Clara’s POV"I will, Clara. I promise this secret is safe with me." Keith finally said though I know his heart weighed down"Promise?" I extended my pinky. We sealed it with a pinky promise. We chuckled, realizing how we had transformed into little kids. "I love seeing you laugh." He said. "Clara, may I touch your belly?"I nodded at his seemingly innocent demeanor. Keith placed his hand on my belly as if he could sense the baby moving inside."You can't feel it yet, Keith; at this moment, the baby is just about the size of a strawberry." I smiled, yet there was a heaviness in my heart, knowing that this moment belonged to James, not his brother."When will I be able to feel it move?""That's a few more months to go."Keith responded, "I'll be here when that day arrives, Clara."A few days later.I was relieved Keith at least kept his promise to keep my pregnancy a secret. This morning, after enjoying breakfast and preparing for my job interview at a famous bakery, I heard Emma having
Clara's POVZoe finally noticed me in the doorway, her expression silent, yet she shot me, 'Are you surprised to see me here?' look. How could I possibly overlook the fact that I would probably meet her again if I came back to this house?"Oh, you're finally here. Thank you, Eda, for bringing her to me, even though I had to wait for quite a while. Now you can leave us." Zoe saidEda appeared quite hesitant, yet she ultimately departed with a look of regret on her face. I focused my gaze on Zoe; what new scheme was she up to this time?"So this is your new assistant that you hired, Zoe? Are you sure you still want to hire her? She's already late on her first day. Imagine how awful her performance moving forward."Even though Zoe's friend spoke in a low tone, every word was distinctly audible to me."And are you sure you want to hire such a young and beautiful housemaid? I don't mean to fan the flames, Zoe, but you know cases of bosses having affairs with their maids are quite common."
Clara's POVZoe's arms draped around his neck as his hands found their place at her waist, drawing them closer together. The moist sound of lips colliding echoed through the space, and at that moment I wished I was deaf. My cheeks flushed at the sight before me, yet the most unsettling sensation was the ache in my chest.'I don't love him anymore' I told myself.When they finally parted their lips and James finally realized I was standing there I pretended not to notice a thing."James, look who's here," Zoe said, gesturing towards me."You must remember you were the one who asked me to come, to talk about something." I cleared my throat before he thought I was seeking anything other than the return of my apartment rights."Of course, I remember." He said nonchalantly."Wait, you two have something to talk about? What is that? Why do I know nothing about this?" Zoe glanced between James and me, her expression filled with intrigue about what we were up to.God, why is this woman so inte
Clara's POVZoe's expression shifted instantly upon hearing that; it was clear she preferred not to share the same table with me. But I also would prefer to skip dinner altogether than eat here."James? Are you serious?" She asks.James took her hand and held it tightly "Of course, honey. What seems to be the issue?""Nothing, it’s just that this should be a moment for the two of us, right? Why must Clara join us as well?""Aren't we usually invite Eda to eat together as well? Does that disrupt our moment? Of course not, so what's the difference if we invite Clara to join."James' answer confirmed my position in their eyes and that Zoe shouldn't worry at all. His words made Zoe calm down as seen from the smile that appeared on her lips."Ah, you're right. What are you waiting for, Clara? Have a seat and serve yourself, I know you're hungry too." Zoe remarked before redirecting her attention to her meal.I settled into my seat across from them, yet I left the food I prepared untouched.
