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
Clara's POVWe came to a stop in front of a Cullinan Rolls-Royce. Derek received the automobile keys from a valet. Derek gestured for me to enter as he opened the door. I got inside the car silently.As I sank into the leather seats, I paused to examine the vehicle. It was something I had never done before.Derek took the front wheel tonight, so he drove.I did not say a word on the drive. I had no idea why I was so anxious. I was frantically trying to get home as I fiddled with my fingers and glanced at everyone else outside.Fortunately, Derek didn't waste time talking either, concentrating most of his attention on the road. He turned on the radio and listened to music to pass the time.The vehicle stopped suddenly in front of a structure. Emerald Courtyard was written in strong letters. The restaurant's name had an almost familiar feel to it.The building had a fountain in front of it, and two security officers watched over the entrance. The visitors inside were visible via the gla
Clara's POV I automatically performed the first thing that sprang to mind.I embraced Ivy as I turned to face Derek. I had to keep her from him.Ivy withdrew and exclaimed, "What are you doing? You're going to mess up your hair."I gave her an even closer embrace. I said to her in a whisper, "Derek is coming."Ivy hesitated, caught off guard, too.Derek was drawing nearer yet."You poor thing, don't worry. Everything will be alright," I said loudly while rubbing Ivy."Thank you," Ivy said.She withdrew from the embrace without saying anything else. To keep Derek from seeing her, she acted like she was crying, keeping her head down. Her face was hidden behind her hands.I lied when Derek approached me and said, "Her boyfriend just broke up with her."I suppose that these days, I tell lies with ease.Derek stopped and tried to figure out whether he could recognize Ivy by looking at her back."We ought to depart," I tugged at his sleeves.He turned to face me, whispering, "You look very