not pregnant," I said to Ivy after receiving the negative test results.Ivy sighed and looked disapprovingly at that, her grin fading."If there was a chance in heaven, would you contemplate bearing his child?"Madam inquired.I was aware of her suggestion."No, I won't sell myself to get money," I said.Another sigh escaped her.She said, "Okay, then we just have to make the most of the circumstance while it lasts."Taking another look at the menu, she summoned another server and started placing huge takeaway orders."It's something your mother would appreciate," she said.To get her to stop fighting with me in front of all those significant people, I had to conceal the menu from her.We had our final meal at the restaurant around this time.When it did come, Ivy and I were quiet.This pizza tasted like something I had never eaten before; I was missing its flavour while still on my tongue.However, I should have seen that my joy would not last long since Marcus en
Clara's POVAt last, her gaze came to rest on me."You have to notify your supervisor to ensure she gets fired, or I'll take action to see that she does." Madison said, "You have to decide on our agreement quickly, or else you will soon follow."She threw open her bedroom door and rushed out of the room."I'll take care of her," her father said as he followed her.Maggie burst into sobs, covering her lips with her palm as she tried to hold back the emotions.I put my arms around her and escorted her out of the suite.Maggie sobbed, "I was simply cleaning around her fragrances when I took one up to clean. Please tell Marcus not to fire me. I didn't intend to." Madison entered and thought I was using it. She then hauled me out of her room. "I swear to you, I didn't use it; my hands and clothing smell," she pleaded.Asking me to sniff it, she clutched the hem of her garment."Maggie, it's OK," I murmured to her.To stop Maggie from weeping, I gave her a firm embrace.I needed to stop thi
Clara's PoV"What do you use to shampoo your hair? It seems arid, much like your lips." She made a point. "My driver will deliver a few items to you. Tomorrow, we'll continue this topic. You ought to go out front. No one should see us together. She said,Her remarks made me aware of how I looked. Even though my hair could have utilised a little more hydration, it was in excellent condition.My tongue skimmed across my lips. It served only to support her assertions."We will go on tomorrow. You ought to go right now. I'll go out a little later to avoid being seen together." She said,I turned to leave the apartment, nodding. Before leaving, I looked in every way.I kept going down the corridor without knowing what the next assignment was. I used to have a timetable informing me what must be done.That's when Madison and I met.She was coming at me, strutting her stuff like she was walking the catwalk, her hair flying over her shoulders.I wanted her to stay away from me. I was still un
Clara's POVThat gave me great pleasur"It would be fantastic," feigned a grin by Madison. She said, "I suppose I'll see you tomorrow then."I'll be occupied," Derek said, reaching into his pocketsMadison pretended to grin again and turned to go, clearly dissatisfiedMy face broke into a big grin that would not go away. It still amazes me that I did it just nowI had to return to reality since Derek was focusing all of his attention on me right nowI tried to hide my grin by clearing my throat. "Sharp on five-thirty. Being late is something I dislike in others. We'll get together at the rear entrance. I Said IDerek gave me a perplexed look as he considered whether or not I had been kiddingI didn't give my choice much thought since I turned around and left before he could say anything moreWhy had I thought that? Joining Derek on a date. Every woman who is going to despise meThirty-five: why? I had no time to go home and change into something more respectable after that. Not that t
Clara's POVThen she bolted from the changing area.I took a peek at what was in the cosmetic bag.I opted for a basic appearance, using lip gloss and mascara. Makeup was never my strong suit. I still felt like I might stab my eyeballs out.Ivy returned a few minutes later, clutching a black dress. It had straps and was short. It was always necklined in hearts. The garment would hug every curve on my body. It was exquisite."This clothing is mine. Months ago, one of the motel guests moved out. Nobody is searching for it, I'm sure of it. It's also your size." Ivy uttered a gasp.I had five minutes left before I was considered officially late.It was much harder to get into the garment, particularly with Ivy attempting to brush my hair.Ivy made a few touch-ups since I couldn't apply makeup well, which gave my eyes a smoky appearance. My blue eyes gleamed at that.Ivy grinned as she reviewed the outcomes. "My lovely caterpillar became an even more stunning butterfly."I exclaimed, "You