Clara's POVThe next morning, Lily was finally allowed to go home. Keith insisted on driving her to my uncle and aunt's house. When Auntie Jena asked, Lily said that she was hit by a car, she didn’t want them to know what really happened."Thank you, Clara, I can't imagine what would have happened to Lily if you hadn't arrived on time. And please send my gratitude to Mr. Keith for his generosity." Uncle Thomas said.Auntie Jena guided Lily up to her room, leaving me alone with Uncle Thomas. I felt a sense of ease cause he looked far more welcoming than m my last visit. Though he couldn't conceal the stress about the business he faced lately."You're welcome uncle, please take good care of Lily."After chatting with him for a while, I went back to the car where Keith was waiting.“I will drive you to your apartment, is the address still the same? Or do you want to go somewhere else?” He asked.I tensed but I quickly masked it, "Please drop me off right in front of the restaurant. Thanks
Clara's POVI know we were both taken aback by our unexpected encounter, but Zoe caught on first and swiftly altered her expression, "Clara? What a surprise to see you in a place like this! And looks who did you come with, my future brother-in-law."Even without turning my head, I could feel Keith's intense stare directed at James and Zoe; he didn't like the way Zoe addressed him. Zoe's gaze then locked onto the pink dress we were about to select earlier. "This one! I found it! This is what I want James, Can I have this dress please?"She turned to James, circling her hands on his arm, making sure that he would give her what she wanted. James nodded and ordered the dress to be packed right now. As I realized that Keith was on the verge of protesting, I reached out and placed my hand on his arm, yet it felt like there was nothing I could do to hold him back now."This one is for Clara only, Zoe. I've already picked it for her first. You can choose another dress." Keith said to her, ca
Clara's POV"I want you dead right now!" Zoe's voice was throaty, now she was no different from someone who just lost her sanity. “Get out of my and James' life you parasite!"I lifted my hand to protect myself from her strike, and while my hand wasn't entirely safe and ended up with a few scratches from her, at least my face was untouched. I pressed my lips together, trying to suppress the pain I felt. I couldn't just stay silent, I couldn't let Zoe do this to me."Stop it!" I exclaimed.Zoe continued to mutter some curses at me, and when she let her guard down, I quickly seized her wrist. "Stop it Zoe! You can't hurt me like this, I just want to solve this problem properly."She finally calmed down. Her blond strands tumbled across her face, giving her a messy appearance. "Solve it properly? After being insulted like that right to my face? You wish! You have to pay what you just did!""Zoe, Keith was just acting on impulse in a moment of emotion because—" I hesitated, feeling unsure
Clara's POVIt was so easy for James to hurt me like this, without caring about my feelings at all. The door opened, Keith's gaze locked on me, and then to James. He walked over and then pulled me to his side, distancing me from his brother."Don't touch Clara James, you just want to hurt her. Don't you know that Clara is-" Keith paused for a moment. My heart was beating twice as fast, he almost revealed to James that I was pregnant.James turned his attention to his brother "This woman has tried to hurt my wife. Anyone who dares to hurt my wife will have to deal with me."Keith stole a glance at Zoe, who immediately placed her hand on the spot where her shoulder had grazed the glass, her face turned into a look of pain and hurt. But it seemed that it wasn't easy to fool Keith. Keith turned to look at me, he examined my condition as if to make sure that I was okay. Then gave me a reassuring nod as if to assure me that he was on my side."You can see for yourself that Zoe is unharmed. M
Clara's POVAs James and Zoe faced Mr. George, he offered a cold smile, while Zoe made every effort to appear warm and likable to the old gentleman."Wishing you all the best, Grandpa," James said curtly."Happy birthday Mr. George, It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. James told me how thoughtful and compassionate you are, and it truly feels like an honor for me to attend your birthday celebration." Zoe said with a sweet smile plastered on her face.But Mr. George didn't spare her any attention, he didn't even thank her. He looks confused and displeased as he looks at his grandson. "Who is this lady, James?"I think since they started dating, James has yet to introduce Zoe to his family, which explains why his grandfather appeared not to recognize her. Well, given how Mr. George is very strict when it comes to accepting new people into his circle, James must be waiting for the right timing."Grandpa, let me introduce you to Zoe Sinclair, my wife. We will hold our wedding th
Clara's POV"I promise I had it on tonight; I never really take it off, you know. I take it along with me no matter where I am." James' mother's voice wavered.Behind her panic, I could see a profound guilt stemming from the fact that the necklace had been a gift from James's father to her. So losing it, a cherished heirloom from her late husband, must have been incredibly heartbreaking for her. In that instant, our previous conversation faded away as everyone in the room quickly focused on what Mrs. Iris Morgan said."I have to find it. I can't live without it.""You must have dropped it somewhere without realizing it, Iris." Said Mr. George. "You've been busy welcoming our guests since evening."But Mrs. Iris only shook her head, and I could see tears beginning to well in her eyes. "No father, I'm sure I'm not that careless."Zoe, who was standing beside James, moved to take her place beside Mrs. Iris and offered a sympathetic smile. She rested her hand on the elder woman's shoulder
