James reached for the small towel hanging by the side of the bench press he was practicing on. It was very calm, he didn't immediately respond to Clarabelle who looked tensed looking at him. James wiped the sweat off his face and neck, then took a water bottle and took a few sips of the water.Clarabelle was furious. She was sure James didn't want to respond on purpose. It felt like Clarabelle wanted to kick the handsome man's calf in front of him. However, she must know how to behave. She was the one who came and needed James' help this time."Thank you for bringing my sister-in-law. Get back to work." James spoke to the waiter who was also still standing where he was, waiting for James' order.The waiter nodded, then left the gym. Only James and Clarabelle were left. James stepped closer. He set his sights squarely on Clarabelle."I know why you were looking for me." The cold words James spoke. "So, have you thought about what I said?"Clarabelle swallowed
Clarabelle's hands were clenched at her sides. Her eyes lit up at Jordan who was flabbergasted looking at him."Lala!?" Jordan had no idea that Clarabelle could find him there. In his apartment!“You are great!” Clarabelle's voice trembled. “So, this is the place where you do your business. Okay. You really are great, Hayden!”"Lala, I can explain all this!" Jordan took three steps. Chaotic! All messed up and messy. How did Clarabelle know he was in the apartment?“What do you need to explain, Mr. Hayden?!” Clarabelle glared wide with a boiling heart. Her heart heaved up and down in anger that was about to explode.Then Clarabelle looked back at Karen who was wearing a very minimal and sexy nightgown."I don't know what's going on in your head. You should be ashamed you slept with someone's husband. Are you not confident in looking for a good and free man? I think there's something wrong with your brain, K
Clarabelle opened the car door, got out, and stood opposite James. Clarabelle still didn't understand why the man had followed her. What did James really want from Clarabelle?"What do you want to talk to me about?" Clarabelle's voice was hoarse, trembling slightly. Her emotions still haven't returned to normal. But Clarabelle tried to be as calm as possible with James."You've met Jordan. What will you do so? You know what my brother is like. This is what I thought when he brought you home. He just thinks marriage is a game." James spoke softly, not curtly or sarcastically.The fear and annoyance at James suddenly faded from Clarabelle's heart.“At first, I thought you were just like Jordan, not serious about this relationship. I thought…”"I accepted Jordan because he's Hayden." Clarabelle interrupted James' sentence.James looked at Clarabelle and nodded. He put both hands in the pockets of the large black suit he was wearing."You're different from the women Jordan slept with befo
Clarabelle steeled her heart, holding back the tears that were already at the end and wanting to spill. She looked at Jordan, waiting for him to give her an excuse for his behavior and trick Clarabelle again."Do you remember the problems I had at the office? My trouble in business?" Jordan began by drawing Clarabelle's mind on the situation at the office."Yeah, I remember," Clarabelle answered flatly. Strange, what did the office business have to do with Jordan's mistress?"Karen, she was the one who helped me with my problem. I was so panicked and confused. She showed up and within a few days, all the troubles, she said she was able to sort out. But she asked me..." Jordan took a deep breath. It was the part that Clarabelle would have had a hard time accepting if he said it.Clarabelle frowned, sharply revealing to Jordan."We finally made a deal. If she was able to work things out for me, I would be with her. Be her bedmate.""What!?" Clarabelle bar stood up, glaring at Jordan. Wh
Clarabelle's hands and body were shaking. Adriano fell ill again. His condition dropped drastically. The doctor asked Adriano to be hospitalized. Clarabelle repeatedly cried because she feels guilty, making her father drop out because of hearing about her problems with Jordan.Surely Adriano was affected by the situation that Clarabelle and Jordan faced. He must have really thought about that. Moreover, Adriano felt that he was the reason Clarabelle had to suffer because of the marriage she did.“Honey… I'm sorry …” With almost helpless hands, Adriano grabbed his daughter's arm.“Pa, why are you still thinking about it? I promise I'll be fine. Whether with Jordan or not, I'll be fine." Clarabelle looked at her father with tears in her eyes again."Honey, are you going to part with Jordan?" Adriano stared blankly with a pale face.Clarabelle didn't answer the question right away. She didn't know yet what she would decide about her marriage.“You know what we trust about marriage. It …"
Just a few minutes Clarabelle and Susan were sitting in front of Adriano's room when Jordan appeared with Lorenz. Clarabelle's heart throbbed. It hurt to stab again. But she suppressed it, not wanting to show it in front of Susan and Lorenz. Especially if later in front of her father."Honey... how is Papa?" Jordan stood in front of Clarabelle. He reached out and took Clarabelle by both shoulders.Clarabelle reluctantly looked at Jordan. She slightly lowered her head. "He is sleeping. His condition is bad.”Jordan took a deep breath. "Can I see him?"Clarabelle nodded. Without speaking she stood up and walked into the room followed by Jordan. In the room, Adriano was still sleeping. But it was clear he looked pale and very weak. Jordan stood by the bed, looking at the simple and patient man.When Adriano found out what Jordan was doing, he didn't chase Jordan away from Clarabelle. Adriano asked Jordan to open his heart, change his behavior, and only loved his wife. Jordan said yes to
