Right Or Wrong Call?CLARA"Mom?"Her words hit my ear in the distance, and the world seemed to stop. I tried to prop forward, but my legs were stuck, and I started, bee-eyed, at Velma and how she softly squirmed in the bed. Nothing else mattered at that moment, and Mike , as though he read the situation right, placed his arm on my lower back and helped me move forward."Velma?" I called out in a small, strained voice, unable to control my tears once again. I didn't mind that Mike was touching me, or that he was still in the room after the ten minutes that I intended him to be.I didn't care that Lucy was lying in the hospital somewhere or that my reputation was in flames, and I was tagged the premium husband snatcher and gold digger of the century.I didn't care that the company, presumably, was taking hits, and our stocks were most likely falling. I didn't care about charts, just this moment of me moving closer to Velma and reaching for her hand. My heart beat like a wide bea
My Ex In My Home.CLARAI couldn't avoid it, could I?This torturous circle that I'd managed to sink into with both my legs. He wasn't going to leave, so I would accept his help.It was just this once, right? I wondered how everything flipped in just a day. A few hours ago, I couldn't stand him around me; now I was about to get into his car. Why did I feel something flutter in my stomach?Whatever it was, I was more than determined to drown it to its death.As Mike opened the car door for me, with his eyes peering into mine, I swallowed hard and let my arms fall to my sides limply, burning under his gaze. In his eyes was something I hated to see, nostalgia.Care. Affection. It only made me angrier. I huffed, and couldn't help but feel a surge of conflicting emotions. "Do you have to do this?"I rolled my eyes like, somewhere, inside of me, I wasn't hoping for him to stay.His gesture was kind, and for a moment, I found myself feeling a bit better because it was Mike , even when I kne
Papers To Sign.MIKE I pushed back and closed the door after I'd gone out to check if they'd managed to infiltrate the corridor, too. They hadn't- surprisingly, Clara had locked it when we came, and now she was packing the room as she ran her fingers through her hair, evidently frustrated.What could I do to help her feel better? Today, I managed to slip her crack into her facade, and she smiled at me. Not once, but twice. She let me inside her home and let me touch her things. She let me cook in her kitchen despite how unworthy I was of it.Though I felt like a huge hole had been carved inside my chest, my happiness had broken the scale. I couldn't even wear a normal expression until Lucy called, and I was reminded of the mad world that I actually live in.I was reminded of my delusions."What are we going to do?" She asked me. We. She said we, and it sounded so scary. I was shaken, physically, mentally, and emotionally. "I have to get to the hospital. Rodney might be awake, t
On FireMIKE I slipped past her and walked into the ward. Lucy had already sat down with a poker face, looking at me with so much guilt in those eyes that if I hadn't eavesdropped on the phone call, I'd be questioning my own sanity by now.My mother nudged me when I just stood there, staring at Lucy without being able to decide the right words to say to her. Seeing her look that fine, and in the blink of an eye, she was back to being a pitiful mess. It made me think of how much longer she'd been deceiving me, and how stupid I'd been.She sat and winced as she did, placing her hand on her back. Her eyes were glued to mine, and when her lying mouth opened, she said. "It's okay. I know you didn't mean to hurt me. Of all people, Mike , you wouldn't hurt me like that. It's just a mistake, so you don't have to apologize."Apologize? I scoffed and echoed it outwardly with a crease in my brows. "Apologize, seriously? Lucy , you really passed out, didn't you?"My mother looked at me like sh
Surprise, Surprise.CLARAThe worst things were often the most comfortable things to do, like letting your ex-husband into your home and letting him cook for you, or like holding his credit card like he still meant anything to me.I thrust it into my pocket and patted it while getting out of the taxi. How long would it take for the reporters who invaded my home to find me at this hospital?I wouldn't want that for Velma or Rodney, seeing as this was my fight, but I couldn't sort it out yet. I didn't know if I would ever be able to, but it didn't matter, at least not right now.The stares that I got were still the same. Some judgment, some sympathy. I was Clara Jenkins; of course, I couldn't cower and hide. It was all I'd been doing all these years. Not anymore. I slipped by the reception and even heard a child point at me."Look, mom! The woman from your phone!" The little girl, about the age of my daughter, whined, and her mother immediately grabbed her, placing her hand over he
Blockheads.MIKE Velma was my only chance now. If Clara would just concede to her daughter's request, it would be perfect for me. I stared at both of them, then at Rodney, who seemed to be a cockblocker in this situation.I eyed him. How could such an old, grown-up man want to be treated like so much of a child, and the fact that he was going to be in the house caused the hair at the back of my neck to stand. I paced, tapping on one foot rhythmically after Velma spoke."T-thats not going to be possible today, hun," Clara responded, her response directed to her daughter. "Mike has a lot of work and--""I'm free!" I cut it with a wide spread of my arms and a grin to vex Rodney more. I crouched to Velma's level, balancing my elbows on my thighs. "I can always make time for you, sweetheart!"Clara eyed me, and her lips quivered. It wasn't hard to see that she had a lot to say but wouldn't because of Velma's presence. My daughter was, indeed, the only saving grace that I had. Jeez.
