Clara's POVBeing in the car with James alone isn't something I would choose, yet here I am, left with no alternatives! Throughout the ride I directed my gaze outside to avoid his face, he wore that annoying smirk after winning our argument."This is the first time I've seen someone fight with their couple on a date. That's quite unexpected."James' comment was so predictable it made me roll my eyes. I knew that he would bring this up. I was still frustrated with Lucas, and I wasn't sure I could remain calm if I had to deal with James' questions as well."We're not on a date, just having lunch together. Lucas Brown is a friend of mine, and that's all."I didn't intend to clarify my actions. I just didn't want to be perceived as a person who engages with many men whenever it pleases me."Really? Your friendship with him seems truly one-of-a-kind, cause this is the first instance I've seen someone proposing to his friend." My face was hot with embarrassment. Who would have thought Luc
Clara’s POVMy heart dropped when I noticed that Keith wasn't alone; my daughter was with him. “What’s he doing here?” I brushed off James’ question and quickly got out of his car. Upon spotting me, Layla dashed over and enveloped me in a warm embrace. “Mommy!”I embraced her just as firmly. Has school finished today? It was unusual for her to be home at this hour. I was about to ask when I realized her temperature was a bit elevated. "Are you alright, darling?"“Layla’s teacher reached out to you, but you didn’t answer her call.” Keith turns his gaze at me."What?" I quickly checked my phone and realized I had unintentionally turned on do not disturb mode. “Oh my- I didn’t mean to-”“Forget it. What matters is that Layla is back home now. She’s just feeling a bit unwell today." I could hear the disappointment in Keith's response.Aside from mine, Layla’s teacher had his number as an alternative contact available for emergencies like this. "Mommy, can we head home right now?” Coul
James POV"What have you been up to today?" My beautiful wife asked.After wrapping up our inspection of the building she leased for her new bussiness, we opted to have dinner at a nearby restaurant."Just catching up with a longtime friend."What happened afterward I don't think Zoe needs to know, I don't want to upset her. But I'm satisfied enough that I have left the impression that will make Clara and Keith's relationship tense."Are you sure you didn't meet that bitch Clara?" Zoe still felt restless.She had been like that since that night in the park. The fact that Clara was still alive troubled her more than it did me.I understand her perspective, Zoe must be afraid I will remember my past, she is my ex-wife after all.But Zoe is the only woman I love and she shouldn't worry that I will be swayed by Clara."Are you still upset with her?" I asked gently and took her hand.It's heartbreaking to see her without a smile on her face; I can't bear the thought of losing her joy again,
Clara's POVAfter a restful night, Layla's fever finally subsided and I couldn't feel more thankful to see her healthy again."Hey, are you still feeling that guilt?" I heard Keith's voice as he stood behind me.Today, I visited his penthouse after dropping off Layla, and we spent some of the morning making snacks together.He knew that I was restless and I spent the whole night without sleep, burdened by the weight of not being a good enough mother."I've never overlooked calls from Miss Olivia before."She's Layla's teacher, and occasionally reaches out to inform me about changes in the pick-up time or to share updates on how my daughter is doing. She engages with all parents to guarantee that the school provides them with good care."I won't make the same mistake again.""Hey, didn't I mention that it's all alright? Making mistakes is a part of being human, Clara. Perfection is just an illusion." Keith placed his hand gently on my shoulder.His words lightened the lump in my chest.
