Murder Taint.CLARAI was in trouble.Shock sneaked in like a thief in the night and I was rooted to a spot, trying to understand how this happened, why it happened, and how to take care of it. Lucy was standing directly before her mother and I was still at the top of the stairs, trying to comprehend what just happened.She wasn't moving! She didn't bulge! "Oh my god!" I opened my eyes yet it seemed like there was a veil cast over my eyes. Like I wasn't seeing clearly even though it played out right before me. My body was stiff."What did you do to her!?" Lucy screeched, falling to the floor and grabbing her mother who was unresponsive. "What did you do, Rosaline!?" She continued to yell and I didn't dare take umbrage.I couldn't feel anything was the case. The shock was getting to me, wounding into my chest and stifling my heart. I turned blue, my breathing slow and labored. She wasn't responding! Lucy must think this cavalier attitude was on purpose, or I didn't deign to say a wo
Madness.MIKE This has definitely escalated more than I thought. I leaped to my feet and so did Clara as the men waltzed close to us with keen eyes. They wore their observations on their sleeves like they tried to tell us that they weren't afraid of tagging us criminals, especially Clara. I stepped in front of her, my brows drawn together."What's happening?" I inquired, eyeing one of the men who looked like he hardly fit into the uniform. "Who are you?"That was an unnecessary question, I knew it, but what better to ask? It was funny, wasn't it? My heart was pulsating so hard in my chest that I feared others would hear it. They glanced at each other, before one of them stepped forward and flashed his badge in my face. "Officer Conor. Are you Ms Clara Vermon!""Yes, I am. Why?""I'm afraid you'd have to come with us to the station for questioning," He said again. The shock was hitting me hard, though slow-paced. Questioning, huh?"On what count? What charges?" I cut in before Lucy 's
Whose Phone?MIKE Maybe I didn't see right. Or maybe my brain denied it.I ran to the tub in the nook of time and reached into it to grab the phone. Lucy took that opportunity to slip past me, and she ran out the door while I picked up the drowning phone and rubbed it against my chest to lessen its wetness. It didn't seem like that was happening anytime soon, it was dripping at both ends.How dare she? I looked up ahead, though there was nothing in sight. "Lucy ! I'm going to get you!" I yelled, staring up ahead. "I'm going to get you!"I didn't know why I said that, like it made the problem less of a problem. I was screwed, and that was it. Immediately, I started looking for a means to dry it off, knowing fully well that Clara needed this to get out of this problem. I didn't know what to do. It had been a while since I had faced this level of anxiety.Lucy , as expected, was nowhere in sight. It was better that way, or I might have her crucified. That urge wasn't one that I could c
Competition.MIKE "Whose phone?" I asked out loud as I took it from her slowly and examined it. It looked new, and neat. I didn't know what to do for the first few seconds so I just stared at it blankly.Velma leaned closer. "It's not yours? It looks like Mama's cellphone."No way! It couldn't be. I clicked it on and the picture of Velma came into play, as the wallpaper. So the phone I took to Robert's wasn't Clara's? The only plausible explanation was that she'd dropped it inside the car and not at the family house as I'd hoped.I hugged Velma immediately, as if my life depended on it. "Oh my god! Thank you! Thank you for finding this. You have no idea what you just did! Thank you so much!"She smiled cheekily, although there was that hint of curiosity flicking in her eyes. Yet she didn't ask any questions. "I'm so glad you found this, Velma!"I should rush to the station but there wasn't a way in hell I'd go back on my plans with this kiddo. She's the savior of today at this point.
Stuck In The Middle.CLARAI was out of it, whatever trouble was lurking in the shadows for me. I was out of it. It appeared like I had it all under control, and I forced a smile to assure everyone that I knew what I was doing, like I wasn't a confused woman smeared with an accusation of murder.There was no greater torture. I owed Mike everything, right now. He was the reason I was walking out of here with handcuffs, and I couldn't possibly ask him for any more favors or help. He already looked exhausted, no doubt. Mike has had enough of me these past few days, and I didn't want to put him in a spot.They rejoiced, obviously happy that I was back and it was all cleaned out, though some investigations were still ongoing, but the worst was over, and we'd survive. I'd survive. Beverly and Mike talked as we walked out while Rodney stuck by me. I could feel his eyes on me as we walked, like he was trying to pick up on any inconsistencies."I can feel you looking at me, you know?" I coc
Can't Escape.CLARAI hadn't expected to see Mike standing on my porch, again, his bright eyes reflecting the tales of the sun.All those urges that I tried so hard to bury bubbled up to the surface. I didn't want him here, but here he was with those goddamn chocolates, his presence stirring up emotions I thought I'd long buried."Do you want to...?" The question dropped from my lips so shamelessly. I couldn't take it back, not when he looked at me like that. Mike 's gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. I should have slammed the door shut, should have protected myself from the heartache I knew he could bring.But my feet seemed rooted to the spot, and before I could react, he stepped forward, his lips crashing into mine.The kiss was like a storm, intense and all-consuming. His lips were soft and gentle, yet demanding and insistent. I didn't leave the spot I was but I swear, I could feel myself levitating. Like chocolate next to a fireplace, I melte
Sex In The Air.MIKE Clara pushed past me and walked to the front. It could either be the beginning of a disaster or the start of something beautiful, which I wanted.She walked in front, I couldn't help but admire the outline of her perfect body in the dress she was wearing. The sexual tension during the car ride could be cut with a butter knife. She opened the door and we both walked in and then I locked it behind us, never daring to say a word.Clara sighed tiredly. "Well, here we are. The humble abode for the next couple of hours. Uh, I'll just go freshen up and..." Her voice trailed as she scanned the room.There was one bed and one bathroom. It was so small and I knew she hated that. "Yeah..." I drawled. "Yeah, uhh- you do that."I picked my words. She nodded and pointed toward the door and then walked in the direction. I could just let her walk by me.Or not. Please!"Clara, wait," I said calmly before grabbing her hand to stop her.She looked at me and smiled. Her smile soon
Breaking News.MIKE I slowly opened my eyes, and I was greeted by the dim light of the motel room. I stretched my arms and let out a contented sigh, feeling the softness of the bed beneath me. I turned to my side, expecting to see Clara lying next to me, but she was nowhere to be found. My heart skipped a beat as I quickly scanned the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. But she was gone.I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Just hours before, we had shared a night of passion and intimacy, our bodies entwined in every way possible.I had been so happy to have her by my side, feeling a sense of connection and belonging that I had never experienced before. That feeling that only Clara could have me feeling! I had thought that maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something special.Maybe we could actually be honest with each other this time.But now, as I looked around the empty room. Why had she left without a word? Had I done something wrong? I tried to shake off
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