To Be Reclaimed.CLARAI was picking Velma up from school today. It's been long enough, and this was her first day of resumption since the accident. Mike had been relentlessly calling and texting to monitor her progress, or just to monitor our lives in general. Most of the messages I ignored. I only responded to the ones that I could, depending on my mood and the content of the text.My reputation was still in shambles despite the explanatory claims that my team had aired; the media was so sure I was trying to steal the same man I'd decided to throw away based on some harmless photos. It was funny how the internet worked and how people were actively waiting for a scapegoat. I wouldn't be that for them, ever. Rodney was back home- my home. It was nice having someone around, although the dynamic was very different. He was a grown-ass man living with a single mother, not to mention he woke up to do chores, and he cooks for us. Sometimes, it made my stomach churn; other times, I loved t
Over Spilt Milk.CLARA"I want you back in my life, Clara. And I will right every wrong to make sure it's possible."Too much.Too much to handle and too much to grasp. Luckily, my mouth didn't fall open, and I didn't look like a complete fool, swooned by mere word of mouth from the last person I should be hearing it from. I stepped away from him. No, I staggered. I staggered away from him when the realization sank in that Mike was indeed crazy."What did you say?" I scoffed as I asked, obviously holding back a peal of laughter because I now knew what he thought of me. Mike must see me as easy, considering how blatantly he'd spat his intentions in my face. "You...want to right every wrong?"His eyes darkened, and a muscle in his jaw ticked. I could see how hard he gritted his teeth to hold back words. Regardless of anything being said, his emotions were an open move. In his expression was a kind of sadness that mirrored mine, though I desperately tried to hide."You want to ri
Chapter 122 :A New BeginningMike pov It’s strange how life changes in an instant. One moment, you’re proposing to the love of your life with sweaty palms and a missing ring, and the next, you’re staring at a pregnancy test that says “positive.” Clara’s still asleep next to me, her hair a mess of golden waves sprawled over the pillow, and I’m lying here trying to figure out how my life got so... perfect. Except, it’s also terrifying. “Dad, I’m hungry,” Velma’s voice cut through my thoughts. I blinked at the ceiling before turning to see her standing by my side of the bed, clutching a stuffed bunny with one hand and rubbing her eyes with the other. She looked up at me with that sleepy little pout that made me realize she wasn’t a baby anymore. She wasn’t even my “little girl” anymore. And soon, there was going to be another little one in the house. “I’ll make you something in a sec, kiddo,” I whispered, ruffling her hair. Velma narrowed her eyes at me, all suspicious-like.
Crossing T's And Dotting I's. CLARA The ride was quiet, tense even, and my head was glued in one position, staring outside the vehicle as the houses blurred by. It seemed like Mike had been an undeniable part of my life for too long. I thought when I got home, I would be able to get him out of my air, but here I was now, in his car. I didn't know what I was supposed to say. I had been judgy and undeniably mean to him, especially about Lucy . No, about everything, and I knew why I continuously did that. I just wanted to push him away, irk him, and show him all of the ugliest parts of me so he could get sick of it and go away! That didn't seem to be happening anytime soon, and the guilt I felt was only amplified. However does one get over this? Jeez. I glanced at him from the corner of my eyes; he even looked good from the side, focused on the road. The silence was so thick that I felt it in my chest. Felt it deep inside my heart like an ice-formed dagger and it was slowly pre
: Viva La Vida.THREE MONTHS LATER.MIKE "Ughh! This dude doesn't know how to give up, does he?" I rolled my eyes as I fell on the couch next to Clara and wrapped my arms around her. She was looking at her phone again, for the second time today. He just wouldn't stop sending her those pictures, would he? Clara snuggled closer, "I should just block him, right?" She joked. "Love really had made him mad. I mean, look at that smile!"I shrugged. "I mean, did you see what it did to me?" A giggle ripped out of her throat and I snatched the phone from her playfully. "Is it just me or does he look fatter here?""Claire must be doing such a wonderful job!" Clara beamed, sighing. "I'm just glad he's okay! He looks so happy!""He does." I pecked her. "But I look happier, look at me alone." Rodney had been on vacation with Claire for the past two months, so we get blessed with pictures like this every second.It was tons of Claire's pictures, literally every part of her had been sent to Clara a
Hope.CLARAMike didn't respond, and more tears trickled down his cheeks as he stared into my eyes. His eyes were red, and swollen, evidence that he had been crying for a longer time than right now. My eyes prickled at the sight of him crying, and tears began to roll down my cheeks as well.Why was he crying? And why was I crying too. I didn't know why but my heart felt heavy in my chest, and it ached terribly. His silence stung me all over like a thousand bees. Why was he answering? What had happened to our baby?"C-Mike ?" I stammered, arching a brow, "What happened to Velma?" The question barely left my lips, but again he was quiet. Almost like he couldn't speak, and I couldn't take it anymore.The silence was killing me, just as much as not knowing what had happened to my baby. Could she-No. I shook my head frantically at the thought of that. No way. I didn't even want to think about that. I couldn't bear the thought of it, and it felt like a part me died at that brief thought.
