James' POVI drove carelessly and nearly hit the road divider twice myself. Shit. I still can't shake off my thoughts even after leaving Clara's place. Lily's words keep playing in my mind over and over. 'You failed as her husband.' Did I?I never wanted Clara to be my wife; she's not the woman I love. And I just married her solely to comply with my grandfather's wishes as he wanted me to settle down quickly to secure my place as the family heir. I never really cared about Clara while we were married, and I never took the time to consider if I had been a good husband to her. Because I'm sure Clara also didn't care at all. Besides, she’s only interested in marrying me for my money, isn’t she?Lily's words shouldn't have hit me this deeply. Why would I care if I had failed as Clara's husband or not?But no matter what I tried I cannot shake this feeling of fury. I don't know who I'm mad at. Myself?Clara never shared how she really felt to me during our marriage. Has she ever told Lil
Clara's POVI watched the cars go by in front of me, my mind blank. Right now, I'm sitting by myself in a coffee shop. The order I placed a while back is still sitting untouched because I just don't feel like eating anything at the moment.I really want to head back to the apartment right now, but I’d rather not run into James again. Why does my ex-husband keep leaving me more and more confused about what he truly wants?I'm confused by his attitude of not wanting to let me go even though we officially divorced five years ago. Why can't he just leave my life in peace and always feel the need to interfere in everything I do?I'm feeling increasingly restless as the day gets brighter. My daughter is probably awake by now and likely searching for me. I need to call Lily to check if James has left yet, but I accidentally left my phone. So, how can I tell if James has left or not at this point? The coffee shop seemed to be getting more and more crowded. I was so caught up in my thoughts t
Keith's POVAfter leaving James' office building, I hop back into my car. I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. He's once he's trying to prove he’s better than me. That he can keep her safe better than I can.Anger coursed through every part of me. Why did Clara just go along with James' decision so easily? She stated that she won't allow him to interfere in her life any longer. But why didn't she let me know the moment James switched to the job I handed over to Stevan to the person of his choice?Could it be, that Clara still also has feelings for him?I’ve told her countless times that she deserves someone way better than my brother. It was time for her to let go of everything related to her ex-husband and begin a new life with someone new. After they got divorced, I figured they would move on and sever any lingering connections between them. But it turns out it's not as simple as I thought, since her life is still so connected to his. Fuck. But seriously. Given everythi
Clara's POVWhen I got back to the apartment, Lily was there alone, looking really relieved to see me. I felt a sense of relief seeing that James wasn't around anymore. Good, at least he still has some self-consciousness not to stick around until I return.I didn't see Arlo anywhere. But I was sure he was keeping an eye on the apartment complex and would follow us wherever Lily and I went. Lily noticed me glancing around and said. "Hey, where have you been? He's home. Don't worry."I let out a sigh of relief."Do you know who I'm running to today?" I flopped onto the sofa, feeling completely wiped out even though I hadn't done anything strenuous today. "You won't believe this." "Who? Stevan?" Lily looked at me with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. I can't help but give a downward smile, I know Lily was so disappointed when James transferred Stevan's job to Arlo and made Stevan have to leave. I told you that the root of today's problem is James. "If you're already missing him, you co
Clara’s POV“Mommy?”Our chat got cut short when my daughter came over to us. I got up right away. I pushed aside all my thoughts about James and walked over to my daughter, wrapping her in a warm hug for a moment.“Did you just wake up? Feeling like grabbing a bite?""I've been awake for a while." She said, there was a slight concern on her face.Layla seems a little frightened. I shot a quick look at Lily, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. What’s going on? Did James meet Layla? Is that why she looked so scared?"Really?""Yes. I was too scared to step out of my bedroom since I could hear a commotion happening outside." Layla said. "It sounded like there was a fight going on, and I also heard you shouting, Mommy. Are you fighting with someone?"I think it was when I shared my frustration with James earlier. I smiled, aiming to offer her a comforting expression. She shouldn't stress about what just occurred because I won't allow this issue to affect her."Mommy didn't put up a fight. I
