7. Invitation

Clara's POV

Keith and I were both shocked to see each other here. From what I know, he was in charge of a international branch of Morgan's business group. He lives with James' grandfather.

When did he get back?

"Oh, hey Keith." I greet hesitantly, placing the drink on the table, "When did you come back?"

"Yesterday." Keith offered a comforting smile that instantly eased the tension in the room. “Great to see you again, Clara. How are you? Are you with James now?"

I know Keith noticed my uniform, yet he chose not to ask about it. I understand he wants to avoid further awkwardness and I genuinely respect him for that.

"I'm doing well." 

I turned to Bill. "Now may I excuse myself? Some things need to be tidied up in the back." 

And as soon as he nodded, I quickly made my way back.

Once the exhibition concluded and we wrapped up the cleaning, I was ready to head home with Emma when I noticed a sleek black Mercedes Benz parked in the lot.

I squinted and spotted Keith gesturing at me.

After saying to Emma that I need to buy some things, I quickly make my way to him.

"If I invite you to dinner tonight, would you reject me again, Clara? I'll take you home after the dinner." He smiled while opening the door to the driver's seat for me.

This man had not changed at all since we first met; Keith was always a gentleman.

“That's no need; I can go home by myself, and besides, I want to visit my friend's apartment for a while." I refused.

I didn't want him to know that I no longer lived at James' house now.

"But Clara-"

"Please, aren't you busy too?" I asked.

"Not really." He paused. "What about dinner? May I come by and get you? If you want, you can let James join us, though I’m not sure he’ll have the time. It seems my brother spent nearly all his time to managing his work, doesn't he?"

Keith understood that my marriage to James was just a formal arrangement, which made him feel comfortable inviting me to dinner like this without any second thoughts.

Keith would insist if he said no, and there's no reason for me to wait for him at my apartment when I can just go to the restaurant. His tired face lit up with a smile when I answered.

"Let's just meet at the restaurant," I said finally after giving it some thought.

“At last you accepted one of my invitations after all the times you turned me down. Alright, catch you later."

When I arrived at my apartment, I immediately took a shower and slipped into something suitable for dinner.

I also applied some light makeup so that I wouldn't look too pale. Then took a taxi to the restaurant.

Keith was already there when I got there, and his smile lit up when he spotted me. He looked me over carefully, and it made me feel somewhat nervous.

"Why? Do I look ridiculous?" I asked. 

I checked my reflection multiple times to ensure my look was on point. This dress features a soft baby pink hue and a knee-length A-line silhouette. I opted for a half-up hairstyle and accessorized with minimal jewelry. 

Why did he have to look at me that way?

“You're becoming even more beautiful," Keith said, prompting me to punch him lightly in the chest.

"Ouch, what's that for?"

I laughed softly. I knew this man offered this kind of compliment to others as well, yet my heart raced uncontrollably.

"Did you just try to flirt with your sister-in-law?" I asked teasingly.

He chuckled. "Honestly, if you hadn't mentioned it, I might have forgotten that you're my sister-in-law. And no one would have seen that coming, especially since you're only as tall as my shoulder."

I rolled my eyes.

I couldn't deny what he said; even though he was James' younger brother, he was older than me. 

"Now, can we head to our table?" He asked, extending his arm; I nodded, and together we headed to our table.

I took a deep breath to calm myself; tonight I had to be honest about my marriage with James, which was on the verge of divorce if Keith inquired.

"This is our table," Keith remarked, pointing to the reserved spot in the private room. The atmosphere felt serene and laid-back.

But when we arrived, James and Zoe had already occupied two of the four chairs available.

My heart dropped to my stomach seeing my husband and his ex-girlfriend here, which meant we were going to have dinner together tonight.

James, who was talking to Zoe, abruptly stood up upon noticing me arriving alongside his brother.

"James..?" A low voice escaped from my lips.

"Brother, I've picked up my sister-in-law," Keith said.

James' eyes moved from his brother to me, and his expression instantly transformed into a familiar anger. Zoe quickly got to her feet, equally taken aback to see me walk in with Keith.

Ugh, I can't believe I forgot to ask who we were having dinner with.

"Where have you been these past few days? You didn't answer my calls. And how exactly did you end up with my brother?" James' voice cut the silence