Clara's POV"To make our conversation more comfortable, why didn't you sit down first?" Iris Morgan said to me.I had no choice but to sit down on the seat across from her. She settled into her chair, a smile spreading across her face as she gazed at me."I’m sure you can see that my actions yesterday were simply a reaction to the shock."“Yes,” I replied right away. Although I recognized her apology lacked sincerity, I couldn't be bothered to engage, so I simply said yes. I'll do whatever is necessary for this dinner, so it will be over as soon as possible and I can leave. "I'm really relieved you made it through the accident that night, Clara." Iris Morgan said. Even though the way she spoke and the way she looked at me suggested otherwise."You’ve managed to live quite well over the last five years. What a surprise for all of us." Iris Morgan went on.She kept her gaze on me, completely ignoring Keith. And somehow I sensed that Keith hadn't revealed to her how I managed to get t
Clara's POVI let out a sigh of relief when the dinner finally came to an end. Now I can finally go home and start making preparations for this banquet, which is just four days away. I was about to hop into Stevan's car when I heard Keith's voice calling me."Keith?" My heart beat faster as I saw he made his way in my direction.I assumed he was taking his mother back home. Keith didn't pay any attention to me during dinner, even after we finished, so I figured he wasn't interested in talking. Seeing him come to me like this fills me with so much joy."You’re going to home?" Keith inquired, casting a look at Stevan's car before turning his gaze back to me.I nodded."I will drive you then."That's when Stevan stepped out of the driver's seat, realizing I still hadn't gotten into the car. Upon seeing Keith here, his expression became more stern and businesslike."Mr. Keith, you're here?" Stevan sounds confused."I'll drive Clara Stev, you can go home," Keith said to himA subtle disap
Clara's POVThe banquet is just two days away, and I've started my preparations. I talked to the house assistants, and I felt a great sense of relief knowing they were eager to help me out.I also requested that they correct me if I made any mistakes, as this was my first time organizing an event like this. Since Iris Morgan is taking care of the invitation, my only task is to get the house ready and prepare food for her guests. "Ma'am, have you decided about the food yet? I'm here to assist you with your order. I have a suggestion of some restaurant that the Morgan family relies on." Sarah said.She’s one of the house assistants, and she’s been helping me since this morning. She listened patiently to all my worries and ramblings, even the pointless ones all at once."Seriously? That's awesome. I'll reach out to them later; could you share their contact information with me?""Sure, ma'am.""But..." I looked around the kitchen. I sense that something is lacking if I don't take a hands
Clara's POVI tried to get Zoe out of the kitchen. She's a terrible actor pretending to be helpful. Even though she claimed she had been cooking since she got married, I could tell she was not being truthful by the way she gripped the mixer and how she always recoiled at the thought of cracking an egg."What are we going to create?" She strolled over and inquired, leaving behind the blended flour and eggs."Blini. It's a classic Russian pancake. But I'm gonna add some creation."She looks confused for a while but then her face lights up with excitement. "Awesome! I’ve been making such a thing since I was eleven! This isn't hard at all."I smiled. Whatever she said."Then could you please gather the necessary ingredients while I grab the other tools?" Zoe's expression shifted immediately. I noticed she was looking for a reason.She clicked her tongue, "Ah Clara, it's already a very long time since the last time I made such a thing. I can't remember what ingredients I need to make it."
Clara's POV"Yeah, I know." He's correct, and now I can't shake this feeling of guilt. I should have been more cautious; now I'm slowing down the work.Keith guided me to a chair and called over one of the maids to fetch a first aid kit. He treated my wound and then applied some red medicine. I winced, trying to suppress the pain despite his gentle touch."Is it hurt?" I shook my head. He offered a faint smile. Keith helped me put a bandage on my hurt finger. "You can sit here. I'll finish your work." He said.But I got up quickly "No, that's not necessary. I can still get it done.""Clara, you just cut your finger. What if you end up losing it later?" I frowned at his words. The thought of it sent a chill down my spine, and I reflexively nudged him with my elbow. "That's awful." Keith laughed, "I told you. Just allow me to take care of it. It's just a simple task. Do you think I can't manage it?"It's not that I don't trust him, it's just that I don't want to bother anyone. And t
Clara's POVAt last, the banquet night has arrived. I’ve been preparing since the evening. Even though I wanted to do my makeup myself, Keith was adamant that I should have a professional makeup artist and hairstylist take care of my appearance. Now I feel just like someone stepping onto a runway instead of attending a banquet."Let me know if the model isn't to your liking. I'll make the change." The hairstylist said to me. "Is it done?""Yes ma'am. Please take a look at the mirror."I got up and walked over to the dressing table to see how I looked. As I stood before the mirror, a stranger's reflection met my gaze.Her makeup is somewhat bold, not overly flashy, yet not as natural as her usual look. Her auburn hair is elegantly styled in an updo, with a few strands softly framing her face. Her beauty looks unreal and elegant, and what's truly surprising is that the woman in the mirror is me. "What do you think?" The hairstylist asks me. "Do you like it?""Yeah. I like it so much. T
James' POVClara looks stunning tonight. I have to be honest, even if it's hard to say. She had never applied heavy makeup to her face before. And though she is always lovely, she often looks bland.Tonight, she donned a gown that wealthy women heading to an extravagant banquet would wear. Why has she never dressed like this before? It looks good on her.I was completely captivated by her while she spoke with Mrs. Sofia Martinez, a close friend of my mother who was coming over at her invitation. Zoe stood next to me, her eyes fixed on them as well.I hadn't noticed my wife until it struck me that she seemed unwell."What's wrong? Are you okay?" I placed my hand on my wife's shoulder, feeling a bit concerned as I noticed her looking somewhat troubled.Zoe just shook her head and offered a faint smile. "I'm good."Still, I knew she wasn't being honest. Then I realized what was making her look a bit cloudy like this.Mrs. Martinez praised Clara but entirely ignored Zoe during their earli
