James' POVWhen I got to Clara's place, Diana and her boyfriend were already present. She was attempting to soothe Clara, who had burst into tears while her boyfriend was talking to someone on his phone. I heard him mentioning a CCTV recording or something like that.Seeing Clara crying like this broke my heart. Hearing from her that Layla didn't make it to Diana's place threw me off. I went up to her even though deep down I knew she would turn me down. I was right because as soon as she spotted me, Clara stood up straight, her eyes burning with fury."Get out of here!" She threw her hand to push me back. Although I haven't said anything at all. “Please. I need to find out what happened too. I'm confused by all of this." I made an effort to negotiate.In our earlier phone conversation, Clara mentioned that Layla didn't arrive at Diana's place. She claimed I took Layla somewhere else, but that's not true. I really took my daughter to Diana's apartment, the address Clara sent me. I fo
Clara's POV"Please you have to take a rest too"I quickly got up from the sofa; what Diana just said was hardly audible to me. How could she possibly tell me to calm down in a moment like this when my daughter was just missing? Layla has gone. My daughter is no longer here!I attempted to reach out to the police number where we filed the report once more. However, there's been no answer. I held back my frustration and attempted to call once more. Yet, the outcome remained unchanged.“They’re not helpful. They ought to have wrapped up the investigation!" We submitted the report yesterday afternoon, so they should have reached out to me with the results by now. I still haven't received the results at all.A fear that I had been most afraid of gradually started to drown me. I realized that reporting on someone as powerful as James would be a challenging task, to say the least. And deep down, I realized that my efforts were going to be pointless.Suddenly what Lily once said to me came
James' POVI gazed at the monitor next to Clara's bed and her peacefully closed eyes in turn. I wish for a miracle that would make her wake up. It’s been a day and night since Clara passed out, and I can’t help but worry about when she’ll wake up. Our daughter is still missing, and I don't think I will be able to keep my sanity if something bad happens to Clara too.I pressed my face into my palm, while my other hand clutched Clara's delicate hand firmly. I wish I could pass my strength on to her. 'Clara, you might never forgive me, but please open your eyes.' Suddenly a voice called out from behind me. "Excuse me, I'm going to do a routine check-up, sir." I looked back and saw a nurse standing.With a slow motion, I released Clara's hand and then rose to my feet, giving some space for the nurse to check on Clara. I looked over at the door just as Diana came in, I made my way over to her.She stared at Clara who was lying unconscious and then back at me."She hasn't slept or eaten
Clara's POVI’ve never felt anything like this before. When my body feels like it doesn't truly belong to me. As I opened my eyes, I could see everything, yet felt completely drained. Suddenly, I felt a hand on me and turned to see Diana smiling next to the bed.My IV pole was next to her. I realize that I ended up in the hospital. “Hey, just stay put for a moment. The doctor advised you to stay on your bed." She mentioned. "Water," I murmured faintly.Luckily, Diana got what I was saying and quickly went to the table to fill a glass with water. She returned and passed me the glass. She also assisted me in getting into a comfortable position to avoid choking while drinking.I finished the water in an instant. Diana took the empty glass from me and put it back on the table."How are you feeling?" She asked.I paused for a moment. My body feels ache with pain. But it’s nothing like when I think back to why I came here in the first place. "Where's Layla? She should be here by now."