Clara's POV"No..." the words slipped out before I could stop them. I wasn't denied that the necklace didn't belong to Iris' Morgan, but the way it somehow slipped out of my clutch felt like an invisible hand had slapped my face. Mrs. Iris's words, along with my own, drew everyone's attention directly to me."Yes, it is! This is the necklace my husband gifted me." She exclaimed hysterically. Zoe immediately handed it to her carefully. "H-how come?"Zoe's face once filled with sympathy, instantly shifted to relief as she returned the necklace to its rightful owner. And then she stared at me "Oh for God's sake, but how is this possible? How did Mrs. Morgan's necklace end up in Clara's bag? Clara, how do you explain this to all of us?"Her question, which I had no idea how to answer, hung in the air as everyone waited, their impatience palpable, making the weight of the moment feel almost unbearable. Everyone anticipates a response from me, whether it's a denial or a confession. Everyone
5 years later.Clara’s POV"Mommy, can we head to the park and grab some ice cream this afternoon?" My daughter asked as I arranged her hair and the tiny red ribbon on her uniform collar. It was a sunny morning and she was about to start her first day at kindergarten.Her radiant smile complements the clear blue sky. My daughter Layla has soft auburn hair that mirrors my own and striking deep blue eyes reminiscent of a man who was once the love of my life. She brings warmth and brightness to my life, dispelling the shadows and storms that have surrounded me for the last five years."Sure sweetie, we can get ice cream as much as you'd like," I said with a smile."Yeay. Can we invite Uncle Keith to join us too?""Yes, but Mommy isn't sure he can join us since he's typically busy on Mondays like this." Though Keith would drop everything at the mere suggestion of Layla asking him out, even if it was just to hang out in the park. His habits made me somewhat hesitant; I didn't want to inconv
"You made me worried; I thought something might have happened to-" Keith paused as he recognized the man and woman standing before me.If I thought Zoe was shocked when she saw my face earlier, I can't even begin to find the right words to describe her reaction upon seeing Keith's face now. She, who had yet to fully comprehend that I was still alive, had to confront the reality that I had been in contact with her husband's brother all along. "Keith, what are you doing here?" She asked."You guys here as well?" Keith attempted to mask his displeasure upon spotting James and Zoe. Even though he wasn't able to fully conceal it. "So, you came here with him?" it was James who took the floor. He disregarded his brother’s question and focused on me instead.His voice was calm, yet there was something about it that felt far more disconcerting than if he had raised his voice in anger. And for some reason, I found it impossible to meet his gaze any longer. So I turned my attention to Keith i
"But this cannot happen. Who is it?" Zoe could not accept James' explanation as she now turned to me "Who has helped you to get here? There is no way you can get here because of your efforts. You do not even have money to support yourself much less travel to another city after James divorced you."I tried not to react to what Zoe said. I aimed to keep my composure on the surface if I wanted my game to thrive. Before she could pose another inquiry, I took my daughter's hand, ready to guide her away from them. Zoe had unsettled my daughter, and I was determined to keep Layla away from her, and from James especially.However, just after taking a step, I was halted by James' voice."Wait mrs.... whatever your name is." He restrained the final word he was on the verge of uttering. I turned around and stared at him. He gazed at me with an expression that suggested he wished I would reconsider."Yes?" I asked.James cleared his throat with a subtle shift in demeanor. What she said next comp
Clara's POVWe locked eyes, and for a brief moment, her expression shifted to one of sheer astonishment. Zoe likely never anticipated encountering me here tonight in this city, the woman she believed was dead five years ago.My heart raced uncontrollably, like a criminal caught in the act. I had almost forgotten about Zoe over the last few years. Now seeing her face again stirred up memories of our first encounter. It was a night at my anniversary dinner, and it was James who brought Zoe and introduced her to me. Believing we could get along with each other.Zoe's gaze moved from me to my daughter, who was now embracing my lower body with a firm grip. "H-how..." she struggled to find the right words. "Impossible. This cannot happen. I must be dreaming right now." She sounds more like talking to herself.'No. You don't'I want to say out loud yet I sealed my lips as I recalled the present situation. I remember that for the people from my past, I had lost my memories. So I no longer rem
Clara's POV"What's our next destination?" Keith enquired as we exited the restaurant together. Dinner had concluded, but the night was still young.I gazed at the sky adorned with stars, the moon radiating its brilliance. "Are you free tonight?"Typically, there is work that needs to be addressed. It seemed like Keith set aside time to take us out. Though he didn't show that he minded, I was afraid this might be disturbing his schedule."What is it about me being swarmed with work that you find so appealing? You just want me to feel overwhelmed and grow older faster.""Don't get me wrong, I just want to make sure since I'm familiar with your routine," I responded without glancing in his direction.I intentionally looked away from him since earlier. Worried he might see the flush on my cheeks. I noticed he was watching me ever since we had our meal; I couldn't quite figure out what he was thinking. However, it didn't resonate with me. It seemed as though he was probing into my life."