Clara's POV"I understand that you are his trusted secretary and have worked with him for a long time. But It's just that this has nothing to do with that, I just want to respect his privacy."I tried to make Stephanie understand. If she is his personal assistant, shouldn't she be familiar with Keith's personality and habits?"You are just wasting my time. Get out of my way." Stephanie was on the verge of shoving me out of the doorway when, out of nowhere, she paused."Clara? What is this? Who are you talking to?" I turned around at the sound of Keith's voice. Upon spotting Stephanie, Keith's expression darkened; it looks he was taken aback by her presence. "Stephanie? How long have you been here?” His tone conveyed a blend of surprise and displeasure.Stephanie beamed as soon as she saw his face. Her earlier grumpy and gloomy expression vanished in an instant. Now she smiled brightly and her vibe was completely changed. How can someone change her mood with such finesse? "Mr. Morga
James’ POVThe gathering was hosted at a five-star hotel in the heart of the city. Upon my arrival, the place was already bustling with people. As we stepped into the room, the attention shifted entirely to us, and a sense of pride washed over me.They must have instantly admired Zoe's beauty. I felt satisfied because if you want to see how successful a man is, just take a look at his wife."Mr. James, it's been quite a while since your last visit."I caught up with some employees I hadn't seen in ages."Yeah, I“I just didn’t have the time. Managing everything in LA was quite time-consuming." "Mrs. Morgan, it's a pleasure to finally meet you for the first time." A woman staff said to Zoe."You are very beautiful Mrs. Morgan."Zoe smiled brightly as she accepted their compliments with warmth. I felt a sense of ease knowing she was in a good mood tonight, so I didn't feel guilty for asking her to attend this gathering.She refused at first, saying that she didn't know these people and s
Clara's POVI knew I was going to see James and Zoe tonight, so I decided to leave Layla with Diana before left. I wasn't going to give my ex-husband a chance to see my daughter again.'She has finished her dinner and is coloring right now.' I felt a warm smile spread across my face as I read the message from Diana.Layla is very close to Diana so I suppose there's no need for concern. I’m typing a reply while Keith asked."Is that Diana?"I nodded, my gaze fixed on my phone screen. I understand that splitting our focus among multiple tasks isn't good, yet I find it hard to resist. My thoughts are constantly with Layla, no matter where I find myself. I can’t find peace unless I know my daughter is alright. "What did she say?""She said Layla had her meal and is doing her homework now." I switched off my phone and stowed it away in my clutch.Keith smiled "Good. Now you can rest assured she will be fine until we get home again. Can we head inside and meet my people now?”“Yeah sure” I
Clara's POV"I invited her; is that an issue for you?" Keith snaps in response to James' question."Not at all. I thought only family members could attend. But I get it, she's family to you as well, brother.""If you're here just to disrespect Clara, you can leave now."I reached out and touched Keith's arm, I didn't my biggest fear to happen tonight. James is annoying and if Keith swayed, a confrontation will break out."I never mean to make any offense. You're the one who got it wrong." Then James turned to me, "Clara didn't even seem to mind at all. Tell me, did I just offend you, Mrs. Clara?"I offered James a smile, despite the stiffness it brought to my face. I didn't want to feed his ego if I showed an offended face.His words would have no impact on me now. I want to show him I’m not the same woman I was five years ago, who would dwell on his hurtful words until cry myself to sleep."Not at all."James arched an eyebrow. "Actually I think you have a point, Mr. Morgan. At firs
Clara's POVJames couldn't find the right words. It was just a straightforward question from me, but it really affected him. He now resembles a criminal caught in the act, unable to provide any explanation for my questions."I just want to ensure that a child receives the right treatment she deserves from her parents." He finally asked, "Is that a problem?" I just shook my head. Actually, he has a point. This time, I won't dispute it since I know I'm at fault. I suppose I’ll just come clean.I got up from my chair. I got the explanation I needed from him, and that's good enough for me, so I don't want to stick around any longer. I've got to head back now. James came along to find his footing. “Okay, I suppose it’s time for me to head out. I’ve received your explanation and I've made up my mind to accept your help, but there's one condition." I said, "I'll pay you back for all the money you spent on renovating my restaurant because I don't want to be indebted to you."Before James ha
Clara's POVI scanned the other customers in the restaurant and then spotted him sitting at one of the tables. It's not hard to spot him at all. A tall figure and a strikingly handsome face reminiscent of a Greek statue, and how he carried himself made him always stand out among the crowd.Calming my heartbeat, I made my way to James' table. My steps are steady and assured. I know that I need to have a conversation with him, but I just can't get Diana's words out of my head since I chose to meet him here today. And how she cautioned me to be always cautious.“Are you sure he doesn’t have any other motives, ma'am? You know receiving help from someone like him seems a bit too good to be true. And what would make him want to help his ex-wife?" Diana asked just before I headed out to this restaurant.I was the one who asked for this meeting with James. To my surprise, he actually agreed with where I wanted to go. "I'll find out if I go see him and ask him straight up. How else would I kn
James' POV"Why does my mother want us to have lunch together?" I asked Zoe who was now assisting me in cutting the food before me.It's a gesture she hasn't made since we tied the knot, and now, out of the blue, she's done it. She sliced the appetizer and was just about to bring the spoon to my mouth when I stopped her. We were at a restaurant, and I didn't want to get any kind of intimate gesture from her.She seemed let down but chose not to argue. Zoe just set the spoon back down on the plate. She smiled as she replied, "We're a married couple, is that really strange?""Did you tell her what happened and that we're getting a divorce soon?" I inquired.She mentioned that she would take it upon herself to explain things to my mother, as I had already tried to share what happened, but my mother just didn't believe me. However, the way she continues to encourage Zoe and me to reconnect suggests that she might not be fully aware of everything, and Zoe hasn't shared the whole story wit
