Clara's POVAfter thinking it over, I decided to visit Keith's office today."Ma'am I think you should solve this problem as soon as possible. You cannot let Mr. James win."Diana said after I told her about my past relationship with James and his dislike of seeing me being on a good term with his brother. I felt a sense of relief knowing she was on the same board as me"What good is his good looks if he ends up just being a devil in disguise?"I knew Diana felt let down as soon as she discovered that James wasn't the prince charming he appeared to be. James is the devil, yet the most handsome of all angels."I will. But I don't know where I should look for him, Keith hasn't picked up my calls since yesterday."I was convinced he hadn't come back to the penthouse. I had a specific place in mind, but I was just in denial about Keith being there.What if he did go to Stephanie’s place? His pretty secretary always knew how to ease his worry. The idea of it left me suffocated."I will go
Clara's POVI can't believe I flew to LA on the day I learned about Mr. George's passing. The news shattered my heart in a way I had never experienced. I didn't even share blood ties with him, yet it felt as though I had lost someone who was my closest family.It's been five years since we last met, and I never got the opportunity to clear up the misunderstanding from back then. And now I won't have the chance to see him again."Mommy, are we going to see grandma and grandpa?"Layla asked as our plane took off. I leaned back, gently stroking her hair, and answered."No. We're not going to see grandma and grandpa."Layla rarely inquired about her grandparents or the rest of our family. She appeared to understand that the question upset me.Yet sometimes, like many children, she always curious if we could visit Grandpa and Grandma someday.I can't help but feel mad at myself; I couldn't bring myself to tell her that she would never meet them. "So who are we planning to visit? Why did yo
Clara's POV"Interesting. Very interesting. This is the first time I've heard someone say that didn't want their kindness to be compensated with money." Mr. George said.Now he's gazing at me with a lot of curiosity. Was I the first person who turned down his money? I can't help but feel a bit sorry for him."You remind me of my daughter, sweet girl. You make me long for my dear Charlotte." He spoke with a sadness evident in his eyes."Really?""Yes. She's a real humanitarian. An angel. She's all I could ever hope for in a child. She's everything In contrast to her brother."I smiled.But if I remind him of his kindhearted daughter, why does he seem so downcast?“So, what’s got you looking so down, Mr. Morgan? Where is she now?" I asked.Mr. Morgan's gaze was distant as he spoke."Charlotte passed away at the age of twenty-five from poisoning after she became involved with a non-governmental organization focused on hunger issues. I have to remind myself that she is at peace in heaven,
Clara's POV“Yes, I'm still alive."I chose not to explain how I survived the accident back then. I knew Iris Morgan didn't need to be informed, especially since she wouldn't like it regardless"But don't worry, I'm done and will leave right now. You don't have to recall our meeting; just act as if I'm already dead."As her shock faded and she collected herself, a twisted, angry smile formed on her lips."Honestly, I couldn't care less if you're dead or alive." She snapped, "What I care about is that I never want to see you near my family again."I was already familiar with those words. Since marrying James, it has become a regular occurrence, whether it's from James himself or other family members who aren't fond of me.Still, it feels just as painful as before."No need to worry Mrs. Iris, I have no intention of coming near your family ever again," I answered with a smile.She has nothing to worry about. Since James divorced me and after the accusations he placed on me five years ago
Clara's POV"What do you mean Stevan? Do you know her?" Iris asked, sounding completely lost. She glanced between me and Stevan.What? What else is this? Another member of the Morgan family who knows me? God, I beg you to put this to an end. I truly wanted nothing to do with them anymore!"How do you know her?" Iris Morgan asked suspiciously."I'm sorry but I don't know you, so how could you looking for me for five years?" I inquired. I don't think I know Stevan. We've never actually met before.Stevan tucked his phone away, and when he glanced at me, he flashed a warm smile that sent my heart racing just a bit."I might be a stranger to you, but I'm familiar with who you are. I feel like I won a jackpot meeting you here, Clara." Stevan smiled as he spoke. He seems truly happy; he didn't even see the confusion on my face.'How did he even know my name?' The fear that someone might have been stalking my life all these years is eating away at me. How can someone I don't even know claim t
Clara's POV"I'm sorry for ruining your day; I should have waited for the right moment to share this news with you." Stevan said when I didn't respond to what he said.I felt guilty. He was simply fulfilling his responsibilities, after all. "No, there's no need to apologize." I should have poured my surprise on him. "Is there another way to change this?""I'm afraid not," Stevan replied. He looked at me with a hint of curiosity. "You're hilarious. Typically when a person gets an inheritance, they feel joy. Yet you look like you've just received the death penalty."This feels pretty similar to the death penalty to me. So, what's the next step? I found myself pulled back into the grip of them just when I believed I had escaped for good. "Let me do something that can lift your mood, a gesture of my apology. Are you free today?"I nodded without thinking."Oh, I've got a thought! Why not take a look at one of your new houses? It's just a short drive from here, and I'd be glad to take you
