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
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
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 g
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
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 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
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"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
Clara's POVEverything was going smoothly. James showed up, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me because we could finally begin our dinner before diving into the main topic tonight, to discussing the trip he wanted to take Layla on.But then the door swung open and Selena burst in. Yes, Selena. She's at the restaurant we were at. I’m not sure when she got here, but I didn’t notice her at all before. Her face was a mask of rage that was impossible to conceal. “You!" she snapped, pointing a finger at me. Her teeth clenched. "What did you do to Keith? How could you do all of this to my future husband?"Her voice trembled.I jumped up right away. Watching her on the brink of tears pulled at my heart, but just as I was about to reach out, Selena smacked my hand away forcefully."Answer me bitch!"Her words made James stand up immediately. And the atmosphere felt like it had shifted. Selena, who was saying something, fell silent under James's piercing gaze. She looked at him with des
James' POVThe night to have dinner with Clara has finally arrived. I spent three hours getting ready, feeling pretty anxious, searching for the right word to persuade Clara to go along with this trip. This would be a good chance for me to connect with my daughter and learn more about her. And a chance to resolve what happened between Clara and me. No, I didn't expect her to just forgive me so easily. I just expected her to be more open to me.'Good luck trying to win her heart.' Keith's words rushed into my thoughts, and once more, I felt disheartened. I grabbed my phone and chose to call Dain. He accepted it a moment later. "How's it going, sir? How's everything going?""I haven't even gone yet. Do you think she’s going to give me this chance or not?" I hate sounding like a downer.But I really need to hear from Dain because he was the one who noticed Clara's reaction when she got the invitation to her apartment yesterday. Clara gave her agreement the very same day. She texted m
Clara's POVWe headed to the airport this morning around eight and got there about thirty minutes later. I ensured we arrived on time so Lily wouldn't have to wait. Yeah, my cousin is alive here in NYC today. Lily mentioned it to me in our call just yesterday, saying she planned to surprise me."Clara!"I glanced over at the voice, spotting Lily rushing toward me. With a smile, I hurried over to her, and we embraced tightly. Lily wrapped her arms around me so tightly that I could feel my ribs nearly being crushed."Hey take it easy Lily! I can't breathe!" I coughed."Sorry. I’m just really excited to be here and see you again!" She exclaimed after we released our embrace. Lily then turned to Layla, who was standing beside me. She bent down to hug her too. “Hey sweetheart, it’s so great to see you again. You've grown so much." Lily asked when they let go of their embrace, "Do you miss me?" "Absolutely Auntie!" Layla exclaimed, "I've been waiting for you to arrive for so long, Aunt
James' POV"Do you think it's good enough? Do you think Layla will like it?" I asked Dain for his thoughts.Fuck. Why is it harder than I expected to find a gift that fits Layla? I think it will be easy. But I've been reconsidering how Clara has managed to provide everything Layla needed, and my daughter is certainly not missing out on anything.So, I need to choose something unique and special.Something that will bring her joy when she receives this gift I gave her. I just wanted to see her smile again, to wipe away the sadness. It was annoying to see her sad, and I just couldn't stand it. "Hmm, I think this might be a little too much, sir. And besides we have to wait a few more years until she can drive the car on her own?" Dain looked at me with a puzzled expression.He glanced at the picture of the pink Mini Cooper on my laptop with a raised eyebrow and said, "I don't think this is a good idea." I nodded and shut the website down. I might just hand over the car to her when she'
Clara's POVNew York CityWe’ve been here for a week now since coming over from Paris. Even after that week, I still can't seem to get back into my work routine. I still feel anxious about leaving Layla alone like I usually do. My day starts with waking up, driving her to school, and then picking her up again when school is done.I just can't trust Dain to drive Layla anymore. James got us a bodyguard, but I said no. I just can't get comfortable with the idea of another stranger being close to my daughter, even if it's someone James trusts.I stepped into the apartment and shut the door behind me. Diana called earlier to say she would swing by after work, so I figured I’d prepare some snacks for her. "Layla you can change your clothes before grabbing a bite to eat. I'll whip up something for us to eat. Auntie Diana will swing by later too.""Okay, mommy." My daughter hurried to her room.In the meantime, I headed to the kitchen. I checked the cupboard and fridge to see what ingred
Clara's POVThe following morning finally arrived. The gentle sunlight poured in through the hotel window. I stretched my body and, getting up, walked over to the window. I drew back the curtain and looked out. The view outside my room instantly woke up my tired eyes.'What a beautiful city.'Of course. I'm in Paris right now. The wide array of buildings featuring beautiful classic architecture, the balconies of the apartments lining the street, and the lively hustle of the street below create a lively atmosphere. I think I have become so accustomed to the rigid vibe of New York that being here truly amazes me.I know I’d have a better time if we were here on vacation instead of trying to rescue my daughter from someone who attempted to kidnap her. With a sigh, I made my way to the bed."It's time to wake up Miss Sleepyhead, we're heading back today. We have to catch that flight."Layla extended her limbs. She let out a yawn for a moment, and when she replied, her voice carried a lin
James' POV"Where is Clara?" I asked Arlo as soon as we got into the hotel. "She's in her room already, sir." I headed straight to Clara's room. I and Clara stayed in the same hotel but in separate rooms for sure. There’s so much I want to say to her right now. But the main thing was that I wanted to check in on her and Layla to make sure they were alright. When the police arrested the car where Layla was kidnapped, I didn't have the opportunity to check on her because I was too focused on Keith and Zoe.I got to Clara's room, but the door was firmly shut. I was just about to knock on the door when a thought crossed my mind—Clara probably didn’t want to be disturbed. Perhaps I should give her some space with her daughter.Following this traumatic event, she must be feeling hurt and deeply affected. Maybe she would like to have some time alone with Layla without any interruptions. I dismissed the urge to see or talk to her and turned and walked to my room, which was across from her
Clara's POV"Mommy?"I quickly grabbed Layla from the car seat and pulled her in for a hug. She wrapped her arms around me in return. I caught her saying that I could have squeezed her too hard with how tightly I was holding her.But I was scared that if I loosened my arms around her, I might lose her for good."You finally arrived. But why do you have police with you?" Layla whispered gently as I gave some space.A wave of relief washed over me to see her unharmed. I, still caught up in my relief and still cannot believe that we were finally together again, didn’t respond to her. That's when Layla's next words grabbed my attention. "Why is one of them putting cuffs on Uncle Keith?" It was only at that moment that I understood what was going on around me.The police that arrived with us, surrounded the car. I heard a woman scream coming from the car. One of the police is taking Keith' out of the car. His hands are already gathered behind his back and is secured in cuffs.An overwhe
Zoe's POV"Zoe, bring Layla along with you," With that, Keith turned and walked away, heading to the living room. I went after him right away. No. I really don't want to handle this fussy kid all by myself. Since we're in this together, he should be ready to pitch in and share the responsibility. I'm not going to let him walk away so easily. “Keith, hold on! Where are we headed exactly?” I reached out and grabbed his arm. "You didn't tell me anything."It really bothers me that he doesn't include me in the decisions he makes. "We have to leave right now. Arlo mentioned that James had arrived in this city. We have to leave now; he could take Layla from me at any moment."I scowled. Arlo's hanging out in the living room. From what I recall, that man has always worked with James. I'm not sure why he suddenly turned to take Keith's side and said that James was there. Something feels off, and I can't shake the feeling that this might be a setup. I need to warn Keith to be cautious be