James' POVMy sister's performance was outstanding, just like it always is. Annette has been playing the piano since she was four; now she plays it as if it were her very essence. But I can't focus on her. My focus is completely on Clara and Keith, who are seated just two rows ahead of us.Annette finally invited Keith to stay and see her performance. She could never stay mad at him, and I've known that for ages. There are times when I find myself feeling envious of that. Clara acted as if she didn't see me at all, and it infuriated me. They were sitting too close, and why did he have to lean in and whisper to her at times? Even Clara laughed at his words!"James," Zoe said, leaning in closer, "That's the woman I'm talking about."I turned to her, I heard her words but I wasn't fully focused so I didn't catch what she meant. "Who do you mean?""That woman who came with Clara, who turned out to be her cousin. She was the one who came at me in my store yesterday and turned me into the
James' POVI rushed down the stairs and saw my mom in the living room. She was by herself, her expression filled with concern."Mother? Is everything okay?" I walked up to her. Isn't she supposed to be at the theater still? To my knowledge, Annette's show is still ongoing. "Did you leave Annette's show?"I'm concerned that my sister, who's already feeling down because of Keith's behavior, will be even more upset when she finishes her performance and realizes that none of us are at the theater anymore."She finished her performance and said she's staying with her friends tonight, so I figured I'd head home." My mother said, her worried expression still lingering as she reached for my hand and held it tight. "I was really concerned about both you and Zoe. What’s going on with your wife?"I offered her a comforting smile. I felt a bit bad for making her worry and having to rush to our house. “It’s not a big deal. Zoe wasn't feeling well, so she decided to head home early."I didn't see a
Clara's POV"Mr. Keith isn't coming here today?" Lily asked again. We just wrapped up cooking and are ready to have breakfast now.I sighed as I placed the food I had brought from the kitchen onto the dining table, feeling a bit annoyed. How many times has she asked the same question this morning? Isn't it obvious?"No." I gave a short response. I just hope Keith doesn't come here, at least for the next few days.Iris' Morgan words still echoed in my mind perfectly. And the fact that she believed I was trying to stab Keith someday made me so furious. No matter what, I would never go there. Keith is someone who means a lot to me, he has supported me to this point. He stood by me when everyone else turned away. How could she possibly think I would betray him someday?Keith often told me not to worry about what his family said of me. Our relationship will always stay close, no matter what. But how can that even be possible when his family hates me so much? I know that for Keith, his fam
Lily's POVThe voice captured everyone's attention right away. All of us, apart from Arlo, were taken aback by his arrival. Stevan frowned, while Clara's jaw dropped to the floor. It was short-lived, though, as her surprise quickly turned to anger the moment she spotted her ex-husband here. "You?" Clara lashed out at James Morgan. The softness in her voice disappeared, replaced by sheer hostility. I looked at her in shock, I couldn't believe she would really raise her voice at him. From what I remember, Clara never did that, and there were moments when she didn't even dare to speak back to him.She was always worried about upsetting James, fearing it might lead him to withdraw all the support he had been providing to my dad. I used to believe that Clara's overly meek demeanor is the reason why James treated her like a shit. But now after reflecting on the pressure my family unintentionally placed on her, I cannot blame Clara for acting that way.Well, it was her five years ago and no
Lily's POVI have no idea that even after five years, Clara still living under the influence of her ex-husband who can't seem to let go, his devilish new wife, and his shitty family who always trying to pull her down. I can't imagine how stressed my cousin has been all this time.Clara stopped in her tracks, turning to me with irritation."Could you please ask him to go? I’m not in the mood to handle him right now."Her gaze was then drawn to something behind me. I turned around when I thought James Morgan already left, but I was mistaken. The tension in the room grew stronger as they stared at each other. I was right in the middle of them, but then I moved over to stand next to my cousin."Why didn't you use your new house? Why rent an apartment instead? You can stay there while requesting some bodyguards to stay on guard, it will be much safer that way." James asked.House? Which house? Does Clara have a house in this city?But Clara dismissed him immediately. “I can live wherever I
James' POVI drove carelessly and nearly hit the road divider twice myself. Shit. I still can't shake off my thoughts even after leaving Clara's place. Lily's words keep playing in my mind over and over. 'You failed as her husband.' Did I?I never wanted Clara to be my wife; she's not the woman I love. And I just married her solely to comply with my grandfather's wishes as he wanted me to settle down quickly to secure my place as the family heir. I never really cared about Clara while we were married, and I never took the time to consider if I had been a good husband to her. Because I'm sure Clara also didn't care at all. Besides, she’s only interested in marrying me for my money, isn’t she?Lily's words shouldn't have hit me this deeply. Why would I care if I had failed as Clara's husband or not?But no matter what I tried I cannot shake this feeling of fury. I don't know who I'm mad at. Myself?Clara never shared how she really felt to me during our marriage. Has she ever told Lil
