2. A woman named Zoe

Carla's POV

"Ma'am, you're stunning!" Eda gasped as I stepped out of the room. I donned my finest evening gown, a rich emerald mermaid dress. Put on light makeup and delicate silver jewelry. Ready to go to the restaurant that James had reserved. "Are you sure you don't want to wait for Mr. Morgan first?" 

"No Eda. He'll go straight to the restaurant from his office," 

"Alright, ma'am, please take care." Eda smiled, her expression slightly puzzled, yet she held back from asking me what was troubling her.

She must thinking it was odd to attend my anniversary dinner by myself. But she didn't know that James planned to end our marriage; no one had any idea at that point. Will I be able to see Eda and everyone I’ve thought of as family once I leave this house? I drifted into a reverie as our car smoothly navigated through the shimmering city lights.

The restaurant that James reserved was lavish, and this was the first time he had invited me there. Fortunately, I was dressed well; I hadn't anticipated he selecting such an extravagant venue.

"Hi, I have a reservation under Mr. James Morgan."

The waiter gave me a dismissive once-over from head to toe. "Sorry, miss, but there's only one reservation under Mr. Morgan's name, reserved a table for a romantic dinner."

"Yes, I'm his wife," I responded with a hint of irritation and brevity.

"Ah, alright, please follow me, Mrs. Morgan." She answered without apologizing and then led me to our table.

We had to cross a sleek white marble bridge spanning a vast pool to arrive at our destination. 

And when we arrived, I held my breath, captivated by the stunning elegance of our table. Softly glowing candles and vibrant red rose petals adorned the floor and dinner table. Gleaming satin tablecloths and elegant cutlery were already set on the table. The fragrance of roses and scented candles permeated the atmosphere.

This is perfect!

But, only one thing was odd. 

Our dinner table had three chairs. Three. And not two. Who was James planning to bring along?

Suddenly my stomach churned. I clutched my bag tightly.

"Clara, have you been here for a while?"

I turned around at James' voice, and my heart drop to my stomach.

Exactly, he showed up with someone. Standing beside James and holding his arm like a lover is the most breathtaking woman I have ever seen. Her hair gleamed with a radiant blonde hue, and her skin was flawless like a pearl. She wears a deep maroon dress that fits perfectly on her sexy body. 

Yet her gaze examines me with an unfriendly intensity.

"James, who is this?" I asked, confused.

"Oh Clara, I want you to meet Zoe. Zoe, meet Clara, the woman I married." James glanced at the woman beside him before turning his gaze towards me.

Zoe offered a smirk as she assessed my look condescendingly. "Hi Clara, it's nice to finally meet you. I'm Zoe Sinclair; I suppose there's no need for another introduction. James already told you who I am, didn't he?

So this woman is Zoe, James invited her to our dinner? What sort of disrespect is this? 

I know he had plans to meet her today, but I didn't expect him to bring her along as well.

"Please take a seat, ladies; I really hope you two can get along." James gracefully pulled out a chair for Zoe, inviting her to take a seat. 

My anger surge. I wouldn't sit at the same table as her!

"Hi Zoe, you may call me Mrs. Morgan." I said, my voice steady, "Sorry but I don't remember my husband ever mentioning you at all. So, who are you?" 

Zoe, on the verge of taking a seat, halted, clearly taken aback by my unexpected response. I caught a glimpse of James's expression that reflected irritation in my response. 

"Are you referring to his pretend wife? Someone who took my position as James's wife. Now that I'm back, you can drop the title of Mrs. Morgan from your name, Clara. That name belongs to me alone, and I will reclaim it." Zoe's voice were calm even though her face turned red.

I couldn't help but smile as I realized how it was to stir her emotions. 

Her words stung a bit, but I don't care. 

"James, this is our anniversary dinner, right? It should be just the two of us. So I want your friend to wait outside until we're done." I glanced at James, who looks taken aback by my boldness.

"How dare you..." Zoe snarled. "You should be the one to go away! I am the woman James will marry after he divorces you. Leave and let go of your fabricated marriage and status, Clara!"

"Maybe James will marry you, but the one who still officially holds the status as James' wife is me. This table is reserved for Mr. and Mrs. Morgan only. The one who should leave is you."

I could see the fire ignited in Zoe's blue eyes; she was furious. Just as she was about to launch herself at me, James's firm voice cut through the moment.

"Enough! Clara, stop it! Enough of this!"

"Sure, I will stop once Miss Sinclair is out of my sight, James." I didn't want to be disrespected.

For so long, I held him in high regard, but even on our final dinner, James showed me no respect at all by bringing another woman along. 

"Okay then! It's alright, James. I don't want to cause a scene and embarrass you. I will wait outside or in the car," Zoe said, taking James' arm. The way she stared at him with puppy eyes made me sick.

"No, Zoe, you stay here. Both of you stayed here. This is my command." James's sharp gaze was directed at me.

"Okay then, I'll leave." 

"Clara!" James yelled in frustration as I walked away.

If he's planning to keep Zoe around, then don't count on having me as well!

But then, unexpectedly, Zoe's heels came into view right in my way. Tripping me.

Too late to dodge. I stumbled.

I tried to find a grip as I lost all my balance. 

There were no railings to hold onto, and the marble surface was incredibly slick. Damn it!

"Clara!"

James' frantic voice reached me just before the cold embrace of the pool water surrounded my body as I plunged in.