Chapter 147-New Leads

Raymond

Nervously, I clicked on the text and read it seriously, in fear that I might miss a word. But Clara was always distracting me from my phone with trivial conversations.

“Sorry, Clara, I need to check the messages. We'll talk about it later. ” I said.

“Okay, fine.” She compromised reluctantly and gave me an embarrassed look. The world was finally quiet. Indeed, I was tired of Clara’s constant interruptions. When I read the text it seemed that nothing happened.

“Hey babe! Don’t worry, I’m okay. I just need some space. I’m staying at a hotel tonight. Love you x”

The message was a small relief… and yet, something didn’t sit right. The tone wasn’t quite right, and why would she stay at a hotel? We were on vacation—this was supposed to be our time together.

I read the message again, a knot of confusion tightening in my chest. Clara noticed my hesitation and was quick to jump in.

“See? She’s fine, Raymond. Just taking a little time for herself. You don’t need to worry.”

But I was worr