Clara's POVI watched the cars go by in front of me, my mind blank. Right now, I'm sitting by myself in a coffee shop. The order I placed a while back is still sitting untouched because I just don't feel like eating anything at the moment.I really want to head back to the apartment right now, but I’d rather not run into James again. Why does my ex-husband keep leaving me more and more confused about what he truly wants?I'm confused by his attitude of not wanting to let me go even though we officially divorced five years ago. Why can't he just leave my life in peace and always feel the need to interfere in everything I do?I'm feeling increasingly restless as the day gets brighter. My daughter is probably awake by now and likely searching for me. I need to call Lily to check if James has left yet, but I accidentally left my phone. So, how can I tell if James has left or not at this point? The coffee shop seemed to be getting more and more crowded. I was so caught up in my thoughts t
Keith's POVAfter leaving James' office building, I hop back into my car. I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. He's once he's trying to prove he’s better than me. That he can keep her safe better than I can.Anger coursed through every part of me. Why did Clara just go along with James' decision so easily? She stated that she won't allow him to interfere in her life any longer. But why didn't she let me know the moment James switched to the job I handed over to Stevan to the person of his choice?Could it be, that Clara still also has feelings for him?I’ve told her countless times that she deserves someone way better than my brother. It was time for her to let go of everything related to her ex-husband and begin a new life with someone new. After they got divorced, I figured they would move on and sever any lingering connections between them. But it turns out it's not as simple as I thought, since her life is still so connected to his. Fuck. But seriously. Given everythi
James' POVI can't contain my smile the moment I see her. But looking at Clara's face now, I realize she must think I'm a total fool. So I quickly shift my expression back to a neutral one.My happiness just happened naturally. I knew she was already out of the hospital but I didn't expect I would see her so soon. Other than a small piece of gauze on her temple, Clara looks great. No wan or unhealthy appearance."You haven't answered me why you're here." She squinted.Oh right."I'm here to see how the renovations are coming along and ensure everything is going smoothly."I was chatting with Carter about the renovations when Clara showed up out of nowhere. She was unaware that I regularly keep an eye on the progress to make sure nothing is missing. I typically discuss it over the phone, but today I chose to check it out in person."Is that so? But why?" Clara looks confused. "Why does that matter to you?"My brain trying to sort out an answer that makes sense to me and is acceptable.
Clara's POV"Where would you like to sit?" Diana asked as we stepped into my apartment.This is the happiest day of my life because today I'm finally being discharged from the hospital, and I can go back home. But the moment I walked into the familiar space that was supposed to bring me comfort and a sense of safety, I was greeted by an unwelcome fear as memories of that day replayed in my mind.The day Keith shoved me down the stairs that led me to being treated at the hospital because I sustained multiple injuries. Now I couldn't bring myself to look at the stairs. I get that it's over, but the trauma is still lingering. I'm not sure if I can use my library the way I used to anymore."No. I don't want to be here. Could you please take me directly to my room?" I told Diana as she was about to lead me to the sofa in the TV room. "Sure," Diana responded.As soon as we step into my room, I flop down onto the bed. Dianad set up the pillows on the headboard to create a cozier spot for me
Keith's POV"Clara, you've really crossed the line!" My voice echoed through the room without I can stop it.Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm down my anger that suddenly flared up.I had told myself before I left that I wouldn’t lose control again, no matter what came my way. Clara wasn't completely healed yet; her mental state was still fragile, and she might struggle to accept our presence, even though our intentions were simply to check on her well-being. I never thought she would say something like that to Selena.Selena looked down, and I could see the sadness and disappointment in her eyes. All she wants is to check in on Clara and make sure she's alright. We all care about her well-being, but is this really how she responds to our good intentions?"Selena is just checking in on you; you really shouldn't say something like that to her." My voice grew gentle as I recalled that Clara had just gotten better.Every time I looked at her appearance, the sharp guilt washed over me
Clara's POVThe situation that happened in my restaurant and all the rights I had with Keith took a toll on my health. I had no idea how stressed I was these past few weeks until the doctor went over my condition with me this morning.He even mentioned that it's not wise for someone my age to neglect their health while concentrating too heavily on work. I simply smiled. If only he knew how hard I worked to keep every part of my life in harmony. I honestly gave it my all. "How are you feeling?" Diana asked.We're having breakfast together now. I had hospital breakfast, a bowl of porridge that tasted bland, while she ordered a box of delicious sushi. Is that really fair?"Better than yesterday." I managed to smile at her.I need to recover quickly if I want to persuade Diana that I'm already recovered and ready to leave this place. I want to return to my healthy self. The doctor was right; there are people out there who rely on me. Also Laila. If I don't recover quickly, who will take
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. "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 hiss as
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