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
Clara's POVI regained consciousness an hour ago and now I'm just lying quietly while the doctor finishes his check-up. He took my blood pressure, examined the areas where I had injuries, and asked how I was feeling. He also ensured that I remembered everything, just to make sure I didn't lose my memories.“How is her condition, doctor? Is she alright?" Diana was the one who asked, and she seemed more worried than I was."I’ve had her checked out, and aside from the sprained ankle and the cut on her temple from hitting the hard surface, there are no internal injuries." External injuries can recover in just a few days with proper outpatient care and sufficient rest." The doctor said and I could hear Diana's sigh of relief.I let out a sigh of relief. My head was pounding, my vision felt foggy, and the bandage on my temple was really uncomfortable, but thankfully, I didn’t have any internal bleeding or anything like that. I heard from Diana that I took a tumble down the stairs to the
Keith's POVFor a moment, I was just frozen, unable to look away. I felt a wave of guilt hit me immediately. What did I do? I’ve hurt Clara. I've hurt her for the second time today.I blinked. Once I regained my composure, I took the first step I knew I needed to take. I should go to the hospital to check on Clara and see how she's doing. I took out my phone and called Diana.As I waited for my call to be accepted, my eyes drifted to the stairs. My hand slightly trembled as I looked at how high and steep the stairs were. Clara fell from there and was immediately knocked out. She might have hurt herself or could be experiencing internal bleeding in her head. Oh god.It rang for just a few seconds before Diana finally sent my call to voicemail. “Shit!” I became increasingly frustrated.She has to be furious now. Diana probably believes I was the one who hurt Clara. L"I just want to find out how she's doing, and you won't even let me? Pick up the phone, Diana!" I let out a sharp hi
Keith's POV“Didn’t I mention that Selena’s asthma was flaring up and she needed help? So when she called me, what should I do? Are you saying we should just overlook her?" I snapped back at Clara. "You're really selfish."I'm not sure what went on with me. I’ve never even shouted at her before. My anger towards her had just blown up since earlier at the restaurant the moment I saw her with James. I never thought that all this time she was going out with my brother without me knowing.Clara just shook her head. Her left cheek bore a faint purple mark, the spot where I had slapped her earlier, I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. But if I didn't do that, how would I help her realize her mistake? She crossed the line and I needed to guide her back to the right way."How many times do I have to tell you that Selena isn't a child, Keith? She ought to understand what actions to take to avoid situations like this, particularly when you're not around her-"I interrupted Clara abruptly. Ye
Clara's POVAs soon as I got to the apartment, I plopped down on the couch. I felt both disappointed and angry. Now that I'm alone, I can clearly feel the pain in my face. I ran my fingers over the place where Keith hit me. What just happened felt like a nightmare that would never actually happen.“Did he really just slap me? Did he really hurt me? How could he do that to me?" I kept asking myself over and over. He is the man who has always been so kind to me, my best friend and the only one I had with me during my lowest time, and he just used his hand to hurt me. I really didn't want to accept that what just happened was actually real.However, there are times when our denial leads us to dismiss the truth, and that's not a positive indication. I know I have to face the reality that Keith had hurt me and he did it without a second thought.I got up from the couch and headed to the sink to wash my tear-streaked, messy face. I glanced out the window and noticed it was already evening.
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