Clara's POV"James?" I was surprised to see him here at this hour.He nudged me back into the room, leaving me slightly puzzled about his intentions this time."I'm here to discuss things between us." He spoke and shut the door, leaving just the two of us in this space. I stepped back, it was just that being in the room with him felt different now. There was a tension I could not explain in the air, particularly since James was behaving as if we were still sharing our space."Sure," I said, I glanced at the clock. "But it's already too late.""And I don't have time if I have to wait until tomorrow," James said.Oh, of course. How could I forget? he would be so occupied with his work and wouldn't have time for a problem that was trivial to him."Okay. Let's begin then. I want my apartment back, to be honest. I need it for a place to live." I said to him.With that apartment, I could at least help Emma get out of her toxic mom. If James just took it from me, where do I and Emma should
Clara's POVI was completely unaware that James had removed my pajamas, and then his hands deftly unfastening my bra. The brisk air sent a delightful shiver across my skin, my nipple heightened by his intense stimulation. James skilfully alternated between using his hands and tongue. My eyelids closed as my hands clutched his dark hair when he buried his face against my breast. I couldn't deceive myself, yet this feeling enveloped me as if I were suspended in bliss."Stop it..." I let out a breath "Stop it, James..""Quiet, Clara." His voice was warm and honeyed. Why can't he just talk to me in that tone every day?I bit my lip, trying to muffle my voice, afraid that Zoe might hear us. She would kill me if she found out about this.When I opened my eyes again, I found myself lying on the sofa with James positioned above me. His pajamas are gone now, and he's shirtless, showcasing his perfectly sculpted and toned physique. James positioned himself at my already slick entrance, causin
Clara's POVThe location Lily shared was an ordinary sidewalk, somewhat removed from the hustle of the main road. What was she doing in such a quiet location? And what caused her to sound so panicky when she called me earlier?“Lily?” I called, where is she? I can’t see her anywhere.At that moment, I heard a vain woman's voice calling for help, and I immediately recognized it as Lily's. I moved closer to where the sound was coming from.Behind the wall that divided the settlement from the street stood my cousin, accompanied by a tall, robust man. The man was attacking her, causing her to scream like that earlier. He seized her neck, causing Lily to cry out in pain.My anger surged as I was about to rush forward, yet my instincts whispered a warning that he could harm me as well. I activated the camera and started recording as I moved closer to them. Directing my phone towards him. “What on earth? What are you doing to my sister? Release her immediately, or I will ensure this video g
Clara's POV"I’m sorry for the delay, ladies. The traffic was quite heavy on the way here. I hope everything is going well?" Keith approached us with a look of concern. Lily clearly doesn't expect to see him here. Noticing her tension, I held her hand a bit tighter and said to Keith, "The doctor mentioned that Lily doesn't require hospitalization; she can head home tomorrow after settling the bill for the medicine and room."“Thank God,” Keith nodded. A sense of ease on his face, "There's no need for you to stress about the expenses."I glanced at him with a hint of confusion; I still had enough savings to manage it, so there was no need for him to step in like this."Thank you so much, Mr. Morgan," Lily answered quickly. I could feel she was still a bit uncomfortable with Keith being here, she might think he could harm her as well."Please just call me by my name. Lily, that's your name right?" Keith turned to Lily, and my cousin responded with a nod. "What happened? How did you end
"You made me worried; I thought something might have happened to-" Keith paused as he recognized the man and woman standing before me.If I thought Zoe was shocked when she saw my face earlier, I can't even begin to find the right words to describe her reaction upon seeing Keith's face now. She, who had yet to fully comprehend that I was still alive, had to confront the reality that I had been in contact with her husband's brother all along. "Keith, what are you doing here?" She asked."You guys here as well?" Keith attempted to mask his displeasure upon spotting James and Zoe. Even though he wasn't able to fully conceal it. "So, you came here with him?" it was James who took the floor. He disregarded his brother’s question and focused on me instead.His voice was calm, yet there was something about it that felt far more disconcerting than if he had raised his voice in anger. And for some reason, I found it impossible to meet his gaze any longer. So I turned my attention to Keith i
"But this cannot happen. Who is it?" Zoe could not accept James' explanation as she now turned to me "Who has helped you to get here? There is no way you can get here because of your efforts. You do not even have money to support yourself much less travel to another city after James divorced you."I tried not to react to what Zoe said. I aimed to keep my composure on the surface if I wanted my game to thrive. Before she could pose another inquiry, I took my daughter's hand, ready to guide her away from them. Zoe had unsettled my daughter, and I was determined to keep Layla away from her, and from James especially.However, just after taking a step, I was halted by James' voice."Wait mrs.... whatever your name is." He restrained the final word he was on the verge of uttering. I turned around and stared at him. He gazed at me with an expression that suggested he wished I would reconsider."Yes?" I asked.James cleared his throat with a subtle shift in demeanor. What she said next comp
Clara's POVWe locked eyes, and for a brief moment, her expression shifted to one of sheer astonishment. Zoe likely never anticipated encountering me here tonight in this city, the woman she believed was dead five years ago.My heart raced uncontrollably, like a criminal caught in the act. I had almost forgotten about Zoe over the last few years. Now seeing her face again stirred up memories of our first encounter. It was a night at my anniversary dinner, and it was James who brought Zoe and introduced her to me. Believing we could get along with each other.Zoe's gaze moved from me to my daughter, who was now embracing my lower body with a firm grip. "H-how..." she struggled to find the right words. "Impossible. This cannot happen. I must be dreaming right now." She sounds more like talking to herself.'No. You don't'I want to say out loud yet I sealed my lips as I recalled the present situation. I remember that for the people from my past, I had lost my memories. So I no longer rem
Clara's POV"What's our next destination?" Keith enquired as we exited the restaurant together. Dinner had concluded, but the night was still young.I gazed at the sky adorned with stars, the moon radiating its brilliance. "Are you free tonight?"Typically, there is work that needs to be addressed. It seemed like Keith set aside time to take us out. Though he didn't show that he minded, I was afraid this might be disturbing his schedule."What is it about me being swarmed with work that you find so appealing? You just want me to feel overwhelmed and grow older faster.""Don't get me wrong, I just want to make sure since I'm familiar with your routine," I responded without glancing in his direction.I intentionally looked away from him since earlier. Worried he might see the flush on my cheeks. I noticed he was watching me ever since we had our meal; I couldn't quite figure out what he was thinking. However, it didn't resonate with me. It seemed as though he was probing into my life."