Clara's POVAs I walked back into the apartment, I caught the sound of waves of laughter coming from the TV room. I recognize one of them is Lily's voice. And It got me thinking about who she was chatting with. Is it possible that it's the nurse?Every day when the nurse arrives, Lily puts on a poker face and acts all stiff. She wasn't fond of being examined, and she directed her frustration at the nurse. I walked into the living room and noticed she was with a woman I didn't recognize. They're sharing a laugh. When Lily's gaze landed on me, she paused and stood up. "Oh, my cousin is back!" Lily exclaimed.Seeing the stranger in our apartment, my daughter rushed into her room, she is not used to having other people here. I placed the groceries on the table and walked over to them. "Clara, I'm sorry for not letting you know beforehand that I would have guests over today. I hope you're not upset" Lily said to me.Her friends get to her feet. She's a gorgeous woman, probably about our
Clara's POV"I feel like there's something off about your friend Lily." After Krystal left, I finally spoke up about what was bothering me, and now it was just me and Lily together.Don't get me wrong, it's not I don't want her to think that I don't like her. She seems like a decent woman, nothing about her indicates she's a criminal or anything like that. But something about her is just suspicious, I know you must have had that feeling sometime. Something feels off, but you just can't put your finger on it."I don't know why but she gives me an uneasy feeling," I said, giving an apologetic smile. I honestly feel bad to say this. But Lily doesn't stop asking me what's wrong since Krystal left and I suppose she also notices my anxiety.“Did she say something that upset you while I wasn’t paying attention?” Lily is asking me. Her expression was strict and grave. "No! No!" I said right away.I absolutely don't want my relationship with Krystal to become strained just because of this u
Clara's POVI didn't want to spoil the vibe, so I set aside any doubts I had about Krystal and went along with the plan for dinner together. Maybe Lily was onto something; perhaps I was just having negative thoughts. Now, as we go out together with my daughter, Krystal is always trying to brighten the mood. Krystal's inviting and cheerful personality is why my daughter said yes when I asked her out tonight."Here is good but I like New York better since all of my friends are here," Layla said. Krystal started the light chat with my daughter joked about several things and shared some laughs about various topics. "New York, it's a dream for everyone else including me. Once my career is stable enough I think I'd like to live there." Krystal said."Can we be a neighbor when you move there?" Layla asked and it made me can't help but smile.Yet there was a realization tugged on me hearing that; in our apartment neighborhood, there are very few children her age, almost none. I didn't reali
Clara's POV"Get out of here please," I pushed him out of my study. I shoved James away until I could nearly get him out of my kitchen.His words echo in my mind like a ghostly tune. And all the fears I thought I had buried deep inside suddenly came rushing back. The feelings that arose when I remembered how he mentioned he never wanted my daughter to be a part of his life. Hearing that James just claimed Laila is his daughter, raised some alarm warning in my head. I felt a strong urge as a mother, that I could let him be here.He's a threat. Both for me and my daughter."Clara please, listen to my explanation first-""Do you want to leave on your own, or should I scream to get everyone's attention?" My voice shot up several octaves, and it was obvious that James didn't anticipate I would react this way. Tears forced their way out of my eyes.James looked at me with an incredulous expression and asked, "Why, Clara? This isn't fair to me. You have no right to just keep my daughter aw
James' POVI can't contain my smile the moment I see her. But looking at Clara's face now, I realize she must think I'm a total fool. So I quickly shift my expression back to a neutral one.My happiness just happened naturally. I knew she was already out of the hospital but I didn't expect I would see her so soon. Other than a small piece of gauze on her temple, Clara looks great. No wan or unhealthy appearance."You haven't answered me why you're here." She squinted.Oh right."I'm here to see how the renovations are coming along and ensure everything is going smoothly."I was chatting with Carter about the renovations when Clara showed up out of nowhere. She was unaware that I regularly keep an eye on the progress to make sure nothing is missing. I typically discuss it over the phone, but today I chose to check it out in person."Is that so? But why?" Clara looks confused. "Why does that matter to you?"My brain trying to sort out an answer that makes sense to me and is acceptable.