"Papa is sick, very sick. If he finds out you and I are fighting…” Clarabelle looked at Jordan. She felt her heart falling apart. But she didn't want to lose to the situation. She just wanted her father to be healthy again.“Lala…” Jordan was relieved, but his heart was also shrinking. Clarabelle decided to stay, wanting to be by Jordan's side, for Adriano's sake. It meant it was not sincere because she really wanted to be with Jordan."I just want daddy to be healthy. Whatever I can, I'll do it. If being by your side would make Papa strong again, I will not leave." Clarabelle finished her sentence."Thank you," Jordan said quietly. Well, indeed Adriano was the reason Clarabelle stayed. It didn't matter. At least he and Clarabelle wouldn't be apart and Jordan had a chance to once again fight to prove he was in love with his wife."So, in front of Papa, we'll play it all good. Okay?" Clarabelle's gaze returned sharp. Jordan didn't say anything. He would try to accept this.Jordan's cel
Karen was very surprised by Clarabelle's courage. She didn't shrink at all even though Karen kept trying to defend herself, and instead blamed Clarabelle for entering Jordan's life for marrying that man.“I do have an old mind, not as free as you. But I'm proud of it, Karen. Because I hold something right and not something reprehensible. You should know yourself, and get out of a married man's life." Clarabelle's hands clenched, the more she dared to speak."Who cares what you say? I love Jordan, I will get him again, anyway," said Karen. She couldn't possibly give in to a simple woman like Clarabelle. “Too bad, you have to accept reality. Jordan can't be with you anymore." Karen stared at Karen even more intently. She had to get Karen out of Jordan's life."Then you also have to accept the fact that behind you, Jordan and I will continue to be intimate...""I don't know whether you have a heart or not, whether your brain is functioning properly or not." Clarabelle interrupted Karen.
"Where's my grandson? I can't wait to hug him!"That cheerful voice sounded crisp. Clarabelle missed her so much. Clarabelle quickly met Crystal who had just stepped into the house."Oh, my God!" Crystal widened when she saw Clarabelle. "Look, honey. Your baby's grown this big."Crystal held Clarabelle's womb and rubbed it with overflowing joy. Clarabelle smiled. Her eyes filled with tears. The warm welcome seemed to wrap up all the things she wanted to forget before. Hayden family. The family will always be a part of her life."How are you, Lala?" Ann-Mary hugged Clarabelle instead. Her sweet elegant voice, Clarabelle also missed."I'm very well." Clarabelle smiled. There was a sense of unease also gathering in her heart. "I'm sorry, for leaving quietly. For sure, I don't want to disappoint anyone. I'm sorry.""My son who doesn't know how to take care of his wife. Why are you sorry? It's Jordan who has to apologize. In the past, he promised
Bright sun. The snow started to melt slowly. Winter was shifting, spring would come in a few weeks. Clarabelle sat by the window. She looked at the street and the scenery in front of the house where she lived. Calm, quiet, and cool. From behind her, the fragrant aroma of hot coffee was wafting into her nostrils. Clarabelle turned her head, Jordan standing with two cups in hand. The handsome face was not smiling, but a cheerful look emerged from the glint in her eyes. "Warm drink for my heart. Just milk. Coffee for me." Jordan handed one cup to Clarabelle. "Ah, I've been imagining sipping hot and fragrant coffee. Why do you give me milk more?" Clarabelle pouted but she accepted the cup from Jordan as well. "You have to be healthy. Later, when our baby is born, you can drink coffee." Jordan sat next to Clarabelle. He inhaled the aroma of coffee in his cup, then took a few sips. "Hm, pregnant women don't have a problem drinking coffee." C
The snow just a few minutes ago stopped. James' black car stopped and parked in the garage of the big house. James got out of the car and quickly turned around, opening the car door from the other side."We are here. Come on, Babe." James held out his hand.Nerry took James' hand and got out of the car. She looked around. The parking lot was just so wide. There were several cars in the garage. All clearly classy cars, cars not seen on the road too often."They are waiting." James smiled. He took Nerry by the hand and ushered her into the house through the side door, straight into the living room."Sir, I'm very nervous." Nerry watched James. The girl's face was blushing. James was smiling broadly with joy."Take it easy. You won't be punished for falling in love with Hayden. And don't call me Sir," James said."Yes, sir. Oh, James? Weird." Nerry smiled faintly. Beautiful, with a blush on her face. James laughed. It was always fun to see Nerr
Jordan stopped in his tracks at the question. What did he just hear? He turned around. His eyes met those beautiful eyes that made him fall in love. He stared at Clarabelle's round and clear eyes."Are you sure, you want to leave me? And our baby?" Clarabelle looked at Jordan. His hand touched his stomach.Jordan was still digesting what happened. His eyes were getting darker."After everything you've done, chocolate shop Lala Joy, leaving your posh Sydney mansion, never minding Hayden's office, and letting all those women go... you're going to walk away from me?" Clarabelle spoke quietly. Her eyes looked shady. Slowly her lips smiled."Lala...." Jordan couldn't believe what he saw. Clarabelle said something beyond her imagination."I miss you too, Jordan Gerald Hayden. Deep in my heart, I always want to hug you." Clarabelle's thin lips curved into a smile again.Jordan immediately came back and held Clarabelle's hand. "What do you say?"