Where Is She?CLARAI knew it was stupid and I shouldn't be here alone but what else could I do?! Lucy had threatened to harm her if I told anyone. I'd rather get hurt in her place as long as nothing happens to my daughter!I parked the car and looked up ahead at the building. No one lived there and the whole thing looked like it would fall apart at any moment.My heart thumped in my chest when fear gripped me and the possibility of all the bad things that could happen flashed before my mind. I closed the car door immediately I stepped out, my hands balled into fists.I'd rather die than have anything happen to Velma! Oh, god! Oh god! Agatha, too! I desperately clung to the hope that she had nothing to do with this, and that she was safe, just as Velma was.The video replayed in my head in an unending loop and I almost burst into tears.My baby. My little girl was fucking tied to a chair. I was going to kill Lucy ! I was going to rip her to shreds the moment I set my eyes on her. I s
The Foe.CLARAI felt a knot immediately tighten in the pit of my stomach as my eyes scanned the empty room from the doorway. The bed was empty, Velma wasn't here. Velma wasn't here?It was 2 a.m. Why wasn't she in bed by this time? Panic was slowly setting in, and I could feel it claw it way up my stomach. Where was she?My eyes shot to the restroom at the corner of the room, and I felt a bit of calm wash over me. Perhaps she was in there. I swallowed the uneasiness that had crawled its way to my throat, slightly panicking as I dashed across the room to her bathroom. "Velma," I called as I knocked on the door or rather banged it but there was no answer, and I pushed it open, "Velma," I called again.The door swung open, and my heart sank as it turned out empty too. She wasn't in the restroom. My head spun around the room, and my palm was beginning to feel clammy as I released the door and it slammed shut in my face. Where the hell was she? Where could she go?My stomach tightened, a
More Trouble!CLARA I came out of Velma's room after I'd registered that she was asleep and I took Mike into mine.We barely made it past the door. My urges were all over the place and I'd clenched my thighs all through the ride. I needed him so badly.Mike managed to slam the door behind me and pushed me in, crashing his lips into mine! "I'll take care of you," he whispered between kisses. "I'm so sorry, Clara. I'm so sorry I made you doubt me."His breath was hot against my face and he nibbled kisses everywhere. I was dripping wet, unable to contain my hunger.He whispered lovingly as he placed kisses on my naked body. I hastily unbuttoned his trousers, and he pulled it off before tossing it aside."Mike ," his tongue twirled with mine as if I'm trying to taste all his secrets. "I know. And I'm sorry too," I replied, out of breath. "Please. I'm ready. I want this. I want you. I'm done fighting you. Let me feel you, please."I reached down between us and gripped his cock, a little
Misconceptions.ClaraMy eyes locked onto Alice as she stepped inside my home, and I clenched my palm into a fist, feeling the slight tremble of my hands, and body as the rage simmered inside of me. It felt like a fucking earthquake was happening inside of me, and I hated that she made me feel this way-this small.What the hell was she doing here? How dare she even show her face here after what she had done? How dare she? Anger clawed it way up my throat, and I swallowed it back down, struggling to stay in control as my gaze fixed on her.My mind raced with a mix of emotions-Anger, hurt, betrayal, each feeling fighting for dominance, but I kept my expression blank, masking my feelings. I couldn't let her know how much her presence was affecting me or how much she had hurt me. No way. I didn't want to give her the satisfaction of a reaction so I feigned calm even if I felt nothing like that.Even if I felt like I was caught in the middle of a freaking storm or hurricane. My emotions we
Loss!MIKE *THREE HOURS EARLIER*I didn't touch Alice! I didn't do anything with her so who captured these incriminating photos? My eyes burned when I looked down at the envelope once more. The weight had multiplied in my hand, like I carried the problems of the world inside that piece of paper.Fuck! Who the hell took this?Why?I was...just a step away from having my entire life together and this happens? I felt like a car running on fumes. Why was I stupid enough to think things would continue to go smoothly like they had these past few days?My heart had ripped from my chest and my hands wouldn't stop shaking no matter how I tried. I gulped hard as I tottered towards my car from Clara's building.She'd shut down and those entrances were slammed in my face. The ones I'd worked so hard to reopen. It felt like a knife was being carved into my chest and I swear, I couldn't breathe!I couldn't breathe. Who sent those photos? What did I do? If only she'd let me explain! Nothing happene