Clara's POV“Yes, she’s my daughter. Why?" Stevan merely shook his head and offered a faint smile upon hearing that. "I just really can't believe you're already a mom. Since you're still so young and pretty." I chuckled softly. This man is incredibly kind, always showering me with compliments. "What should I do now, Stevan?" I inquired. I can't believe this house is mine now. What should I do with this since I don't plan on living here? I still have hope to be able to turn down this inheritance. "The choice is yours since this now belongs to you. You can begin any renovations you desire." He responded. I glanced around me. This house is absolutely perfect as it is, and I wouldn't want to change a thing. "Mr. George's lawyer will start bringing the documents for you to sign tomorrow." He said to me. "Are you all set?" I gave a nod. "Great! Then I'll see you here again tomorrow." Once Stevan was gone, I made my way to the front garden. I was utterly captivated by the rose gard
Clara's POVZoe dragged me into the front door and then launched me out of the house with all her strength. "Get out of here!"I lost my footing. But instead of hitting the cold, hard floor, I find myself landing on something solid and warm. A strong arm wrapped around my waist, holding me close. When I lifted my gaze, I found myself looking into the beautiful green eyes. "Are you alright?" Stevan inquired. I straightened up and nodded. Stevan gradually let go of the arm he had wrapped around my waist. “Mrs. Zoe?” Stevan looked over at Zoe, inquiring. "Why did you do this to Mrs. Clara?" Zoe's eyes shifted back and forth between Stevan and me. She seemed taken aback that Stevan knew my name, but then her expression shifted back to anger. “She has come into this house without permission. Entry here is strictly prohibited without prior permission. Did you forget?"Stevan offered a subtle smile. Then he spoke softly. "Mrs. Zoe, Mrs. Clara can come here anytime she wishes from now o
James' POVHer eyes went wide. Shock adorned her face. Zoe stared at me in disbelief, as if she couldn't believe what she just heard from me. I pulled my arm away from her touch. Which made Zoe even more surprised because I had never refused when she touched me before. “You must be joking.” Zoe said. She might think I would take back my words but unfortunately, I wouldn't."Don't make me repeat what I said, Zoe." I reminded her. "I gave you trust all this time but you broke it. Will you also refuse and just confirm that my suspicions are true?"Zoe pursed her lips for a moment. Then she looked at me, her eyes filled with unmistakable pain. "The trust you're talking about is a basic thing that you should have with your partner. I don't owe you anything just because you trust me, James."Watching her look at me with such pain made my heart feel like it was being crushed. I always try to keep her smiling and free from pain, but now I was the reason for that hurtful look on her face."Y
James' POVEach second that ticked by was incredibly frustrating. I just couldn't stay put. I got up and started pacing back and forth to calm my head which felt like it was about to burst. Running a company was stressful enough and I've always craved comfort whenever I got home. For a long time, I always dreamed of a home that would let me relax my mind even just for a while.But lately, that feels hard for me to achieve. I'm not sure what was missing. Zoe was always being a great wife to me. She would check in on my day and always offer to give me a massage whenever she noticed I was feeling under pressure.But there was something she couldn't provide me while I was still living with Clara.I looked at my watch and frowned in irritation just as I heard the sound of a car engine. That has to be my wife, Zoe finally made it home. Walking over to the window, I see a red Lamborghini pull up in front of the gate of my house. The sight made me frown right away.Just as I thought I mistoo
"No." She shook her head quickly. "This. You left this on your table."She then passed me something. It’s my wallet. It had my ID and cards inside. Damn. I can't believe I left it on my table like that. If someone else found it, they might use it for their gain. No, it’s not the money that concerns me; it’s the possibility that they might misuse it to do something harmful in my name and tarnish my reputation.I was being too careless."Thanks," I said as I took my wallet from her. My voice was back to normal, and I noticed the smile that had formed on her lips."Anytime sir. Have a nice day," With that, she turned around and was about to return to the cafe where she worked but I stopped her."Yes?" She walked back to me with a frown on her face. Gazing into those beautiful eyes, I found myself enchanted in just moments.Shit. Even with minimal makeup and no extravagant outfit, I could see just how beautiful she was. She looks so sweet, especially when she smiles."What is your name