James' POVHave you ever had a moment when your good mood was abruptly shattered, leaving you feeling so repulsed that it almost made you feel ill? That's the feeling I had when I saw my younger brother with my ex-wife, looking so happy together. Keith took Clara's hand, holding it gently as she offered him a soft smile.He smiled like an idiot teenager in love.I never thought I would cross paths with them this evening, yet here I am. I saw them from the second-floor glass window of this restaurant where Zoe and I were set to enjoy dinner tonight."What’s interesting out there?" Zoe, My wife, wrapped her arms around me from behind, resting her chin gently on my shoulder.The moment her perfume wafted through the air, it turned me on. I shifted my focus from the unpleasant scene outside to my beautiful wife, her elegant neck and bare shoulders were so alluring.“Hey, what’s with the long face?” Is there an issue with the client?” She enquired, her expression reflecting worry.I shook
Clara's POVReturning to work, I found myself confronted by Diana, who was bombarding me with a barrage of questions regarding the events of yesterday. I let out a deep breath. I've said multiple times that it was nothing serious, but her curiosity just wouldn't quit."I don't know when you'll stop asking and let me do my work, Die."But she keeps talking. Now I get why her boyfriend sometimes calls her a nag."I heard heard Mr. Morgan reached out to him for a discussion. Yet he didn't do anything to that man like what he did to your other secret admirer ma'am. That's so unusual of him?""That man isn't my secret admirer," I said with a sharp edge.How can I explain to her that the reason Keith didn't confront him as he did with Lucas is that the man who came to me yesterday is his brother?"Can it be because Mr. Morgan is afraid of him?"I don't think Keith fears James, or vice versa. He has respect solely for his brother, and that's it."I don't know," I responded nonchalantly, avoi
Clara's POVI just wrapped up dropping Layla off at her kindergarten. I usually head straight to TasteTales, but today I'm not feeling my best. It just hit me that I haven't had anything to eat since yesterday afternoon. I returned to my flat and made my way to the kitchen. I placed the toast in the toaster and cracked an egg into the pan. As I was preparing breakfast, the sound of the bell echoed through the space.Shortly after I heard the door open, I recognized it was Keith. He was the only one with access to this place. I heard footsteps coming closer, and then his voice called out to me"I'm here, in the kitchen," I exclaimed."Hey..." He lingered in the doorway, his expression weary as he gazed at me. "Thank goodness you're here.""Morning," I said with a smile as he settled into one of the chairs at the dining table. "Would you like me to prepare breakfast for you?""No need. You look much better than I thought, I'm so relieved. Do you know what happened?" He asked without fur
James' POVI got back into my car and slammed the door shut. What Clara did wounded my pride so deeply. Did she find it amusing to act like she didn't know me and dismiss me like I was insignificant?I knew she was merely putting on a show; she doesn't forget someone that easily. Clara knew my name and my reputation long before I had any knowledge of hers. She knew who I was even before we were married. Supposedly it should be me who didn't remember her at all after five years of being apart, not her.My appetite vanished, and my mood was entirely soured by Clara's actions tonight. That was when my phone's annoying ring shattered the stillness."What else now?" I could no longer mask my sharp tone; to hell with whoever reached out to me tonight."James, my love? Are you okay?" The gentle sound of my wife's voice smoothed away the lines on my forehead. "Where did you go? Why haven't you returned yet? Is everything alright?"I cleared my throat to neutralize my voice before responding t
Clara's POV"Clara it's me, James. there's no way you didn’t remember me." James's expression shifted, a flash of anger crossing his face as he processed my response moments ago.I kept my facade intact, ensuring he didn't notice the emotional chaos swirling within me right now.James was right about that one. How could I forget him when the memories of him have been a part of my life for the past five years? How could I possibly forget the man who was both my love and my greatest heartbreak?He took my hand when I stayed silent and asked "Where have you been all this time after disappearing with no trace like that? You chose to walk away from me."A bitter feeling washed over me; didn't he say he never wanted to see my face ever again? He said it directly to me five years ago during that night at the villa. So why is he behaving as if he prefers to have me in his life now?But I intend to leave everything about him behind, and I will not give him the satisfaction he has finding me ag