Clara's POV"Where are you taking me? Just leave me alone!" I yelled as James pulled me to the corner by the wrist as if I were just some animal.I politely asked him to let me go, but he ignored me. So now I didn't care anymore if anyone heard my screams.When James finally released me, my wrist was bruised and aching from what he had done. I held it tightly with my other hand. I shot him a look full of anger, but he met it with a completely unrepentant face. Yesterday, I believed he had changed from the terrible man I once knew, but today he proved me wrong. "What do you want?" I snapped."First things first, go ahead and change your clothes and wash that makeup off your face," James said.That instantly triggered my anger. Who does he think he is to give me orders like this? He really crossed the line this time. "No." I was on the verge of leaving when James stopped me and held me in place. I glanced around. Where's his wife who looked so upset with me before? I searched everywhe
Selena's POVAs soon as I received a call from Mrs. Iris Morgan, I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs right away. I hopped in a taxi to her penthouse and told the driver to speed like the wind. Keith is free.Can you even believe that? At last, he's out of prison. I'm not sure what finally clicked for James Morgan and made him see things differently. I'm glad he finally understood that his actions towards Keith were unacceptable. How could he possibly lock up his brother just for that woman?As soon as I got there, I settled up with the driver and made my way to Iris's floor. As I reached the door, I pushed it open just like she instructed and stepped into the main room. Seeing Keith there made my heart burst with joy. I held back the impulse to shout with happiness and strolled over to him."Keith!" I exclaimed, "Oh thank God! You are finally free! You finally made it out of that awful place! At last, James had a change of heart and let you go!" I couldn't hold back my joy, s
Clara's POVThe dinner was great. I have no regrets about accepting James' invitation. He's sticking to his word about just wanting to have dinner together and nothing more. And now, we’re strolling through the vast green fields that stretch out on either side of us. Pine trees standing tall, white cobblestone path under our feet."What does Layla think of this trip so far? Is she feeling happy?" James asked. As I glanced over at him, I noticed a worry etched on his face. “She is.” He probably noticed it on his own. Layla hasn't stopped smiling since we got here. I'm thankful that I agreed with James when he decided to invite her on this trip. Took a break from my hectic daily routine and flew to this gorgeous place made me feel like I didn't want to go back. Why can't I just stay here forever? I took out my phone to snap some pictures of the stunning scenery when I heard James ask. "How about you?""Sorry, what did you just say?" I wasn't quite catching what he was asking abou
Lily's POV~ Tuscany, Italy ~Stepping off the plane, I was greeted by the sweet aroma of vacation in the air.The air was filled with the scent of summer, and the sun blazed down fiercely. But I wasn't bothered at all when my eyes were treated to the stunning landscape and the azure blue sky of Italy. Yes, I’ve finally made up my mind to accept Clara’s invitation to hang out with her and James.Honestly, I was planning to head back to LA, but after hearing from my friend Josh, I chose to stay away from both NYC and LA. Clara's offer arrived just when I needed it the post, it popped into my mind exactly when I was out of ideas for what to do next. “So, what’s my next move?” I asked Josh a few days ago at the cafe where we met, biting my nails out of anxiety. “Why didn’t you return to LA? If Dominic found you here, he’ll definitely take you with him, Lily." Josh mentioned.I closed my eyes as I heard his name again. Yes, Dominic Marco. Someone from the dark side of this business
Keith's POVThe warder come to me again, the old, wrinkled man, bringing breakfast with him. But I pushed it away with my hand, and the plate crashed to the floor. Giving the cell its sickening echo. My ears are aching, and my head is throbbing. I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. The warder quickly walked away as soon as I stood up. But it wasn't long before that dick Criston showed up. A frosty look, that haughty grin I desperately want to erase right away."Tell him to come here! I wanted to talk to him!""Who are you talking about?" Criston asked."Who else? James. There's no way he's still scared now that I'm behind the bar and he's out there with all the power in his hands" I made sure to add a touch of mockery to my tone. James should have been here since yesterday when my mom asked him to come. But naturally, his arrogant self wouldn't go for it. He would show up only when he thought it was necessary. Criston's lips formed a tight line before he responded, "A
Lily's POVClara has agreed to the trip that James suggested, taking Layla to Europe. It's a great idea for a gift, however I'm still feeling a bit wary. I was just about to tell Clara to reconsider when I noticed how thrilled Layla was to hear about this trip.That got me thinking, I suppose I should just believe that he has changed this time. I suppose I need to let go of my negative thoughts and fully trust Clara. She's Layla's mom, and she knows what's best to do.We're at the shopping center in the city now to grab a few things before we depart. We were in the women's and children's section when Clara called out to me. "Hey, you should grab some sunscreen. The UV is strong in the summer, you'll need it when we go swimming in the sea, Lily." She said. “Huh? Why would I head to the sea for a swim?"I'm feeling a bit lost. It seems like I missed something"Because you're joining us on this trip to Europe!" Clara responded. It instantly made me widen my eyes. What? "James agrees.