Keith's POVClara was livid. She has a frown on her lovely face and looks so offended. I expected her to feel relieved and happy when I shared this with her. Because after such a long wait, we finally found a ray of light. And now we can put an end to whatever our status is now and move to a more serious level."What do you mean?" I didn't mishear her say I had a fiancé right? "What do you mean I have a fiancé, Clara?"She seems unsure. She went quiet, and I could tell she was trying to find the right words to respond to me. But then it dawned on me where her current assumption came from. A bit of annoyance began to bubble up inside me."Is it because you saw me with that woman yesterday and then you make the assumption I'm engaged to her?" I asked.Why is it so easy for her to jump to conclusions on her own?"You were having a dinner with her-""Yes. And my whole family is present as well. It wasn't me and her alone.""That's the point, Keith. Your family is holding the dinner to
Clara's POVI took a taxi to the place. I need to get Arlo to leave before I go; otherwise, he'll definitely get suspicious. And he would trail behind me and then tell James that I'm meeting Keith tonight. I didn't tell Lily about this either. I just said that I went out to catch up with an old friend. I waited for thirty minutes, and my heart was racing like crazy as I anticipated his arrival.I felt something I couldn't quite put into words when I got his message yesterday. I’m excited that we’re finally going to meet, but I can’t help feeling a bit nervous about what he might say tonight. Is he here to say goodbye? From now on, we’ll need to maintain some distance between us.He is engaged. Even though some people believe that friends can stay friends regardless of one having a partner, I know this doesn't hold for friendships with the opposite sex.I stood up from my bench and strolled over to the koi pond. I admired the vibrant fish gliding through the crystal-clear water, but
James' POVAs I walked into my office after the evaluation meeting with a few of my colleagues, I noticed a lunch box and a tumbler sitting on my desk. I scowled. I don’t recall placing any orders today, and it’s not lunchtime yet. I hate having anything unrelated to work in my office while I'm on the clock. I headed over to the telephone and quickly dialed my secretary's number.Jennifer, my assistant, walked into my office a minute later. A concerned expression so clear on her face. "Yes, Mr. James? Is there an issue with the letter document I sent you? Is there something that was overlooked?”"Was that your doing?" I gestured at the lunchbox on my table.I can't think of anyone other than Jennifer who might have done this. She was here when I was at the meeting, so even if she wasn't the one responsible, she certainly knows who brought it here. But her expression suddenly changed as if she recalled something. “My apologies for not letting you know sooner, Mr. James. You ha
Clara's POVThe following morning, I was awoken by the sound of someone knocking at my door. I was still feeling sleepy, but I managed to get up on my feet. My mascara had smudged under my eyes, and my face was still marked by the remnants of last night's makeup, half-washed away by tears. So I stopped infront of the mirror to tidy up my face a bit before heading to the door.I couldn't hide my puffy eyes right away, but a smile might just do the trick to keep it from being too noticeable. "Morning," Lily said as she stood in front of my door. She came in with a tray of a bowl of cereal and milk. “You've skipped breakfast and it's nearly noon now. I don't want your stomach acid to act up."I swung open my bedroom door and welcomed her inside. Lily placed the breakfast on my nightstand. As I pulled back the curtain, sunlight flooded the room immediately. It honestly feels like I’ve only gotten two hours of sleep. Did I really cry myself until dawn last night?"Is Layla awake y
Clara's POVWhen I stay silent, Zoe used the moment to speak right away."What do you expect her to say, James? Of course, she doesn't have any answer because what Krystal said is not true. I'm sure they have been working together, they have planned my downfall for a long time.""Yes, Zoe is right. I also don't believe your wife paid someone to do that disgusting job." Iris Morgan said to his son.James didn't respond to any of them; he was just waiting for me to say something. What would he even do if I told him the truth? Is he going to laugh at me? Is he going to believe that I've been innocent this whole time? But even if he did, what difference would it make? It was already too late to fix anything."Mind my words, Mr. James. I know not like the rest of them you still have some common sense. Clara was once your wife so there's no way you don't know how's her character at all. You must know she can't steal something that isn't hers." But Krystal spoke again.I was taken aback
Clara's POVZoe rushed into the room, darting over to Krystal in an instant, her hand reaching out to slap Krystal's cheeks. The sound when Zoe’s hand met Krystal’s face echoed so loudly. Krystal staggered back, she brought her hand to the side of her face where Zoe hit her. I could see she was trying to hide her pain, yet her gaze on Zoe remained unwavering."Please don't listen to what this woman said. She's been jealous of me forever she'll do and say anything to drag me down." Zoe said to no one in particular, her gaze swept across the room. She put a fake sad expression on her face even though there were tears in the corner of her eyes now.I didn't notice those tears at all earlier in the bathroom."Calm down Zoe. We won't believe her." Iris Morgan walked over to her daughter-in-law, gently resting her hand on Zoe's shoulder as she spoke. "We have full trust in you. We won't take the claims of this woman seriously, especially since she has no evidence to prove her silly claim of