James' POV"Zoe left on the same day Mr. Keith departed the city, sir." Dain gives his report. "What?" I blurted it out, could barely wrap my head around the fact that Zoe was gone as well. For a moment, I could only remain quiet. I didn't need any more proof to see that they were working together. Keith is taking Layla out of the city, and Zoe is involved. I hold my phone so firmly. I had never thought that my brother could do something like this. Since the first moment I first saw Keith and Layla, I felt that he genuinely cared for her. I never thought that he would stoop so low and take a step like this."It happened right after the last time when she crossed paths with Mrs. Clara at the restaurant," Dain said.I didn't respond. I came to understand that Zoe's actions were influenced by more than just her last encounter with Clara at the restaurant. I recall our final argument on the day of our divorce when she mentioned that she thought Clara and Layla were the reasons for our
Clara's POV"Congratulations Mrs. Morgan, You're pregnant." The doctor said as she passed me my test result."Really?"I still struggle to wrap my head around it because everyone said that I was a barren woman. My hands trembled when read my test result. I gently ran my hand over my still-flat stomach, where James's baby is now living."Thank you, doctor."What a wonderful gift for our two-year marriage on our anniversary day. My husband’s return from his business trip is tonight. How will he react when I share the news with him? I can't wait.'Maybe James wouldn't hate me anymore and would come to love me once he know I will give him an heir.’I swung by the minimarket to pick up some cooking ingredients before heading home. I’m going to prepare James' favorite dish for dinner tonight; it’s going to be a memorable night for us both."Ma'am, you look so happy today. Will you share the reason with me?"Eda, one of the assistants in our home, asked as I was arranging the groceries in the
Carla's POV"Ma'am, you're stunning! Mr. Morgan must be proud to have you as his wife." Eda said as I stepped out of my bedroom. I could only manage a wry smile. If James were truly proud to have me as his wife, he wouldn't have filed for divorce."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's expression was slightly puzzled, yet she held back from asking me what was troubling her. She must think it was odd to attend my anniversary dinner by myself.Though I and James never showcase any intimacy, our assistant knows that my relationship is in perfect harmony. Little did they know that our marriage will end in a matter of days.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
Clara's POV"Clara!"The pool turned out to be as deep as a man-made lake, and it was hard for me to stay afloat. James quickly took off his suit and was ready to jump in."James, what do you think you're going to do?” But Zoe stopped him.“You're going to get your clothes soaked! Just let the waiters do the job."I made my way to the edge, searching for a spot to grip and pull myself up. But this chill numbs my body, and my dress severely limits my movement."Just let her, James; she wouldn't have fallen if she didn't act so stupid."The waiters quickly came over soon after. Someone quickly came down to help me get to the edge of the water faster, and then they lifted me out. "Here's the towel ma'am, you can also change your clothes if you want."Zoe then reached out and touched me, but I immediately pushed her hand away."Clara? What's wrong with you? I just wanted to help you. Look, you're all soaked. You need to dry off soon to avoid getting sick. Come to the bathroom; let me help
James' POV"Zoe left on the same day Mr. Keith departed the city, sir." Dain gives his report. "What?" I blurted it out, could barely wrap my head around the fact that Zoe was gone as well. For a moment, I could only remain quiet. I didn't need any more proof to see that they were working together. Keith is taking Layla out of the city, and Zoe is involved. I hold my phone so firmly. I had never thought that my brother could do something like this. Since the first moment I first saw Keith and Layla, I felt that he genuinely cared for her. I never thought that he would stoop so low and take a step like this."It happened right after the last time when she crossed paths with Mrs. Clara at the restaurant," Dain said.I didn't respond. I came to understand that Zoe's actions were influenced by more than just her last encounter with Clara at the restaurant. I recall our final argument on the day of our divorce when she mentioned that she thought Clara and Layla were the reasons for our
Clara's POVI’ve never felt anything like this before. When my body feels like it doesn't truly belong to me. As I opened my eyes, I could see everything, yet felt completely drained. Suddenly, I felt a hand on me and turned to see Diana smiling next to the bed.My IV pole was next to her. I realize that I ended up in the hospital. “Hey, just stay put for a moment. The doctor advised you to stay on your bed." She mentioned. "Water," I murmured faintly.Luckily, Diana got what I was saying and quickly went to the table to fill a glass with water. She returned and passed me the glass. She also assisted me in getting into a comfortable position to avoid choking while drinking.I finished the water in an instant. Diana took the empty glass from me and put it back on the table."How are you feeling?" She asked.I paused for a moment. My body feels ache with pain. But it’s nothing like when I think back to why I came here in the first place. "Where's Layla? She should be here by now."