Clara's POVI wiped the sweat that had trickled down my temple and took a sip from my water bottle. My throat was incredibly dry. My entire body is sore, and it hit me how infrequently I really engage in physical activity. This is so embarrassing. I’m still in my twenties, but I feel like I’m already carrying the weight of an old lady doing a tough job.But as I looked around my restaurant kitchen and took in the progress we've made in transforming this chaos, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. It wasn't instant, but little by little, we managed to fix it and even make it look much better."Excuse me, ma'am, what are your thoughts on the stove's current position? Should we move it or keep it as it was?" Diana approached me and pointed to the spot where the builders would be setting up a new cooking spot for the renovation.Even though the last place was nice and I used to enjoy it, I still feel a bit sense of trauma. My priority now is to make sure that the incident do
James' POVI shut my laptop right after the meeting wrapped up. I still had more work ahead of me, but I just couldn't concentrate on it. My mind was so scattered that I didn't even know what to do next. I suppose I need to reach out to Victor again to check on the results of the investigation he conducted regarding Clara.Yeah, I suppose I should. So I pulled out my phone and called him right away.Victor has been with me and my company for a decade, and I have complete trust in his skills. He said that he would share the results with me as soon as he finished his tasks. But this curiosity is driving me crazy, and I don't think I can keep it to myself any longer if I don't reach out to him now."Mr. Morgan, Good morning," He greeted me politely."Where's the result? Send it to me immediately, Victor. I need it right now!" I came off as really impatient, almost like a kid having a tantrum.What happened to me? You need to calm the fuck down, James."Oh, sure. I’ve wrapped up the inves
Selena's POVI held back an eye roll as soon as I spotted Clara's name on Keith's phone. It's not just one missed call; it's three of them! She asked him three times to come to her for the sake of her daughter. Who did she think Keith was? Her daughter's nanny? Gosh!“No, Selena. I’m the one at fault here. I told Layla I’d be there to see her performance, but I couldn’t make it because I got caught up in a last-minute meeting with a client. I also didn’t manage to pick her up. Layla would feel upset and let down by me. I need to head over there immediately."I racked my brain instantly. I just couldn't let Keith go off anywhere! Especially to Clara's house.No one else understands the length of time I've been waiting a moment like this. We're having an amazing time, just the two of us.After a wonderful night sharing the same bed with him, I definitely noticed his hungry gaze as he took in my sexy body this morning.I'm not foolish. I know that Keith wants me to. If only he could forg
Keith's POVI opened my eyes, and a jolt of pain surged through my head right away. The sort of pain that usually strikes you the morning after a night of heavy drinking. But I haven't been drunk in four months, so where is this pain coming from?I woke up and noticed my shirt resting on the windowsill. I quickly grabbed it and tossed it on. I'm just in my boxers and I don't know where my trousers are right now. Did I take it off? I can't recall if I changed just before I went to sleep. I honestly can't recall anything from last night.What time is it now?The sunlight pouring in through the window showed that it was bright noon outside. It's Sunday, so I'm taking the day off from the office. I stepped out of my bedroom to get a glass of water because my throat felt so parched. As I approached my kitchen I heard some noise coming from there. I walked in and saw a woman figure with her back to me."Selena?"Upon hearing me, she turned around and gave me a bright smile.She's got on my
Clara's POVI didn't even have a moment to respond to Miss Olivia because the next second, I rushed out of my apartment, headed downstairs, and jumped into my car to drive off. It was already nighttime. It was already dark outside. Of course, what else could you expect? It was nearly nighttime.My daughter still wasn't back home. My heart raced with panic and fear. I pushed through the pain as my burning hand clutched the steering wheel firmly. The streets buzzed with workers returning home after a long day at the office.As soon as the green light lit up, I hit the gas without hesitation. I nearly hit someone who was about to cross the street and I noticed her spit on my car. Right away, I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. I nearly put her in a dangerous situation.This urgency made me speed up as much as I could. I realized I needed to make it there right away. When I got to school, I parked the car haphazardly and hopped out. I sprinted toward the building, heading straight for
Clara's POVAs soon as I got to my restaurant, it was crowded with people. I noticed some of the last customers rushing out; I think Diana has informed them that we’re temporarily not accepting dine-in. As soon as I reached my car, my eyes caught a glimpse of black smoke rising into the blue sky, and my heart sank instantly.Without a second thought, I rushed straight to the source of the chaos: my kitchen. I pushed through the back door, even though I could see the firefighters working to extinguish the flames, and it was obvious they weren't allowing anyone else in at the moment. But my mind was so clouded with panic that I couldn't think clearly.I burst through in a panic, and a thick cloud of smoke hit me, stinging my eyes and searing my lungs. Suddenly, a hand pulled me out without warning."Ma'am please stay right here! They need to extinguish the flame first until everything is safe for us!"I knew it was Diana's voice. She was right, but I was too overwhelmed and anxious to r