James' POVI was glad to hear that Clara is back to her usual activities. It's good, it means she no longer feels down. Lily's in town, so I suppose that's why she was able to leave Layla. But when Lily gets back to LA, who’s going to look after Layla? Thinking about it, it's time to bring in a professional assistant for her. To look after Layla and ease Clara's responsibilities at home. I'm not sure if she'll go for it, but I'll bring it up with her later. Dain entered my study and said, "Sir." I intentionally asked him to come today. "Did you take Layla to school?" "Today, Mrs. Clara's cousin is the one driving her," Dain replied. I gave a nod. “Should I go to her school to pick her up this afternoon?” I think Clara has already asked Lily to grab Layla as well. Perhaps her cousin would like to hang out with Layla while she's in town. "No. Not necessary.""Alright, sir. Anyway, how was your dinner last night going?" Asked Dain.Oh, dinner last night. It was nearly flawless
Lily's POVToday I spend my time with Layla, and we make an awesome team. We got up early and went for a jog. We headed home for a quick shower and then went cafe hopping until noon. Later in the afternoon, we kept strolling through the city park. We just got home in the evening as Clara was getting ready to head out for dinner with James. Before she left, I made sure to remind her multiple times that she needed to call me if she sensed even the slightest hint of his behavior. I recall how that man used to treat her and to be honest, I didn't want my cousin to have dinner with him by herself tonight. But if I went with Clara, then who would look after Layla? Also, Clara asked me to stay home and look after her daughter. I didn't have any other option."Auntie, did you just call mommy?" Layla asked as I stepped back into the TV room. I sat down beside her on the carpet. She was focused on her Lego, completely tuning out the cartoon on the TV. "Yeah, I did. I just made sure to be re
Clara's POVEverything was going smoothly. James showed up, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me because we could finally begin our dinner before diving into the main topic tonight, to discussing the trip he wanted to take Layla on.But then the door swung open and Selena burst in. Yes, Selena. She's at the restaurant we were at. I’m not sure when she got here, but I didn’t notice her at all before. Her face was a mask of rage that was impossible to conceal. “You!" she snapped, pointing a finger at me. Her teeth clenched. "What did you do to Keith? How could you do all of this to my future husband?"Her voice trembled.I jumped up right away. Watching her on the brink of tears pulled at my heart, but just as I was about to reach out, Selena smacked my hand away forcefully."Answer me bitch!"Her words made James stand up immediately. And the atmosphere felt like it had shifted. Selena, who was saying something, fell silent under James's piercing gaze. She looked at him with des
James' POVThe night to have dinner with Clara has finally arrived. I spent three hours getting ready, feeling pretty anxious, searching for the right word to persuade Clara to go along with this trip. This would be a good chance for me to connect with my daughter and learn more about her. And a chance to resolve what happened between Clara and me. No, I didn't expect her to just forgive me so easily. I just expected her to be more open to me.'Good luck trying to win her heart.' Keith's words rushed into my thoughts, and once more, I felt disheartened. I grabbed my phone and chose to call Dain. He accepted it a moment later. "How's it going, sir? How's everything going?""I haven't even gone yet. Do you think she’s going to give me this chance or not?" I hate sounding like a downer.But I really need to hear from Dain because he was the one who noticed Clara's reaction when she got the invitation to her apartment yesterday. Clara gave her agreement the very same day. She texted m