James' POVI gazed at the monitor next to Clara's bed and her peacefully closed eyes in turn. I wish for a miracle that would make her wake up. It’s been a day and night since Clara passed out, and I can’t help but worry about when she’ll wake up. Our daughter is still missing, and I don't think I will be able to keep my sanity if something bad happens to Clara too.I pressed my face into my palm, while my other hand clutched Clara's delicate hand firmly. I wish I could pass my strength on to her. 'Clara, you might never forgive me, but please open your eyes.' Suddenly a voice called out from behind me. "Excuse me, I'm going to do a routine check-up, sir." I looked back and saw a nurse standing.With a slow motion, I released Clara's hand and then rose to my feet, giving some space for the nurse to check on Clara. I looked over at the door just as Diana came in, I made my way over to her.She stared at Clara who was lying unconscious and then back at me."She hasn't slept or eaten
Clara's POV"Please you have to take a rest too"I quickly got up from the sofa; what Diana just said was hardly audible to me. How could she possibly tell me to calm down in a moment like this when my daughter was just missing? Layla has gone. My daughter is no longer here!I attempted to reach out to the police number where we filed the report once more. However, there's been no answer. I held back my frustration and attempted to call once more. Yet, the outcome remained unchanged.“They’re not helpful. They ought to have wrapped up the investigation!" We submitted the report yesterday afternoon, so they should have reached out to me with the results by now. I still haven't received the results at all.A fear that I had been most afraid of gradually started to drown me. I realized that reporting on someone as powerful as James would be a challenging task, to say the least. And deep down, I realized that my efforts were going to be pointless.Suddenly what Lily once said to me came
James' POVWhen I got to Clara's place, Diana and her boyfriend were already present. She was attempting to soothe Clara, who had burst into tears while her boyfriend was talking to someone on his phone. I heard him mentioning a CCTV recording or something like that.Seeing Clara crying like this broke my heart. Hearing from her that Layla didn't make it to Diana's place threw me off. I went up to her even though deep down I knew she would turn me down. I was right because as soon as she spotted me, Clara stood up straight, her eyes burning with fury."Get out of here!" She threw her hand to push me back. Although I haven't said anything at all. “Please. I need to find out what happened too. I'm confused by all of this." I made an effort to negotiate.In our earlier phone conversation, Clara mentioned that Layla didn't arrive at Diana's place. She claimed I took Layla somewhere else, but that's not true. I really took my daughter to Diana's apartment, the address Clara sent me. I fo
Diana's POVA little while ago."Are we ready to go?" Kevin, my boyfriend, asked me. He’s been here for three hours now, helping me get everything ready for today’s fun activity. Today, we're heading out with Layla for a picnic date. And I'm so excited.I’m so excited just thinking about it. We're just waiting on one more thing now—Layla still hasn't shown up. Mrs. Clara mentioned she would be dropped off around 9. "Hold on, Layla still isn't here." "Seriously? It's odd. Have you thought about giving her mom a call?" Kevin made a suggestion.I glanced at my watch which time was showing one in the afternoon. "Wait, you're right."I looked up Mrs. Clara's number on my contact and called it, but an automated response came on, it's clear that her cellphone was off. I gave it another shot, but the outcome was still the same."No answer?" Kevin asked."Looks like she's tied up right now. She has a ton of orders today, so she probably won't have a chance to check her phone. Or maybe, she
James' POVI got home from work right as night fell, but surprisingly, I didn't feel as worn out as I normally do. Today, Clara is letting me have some time with my daughter. Even though it's only a car ride of less than 30 minutes, it means a lot to me.I can't shake the feeling that Layla isn't afraid of me like I worry she might be. It gave me a sense of relief. I found myself reaching for Dain's number and dialing it without even thinking. This excitement has me restless; I can't sit still without needing to do something.“Good night, Sir. How's your plan coming along? Is everything alright?" Dain asked. He's the one person I share this with. "Yes. There's just one thing. Clara turned me down when I invited her to lunch and suggested I could pick her up. But she trusts me enough to drive Layla to Diana's place, which is pretty great, right?"Shit. I come off as silly when I'm craving validation this much."Yes yes. That's very great.""Just be honest with me, Dain! I didn't pa
Clara's POVOnce I finished helping Layla to get ready, we headed to the down floor, and to my surprise, James was waiting for us. He's leaned back against his Bentley, hands tucked into his pockets. I paused for a moment. All of a sudden, I was hit with a wave of doubt. Am I seriously going to let my daughter spend the day with this man?"Uncle James," Layla ran straight towards him before I could say anything, catching me off guard. I noticed I wasn't the only one taken aback; James' eyes widened for a brief moment before he quickly masked his surprise with a neutral expression. It's quite weird to see him struggle to control his face in front of someone."H-hey," James even stuttered.Letting out a sigh, I walked over to them."My mommy said you're taking me to Auntie Diana's house today," Layla said with a smile. "Yes! Did she say that to you?" James seems a little taken aback. He looked at me, his face lit up with a joy I had never witnessed before. “Yes, she did!”"That's gr
James' POV"Zoe hurt Clara when she crossed paths with her?" I'm starting to feel my anger rise. "Yes, sir. She still sees Mrs.Clara as her competition. Explained Dain.I'm feeling frustrated. I’ve already made it clear to Zoe that our relationship is done, and she’s accepted that. Even though she's feeling down, she's expressing that she will learn to accept it. But what did I just hear? She continues to meddle in the lives of those connected to me."I'm going to meet her to give her a warning," I whisper. "I wouldn't recommend that, Sir. We know that Mrs. Zoe is likely to become even more upset, and she may seek out another way to hurt Mrs. Clara." Dain said.I slipped into silence. His suggestion makes sense; how could I not consider it? How can I make sure Clara stays safe? Do I need to hire bodyguards? She's going to be upset and won't agree.Fuck. This is frustrating. Why can't we just share a house? So I can ensure my safety is taken care of."Appreciate the update, Dain. K