Clara's POVThat means reporters are likely to show up since they’re interested in interviewing the owner of this restaurant. Which is me. The crowd would be overwhelming, and just the idea of it feels suffocating."Hey, what's wrong? Do you not like it? If you don't want to be interviewed I'll arrange so there would be no coverage at all." Keith remarked that he must have seen the shift in my expression.I shook my head. I hoped to meet their expectations. I would present my best self; however, the idea of being the center of people's attention stirred an uneasy sensation within me.But I convinced myself that I didn't need to be afraid. They were not present to pass judgment or lay blame on me. I had no concerns at all."No need, I can handle it."Keith smiled at my answer "Good. This is Clara I know."Once Keith left, I returned to the kitchen to assist my staff in preparing the orders as the day's customers began to show up. I had just finished washing my hands at the sink and was
Clara's POV"Ma'am, are you alright?" Diana asked, touching my shoulder.I was snapped back into reality. I shook my head, dismissing all the questions swirling in my mind "Yeah, I was just daydreaming.""Are you afraid that what happened yesterday will happen again? That Mr. Morgan going to be angry again?" She asked.After that incident, I had to warn Keith that if he did anything like that again, I wouldn't let him see me or Layla anymore. I think it's effective cause he grew more and more composed. "I've talked to him. Keith promised it won't happen again.""Confusing isn't it? Sometimes men are more complicated than us women." Diana murmured, and I realized I was completely engaged in hearing her next words. "Sometimes rather than acknowledging their jealousy, they create a dramatic situation that will only prolong the problems."I turned to her and said. "But there's no way Keith is jealous, Diana. He's just worried that Lucas is not a good person and could potentially hurt me o
James' POV"James I’ll probably be home late today. I’d like to spend some time with Linda since it’s been a while since we last caught up, I hope you're okay with that. See you for dinner later my love." Said my wife, Zoe, through the phone."See you later," I responded before ending the call. She reunited with her old friend after more than five years apart. I was done meeting with a client and was on my way back to my apartment when the vibrant scenery outside drew me in. I was here in New York for business matters and some vacation. It's been quite a while since my last visit, and I might swing by the Morgan Corp office, the one managed by my brother Keith."The weather is quite nice today, sir. Are you sure you want to head back to the flat so soon?" Dain asked.I gazed at the azure sky. I typically don't have the time to notice if the weather is nice or not daily, as most of my activities are confined within the walls of my office. Five-year marriage with Zoe Sinclair and she al
Clara's POV"Mommy do I look like a princess?" my daughter Layla asked, she wore a short light blue dress that matched my dress. We wore matching colors tonight and I'm relieved that she likes it. "Do I look pretty?""Yes, you are, sweetie. But remember that true beauty comes from here," I said, crouching down to meet your gaze, my hand resting over the place where the heart is. "Can you give Mommy a smile tonight?"She grinned widely instantly warming my heart. I led Layla out of the room where Keith was waiting. He smiled upon seeing us, and Layla instantly released my hand to throw herself into his hug. "Uncle!""Hi, sweetie." Keith lifted her with ease. My daughter eagerly displayed her hair, styled in a way I had arranged. "Woah. Did your mum do your hair?"Layla acknowledged with a nod. "Isn't she amazing? Her hands have the magic to transform anything into something extraordinary. I sometimes wonder is there something she can't do?" He enquired, casting a look that ignited a fee
James’ POVThe place was minimalist and much simpler than what I imagined when Zoe told me about the hype this restaurant has. The food stalls are neatly arranged and can be spotted on nearly every corner of this city, so what makes this place special?Getting out of the car, I saw the restaurant was bustling with activity, filled with various visitors. There are even children and reporters eager to capture the scene. "The owner offers complimentary meals every Monday morning until noon for children from any orphanage, so they can enjoy as much food as they want." Dain shared what I didn't know as we walked in and observed the diverse customers.We had a table reserved at the back, slightly distanced from the hustle and bustle."Interesting. I think that's what made this place famous so quickly. Who's the owner?" Whoever it is, she appears completely unfazed by the prospect of loss. Either he or she doesn't plan to achieve the same level of profit as when they first opened this place
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
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 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
"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