Clara's POV"Where would you like to sit?" Diana asked as we stepped into my apartment.This is the happiest day of my life because today I'm finally being discharged from the hospital, and I can go back home. But the moment I walked into the familiar space that was supposed to bring me comfort and a sense of safety, I was greeted by an unwelcome fear as memories of that day replayed in my mind.The day Keith shoved me down the stairs that led me to being treated at the hospital because I sustained multiple injuries. Now I couldn't bring myself to look at the stairs. I get that it's over, but the trauma is still lingering. I'm not sure if I can use my library the way I used to anymore."No. I don't want to be here. Could you please take me directly to my room?" I told Diana as she was about to lead me to the sofa in the TV room. "Sure," Diana responded.As soon as we step into my room, I flop down onto the bed. Dianad set up the pillows on the headboard to create a cozier spot for me
Keith's POV"Clara, you've really crossed the line!" My voice echoed through the room without I can stop it.Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm down my anger that suddenly flared up.I had told myself before I left that I wouldn’t lose control again, no matter what came my way. Clara wasn't completely healed yet; her mental state was still fragile, and she might struggle to accept our presence, even though our intentions were simply to check on her well-being. I never thought she would say something like that to Selena.Selena looked down, and I could see the sadness and disappointment in her eyes. All she wants is to check in on Clara and make sure she's alright. We all care about her well-being, but is this really how she responds to our good intentions?"Selena is just checking in on you; you really shouldn't say something like that to her." My voice grew gentle as I recalled that Clara had just gotten better.Every time I looked at her appearance, the sharp guilt washed over me
Clara's POVThe situation that happened in my restaurant and all the rights I had with Keith took a toll on my health. I had no idea how stressed I was these past few weeks until the doctor went over my condition with me this morning.He even mentioned that it's not wise for someone my age to neglect their health while concentrating too heavily on work. I simply smiled. If only he knew how hard I worked to keep every part of my life in harmony. I honestly gave it my all. "How are you feeling?" Diana asked.We're having breakfast together now. I had hospital breakfast, a bowl of porridge that tasted bland, while she ordered a box of delicious sushi. Is that really fair?"Better than yesterday." I managed to smile at her.I need to recover quickly if I want to persuade Diana that I'm already recovered and ready to leave this place. I want to return to my healthy self. The doctor was right; there are people out there who rely on me. Also Laila. If I don't recover quickly, who will take
Clara's POVI regained consciousness an hour ago and now I'm just lying quietly while the doctor finishes his check-up. He took my blood pressure, examined the areas where I had injuries, and asked how I was feeling. He also ensured that I remembered everything, just to make sure I didn't lose my memories.“How is her condition, doctor? Is she alright?" Diana was the one who asked, and she seemed more worried than I was."I’ve had her checked out, and aside from the sprained ankle and the cut on her temple from hitting the hard surface, there are no internal injuries." External injuries can recover in just a few days with proper outpatient care and sufficient rest." The doctor said and I could hear Diana's sigh of relief.I let out a sigh of relief. My head was pounding, my vision felt foggy, and the bandage on my temple was really uncomfortable, but thankfully, I didn’t have any internal bleeding or anything like that. I heard from Diana that I took a tumble down the stairs to the
Keith's POVFor a moment, I was just frozen, unable to look away. I felt a wave of guilt hit me immediately. What did I do? I’ve hurt Clara. I've hurt her for the second time today.I blinked. Once I regained my composure, I took the first step I knew I needed to take. I should go to the hospital to check on Clara and see how she's doing. I took out my phone and called Diana.As I waited for my call to be accepted, my eyes drifted to the stairs. My hand slightly trembled as I looked at how high and steep the stairs were. Clara fell from there and was immediately knocked out. She might have hurt herself or could be experiencing internal bleeding in her head. Oh god.It rang for just a few seconds before Diana finally sent my call to voicemail. “Shit!” I became increasingly frustrated.She has to be furious now. Diana probably believes I was the one who hurt Clara. "I just want to find out how she's doing, and you won't even let me? Pick up the phone, Diana!" I let out a sharp hiss as
Keith's POV“Didn’t I mention that Selena’s asthma was flaring up and she needed help? So when she called me, what should I do? Are you saying we should just overlook her?" I snapped back at Clara. "You're really selfish."I'm not sure what went on with me. I’ve never even shouted at her before. My anger towards her had just blown up since earlier at the restaurant the moment I saw her with James. I never thought that all this time she was going out with my brother without me knowing.Clara just shook her head. Her left cheek bore a faint purple mark, the spot where I had slapped her earlier, I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. But if I didn't do that, how would I help her realize her mistake? She crossed the line and I needed to guide her back to the right way."How many times do I have to tell you that Selena isn't a child, Keith? She ought to understand what actions to take to avoid situations like this, particularly when you're not around her-"I interrupted Clara abruptly. Ye
Clara's POVAs soon as I got to the apartment, I plopped down on the couch. I felt both disappointed and angry. Now that I'm alone, I can clearly feel the pain in my face. I ran my fingers over the place where Keith hit me. What just happened felt like a nightmare that would never actually happen.“Did he really just slap me? Did he really hurt me? How could he do that to me?" I kept asking myself over and over. He is the man who has always been so kind to me, my best friend and the only one I had with me during my lowest time, and he just used his hand to hurt me. I really didn't want to accept that what just happened was actually real.However, there are times when our denial leads us to dismiss the truth, and that's not a positive indication. I know I have to face the reality that Keith had hurt me and he did it without a second thought.I got up from the couch and headed to the sink to wash my tear-streaked, messy face. I glanced out the window and noticed it was already evening.