James left his room. He called Susan and was forced to wake her up. The news James gave her about Clarabelle shocked Susan. She quickly got ready and met James in the parking lot. "Susan, help me. This is a bad situation. Jordan did a stupid thing again and hurt Clarabelle." James started driving the car out of the hotel. It was getting light, but the sun would not show itself. "What do you expect from me?" Susan asked. "I'll calm Jordan, he is so down. He's feeling stupid and sorry again. I think he's even more screwed up because their baby is in danger." James sounded restless and worried. "You, I need you to calm Clarabelle. I don't know how she feels about Jordan after this. I'm almost certain she will ask for a divorce." Susan looked at James. Was it that bad? Susan didn't know what to say. She also didn't know what she could tell Clarabelle later either. "I plan to go home today, to Sydney. Because I have an important meeting to attend. I don't know. By the weather and the
Jordan panicked. He trembled to see Clarabelle even having trouble sitting up."Lala... Lala...." Jordan didn't know what to say.While the blood flew and spread over the snow."Jordan, it hurts...." Clarabelle said while holding her womb."Doctor ... we go to the doctor. Wait, I'll take the car. Hold on," Jordan said between confusion and fear.He stood up and walked back to his shop. He had to get the car immediately and take Clarabelle to the hospital. Clarabelle was getting paler. A piercing coldness, accompanied by pain hit her womb, legs, and waist, and spread throughout her body. She could barely move anymore.A few minutes later, Jordan came. He helped Clarabelle into the car. Clarabelle was limp, but her body was also stiff from the cold. With a heart not abysmally, Jordan began to accelerate his car. It wasn't snowing any longer, but the roads were tough enough to walk on, Jordan couldn't have been driving as fast as he usually did."Uhhh ... it hurts ...." Clarabelle squeez
Clarabelle was surprised by Jordan's reaction. She tried to break free, but Jordan would not budge. He was even bolder in action. He kissed Clarabelle. He let go of longing by hugging his wife tightly. Clarabelle initially wanted to rebel. Unfortunately, her heart and longing were not in line. The heart refused, but the longing that Clarabelle felt forced her to accept the intimacy that Jordan threw at her. A strong pounding overtook Clarabelle. A pleasant beat, which raised her desire unstoppable. Clarabelle gave up. She began to enjoy Jordan's touch. "I miss you. So much...." Jordan whispered, softly. Clarabelle was getting excited. There was no refusal, Jordan went further. The game continued. He pulled Clarabelle onto the bed. They continued the journey of longing and love that had been held back for too long because of anger, disappointment, and fear of getting hurt even more. Outside the snow was pouring again. Even the sound of the wind howling could be heard. The longing th
Jordan's car shook. Clarabelle clutched her chest with fear rising so fast. The car nearly collided. Jordan swiftly returned to position and controlled the steering wheel. Fortunately, he was able to dodge so that the collision did not occur."Oh, my god...." Clarabelle still felt her chest beating fast because of the shock.Jordan was back in control of his vehicle. But he was also just as surprised. He took several deep breaths, calming himself down."Sorry, I am sorry," Jordan said without looking at Clarabelle. He focused on driving.Clarabelle didn't answer. In his heart he was grateful, there was no accident. He couldn't imagine if a collision had actually occurred. It wasn't just her and Jordan who were wretched, but the tiny baby in her womb as well.The rest of the way to Jordan's shop, no one spoke. Jordan parked his vehicle and went straight into the garage. Clarabelle went back to holding Jordan's cheek, then to his neck."Hurry up, go inside. You have to take medicine." C
James sharpened his gaze. Nerry's two beautiful and tapering eyes were watery. What was she worried about? Why was the girl so sad?"Nerry, what's wrong? I am serious. I'm not playing with you. I promise....""That's not it. I'm sorry," said Nerry.James covered his mouth. He had better hear what Nerry would tell him. Maybe he was too quick to ask Nerry to be his girlfriend let alone enter into marriage. It felt the same as the story of Jordan and Clarabelle."Knowing you in person, having moments together, for me... is like a dream. It doesn't make sense. You suddenly appeared in front of me. All my days have changed in an instant." Nerry began to express what was raging in her heart.James waited. He knew Nerry wasn't done yet."To be honest, if I'm really with you, I'll be like Cinderella. From a simple life, I will enter a palace. Can I do that, sir? Am I worthy enough to stay by you? To know you are already extraordinary for me."James smiled at Nerry's words. The young woman who