5. Her and never me

Clara's POV

"How could James do that? He's so heartless." Emma asked.

She's my only friend and the first person I reached out to after leaving my uncle and aunt's house. I didn't have many friends because I had to quit college and start to work to support my uncle's and aunt's finances.

Emma assisted me in locating the most affordable apartment since my savings were quite limited. Now, it's been four days since she stayed over. 

"Now the woman he loves has returned, James want to end our marriage." I said.

Emma grasped my hand firmly.

"I know you can stop loving him and get through all of this, Clara; you are truly one of the most resilient person I've ever known."

"Thanks. I will start looking for a job from now on." I've realized that I can no longer rely on James. "I need to take care of myself and the baby-"

I promptly shut my mouth. Nearly let it slip!

"What do you mean, Clara? What's baby?"

I shook my head. "Forget it. I sometimes say nonsense. Tomorrow we leave at 8, right?" I change the topic.

Emma informed me that a car exhibition is scheduled for tomorrow, and they are seeking sales promotion girls. This is a great opportunity for me to earn some income to support myself. I have experience working in a restaurant and have also taken on a role as an event model during my free time, so I believe I will be well-acquainted with this job.

"Yes, now get some rest. You look like a ghost. I don't want you to get sick." Emma said then we went to bed.

The following morning, after breakfast and donning the provided uniforms, we arrived at the location. Time slipped away as I stood for hours in heels, maintaining a smile for the customers. Also, we had a few items that needed to be elevated. As noon slipped by, I began to perspire; I felt my legs stiffening and a deep ache settling in my back. 

I lightly rested my hand on my belly, overwhelmed by a profound sense of guilt.

'Mommy is so sorry, darling; because of me, you have to endure this tiredness,' I murmured, wishing my little one could feel my words.

Several minutes later, a crowd formed in one area as customers began to gather. I noticed everyone start pulling out their phones to capture images and videos of someone in the moment.

"What's that?" I asked.

"Hmm, it looks like there's a customer who's a famous person maybe. This is a common occurrence at exhibitions catering to rich people. It must be a public figure or someone influential with business." 

I moved closer to see who had arrived. People were pushing and shoving, and I felt elbows jabbing into me as I instinctively wrapped my arms around my stomach protectively.

"Mr. Morgan, could you please tell us who this beautiful lady is? Is she your girlfriend?"

My heart sank upon hearing that. As I finally laid eyes on the center of the crowd's attention, a wave of weakness washed over my legs.

That's James. And he looked so handsome in his dark gray suit, holding the hand of a woman who was none other than Zoe, who was dressed in an elegant dress of a matching color. They exchanged warm smiles and occasionally responded to the crowd's inquiries with a friendly demeanor.

"Meet Miss Zoe Sinclair, soon to be Mrs. Morgan," James responded with a smile.

James has never looked this joyful before, particularly in my company. Standing side by side, the two of them look like a couple made in heaven. 

"But, Mr. Morgan, aren't you married already?"

"That's a fake rumor; James is not married yet. He has faithfully waited for me, the love of his life, and now we will soon be married." This time it was Zoe who answered. 

Whispers started to circulate through the crowds.

"You've never seen James with the woman you believe he married, have you? Well, that's because she's never existed. I am the only woman he loves and will marry." Zoe added.

All this time, James had kept me hidden, as if I were something to be ashamed of. Aside from our family and those closest to us, no one was aware that he had married someone from a lower class like me.

A gasp slipped from my lips before I could stop it, and I quickly covered my mouth with my palm.

The crowd was too busy to notice, and so was James, yet Zoe's eyes eventually locked onto me amidst the sea of faces. For a moment, she appeared taken aback, then a sly smile crept across her red lips.

"James, this one looks so good. Would you consider getting it for me as our wedding gift?" She pointed to a metallic silver saloon car in the corner.

"Of course, baby, anything for you," James answered without hesitation.

"Thanks, hubby." Then she give James a long kiss on his cheek. Their intimacy makes the crowd murmur in jealousy and envy.

Zoe's gaze was full of satisfaction as she looked back at me. James still hadn't noticed me.

That's when I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Clara, that's... that's your husband with..." Emma's voice dwindled, leaving an echo of silence in its wake. 

"Clara!" I spun on my heel and rushed off.

When I reached the bathroom, I collapsed onto the floor, tears streaming down my face as I wrapped my arms around my legs. I hate this! I hate myself for being so emotional. Yet it feels like I have no control over my feelings. 

I know they will get married, but seeing them look so affectionate gives me this much pain.

After a while, when my sobs began to subside, I rose and splashed my face with the water from the sink. I stared blankly at the woman in the mirror, dark circles framing her eyes and her complexion strikingly pale. No, I can't let myself drown in sadness.

"No, Clara. Weakness is not an option. Show them that he doesn't define your happiness and that without James you wouldn't lose your smile." I convinced myself once again. I have to be strong.

For the sake of me and my baby.

I'm about to return to the stand when someone completely unexpected appeared right in front of me. Zoe, wearing a pleased expression and a victorious grin, assessed me from head to toe.

"That uniform looks so good on you, Clara."