James' POVHave you ever had a moment when your good mood was abruptly shattered, leaving you feeling so repulsed that it almost made you feel ill? That's the feeling I had when I saw my younger brother with my ex-wife, looking so happy together. Keith took Clara's hand, holding it gently as she offered him a soft smile.He smiled like an idiot teenager in love.I never thought I would cross paths with them this evening, yet here I am. I saw them from the second-floor glass window of this restaurant where Zoe and I were set to enjoy dinner tonight."What’s interesting out there?" Zoe, My wife, wrapped her arms around me from behind, resting her chin gently on my shoulder.The moment her perfume wafted through the air, it turned me on. I shifted my focus from the unpleasant scene outside to my beautiful wife, her elegant neck and bare shoulders were so alluring.“Hey, what’s with the long face?” Is there an issue with the client?” She enquired, her expression reflecting worry.I shook
Clara's POVReturning to work, I found myself confronted by Diana, who was bombarding me with a barrage of questions regarding the events of yesterday. I let out a deep breath. I've said multiple times that it was nothing serious, but her curiosity just wouldn't quit."I don't know when you'll stop asking and let me do my work, Die."But she keeps talking. Now I get why her boyfriend sometimes calls her a nag."I heard heard Mr. Morgan reached out to him for a discussion. Yet he didn't do anything to that man like what he did to your other secret admirer ma'am. That's so unusual of him?""That man isn't my secret admirer," I said with a sharp edge.How can I explain to her that the reason Keith didn't confront him as he did with Lucas is that the man who came to me yesterday is his brother?"Can it be because Mr. Morgan is afraid of him?"I don't think Keith fears James, or vice versa. He has respect solely for his brother, and that's it."I don't know," I responded nonchalantly, avoi
Clara's POVI just wrapped up dropping Layla off at her kindergarten. I usually head straight to TasteTales, but today I'm not feeling my best. It just hit me that I haven't had anything to eat since yesterday afternoon. I returned to my flat and made my way to the kitchen. I placed the toast in the toaster and cracked an egg into the pan. As I was preparing breakfast, the sound of the bell echoed through the space.Shortly after I heard the door open, I recognized it was Keith. He was the only one with access to this place. I heard footsteps coming closer, and then his voice called out to me"I'm here, in the kitchen," I exclaimed."Hey..." He lingered in the doorway, his expression weary as he gazed at me. "Thank goodness you're here.""Morning," I said with a smile as he settled into one of the chairs at the dining table. "Would you like me to prepare breakfast for you?""No need. You look much better than I thought, I'm so relieved. Do you know what happened?" He asked without fur
James' POVI got back into my car and slammed the door shut. What Clara did wounded my pride so deeply. Did she find it amusing to act like she didn't know me and dismiss me like I was insignificant?I knew she was merely putting on a show; she doesn't forget someone that easily. Clara knew my name and my reputation long before I had any knowledge of hers. She knew who I was even before we were married. Supposedly it should be me who didn't remember her at all after five years of being apart, not her.My appetite vanished, and my mood was entirely soured by Clara's actions tonight. That was when my phone's annoying ring shattered the stillness."What else now?" I could no longer mask my sharp tone; to hell with whoever reached out to me tonight."James, my love? Are you okay?" The gentle sound of my wife's voice smoothed away the lines on my forehead. "Where did you go? Why haven't you returned yet? Is everything alright?"I cleared my throat to neutralize my voice before responding t
Clara's POV"Clara it's me, James. there's no way you didn’t remember me." James's expression shifted, a flash of anger crossing his face as he processed my response moments ago.I kept my facade intact, ensuring he didn't notice the emotional chaos swirling within me right now.James was right about that one. How could I forget him when the memories of him have been a part of my life for the past five years? How could I possibly forget the man who was both my love and my greatest heartbreak?He took my hand when I stayed silent and asked "Where have you been all this time after disappearing with no trace like that? You chose to walk away from me."A bitter feeling washed over me; didn't he say he never wanted to see my face ever again? He said it directly to me five years ago during that night at the villa. So why is he behaving as if he prefers to have me in his life now?But I intend to leave everything about him behind, and I will not give him the satisfaction he has finding me ag