CHAPTER 15

The sharp pain rose deep from her gut, up through her spine.

Not the slow ache of heartbreak, not the sharp sting of betrayal, but something entirely different, something more touchable. A sickening sound rose from her belly. Her tummy twisted cruelly, punishing her for a neglect she hadn’t even noticed.

Clara clutched her abdomen, leaning forward slightly as another wave of discomfort washed over her. Everything felt deep, twisting tightly. She breathed through her mouth, trying to steady herself, trying to contain the growing nausea and light-headedness that now began to affect her limbs too.

Her legs shook beneath her, barely able to hold up her weight. Her head spun wildly, like the room tilted every few seconds. As she gritted her teeth through the pain, the thought that finally struck her was a simple one.

When was the last time I ate? She blinked, giving it a good thought.

It hadn’t been at the restaurant—of course not. She hadn’t ordered a thing, not even a drink, aside from the untouched glasses of water. She had sat there, hopeful, too focused on the hope of his coming, too anxious to even think about food. Her stomach had complained once or twice, but she’d ignored it. All that mattered then was that Jace would show up.

But he never did, and afterwards? She was too heartbroken to even look at a plate of food the same. No appetite could survive the kind of numbness she’d endured last night.

She breathed in again, shakily this time, using the wall to steady herself as she made her way towards the kitchen. Each step felt so heavy, like she was carrying a weight on her shoulders. Her feet were unsteady, and her knees trembled with each step. Beads of sweat covered her forehead. Her arms were now sticky from the growing fever of hunger.

All she needed was food.

She reached the doorpost of the kitchen and leaned against the wall. She blinked as she stared down at the sink, and the dim morning sunlight brightened the room. The dirty plates loitered at the sink, the half-used cereal bowl by the corner.

Then she asked herself the obvious question: When was the last time I made a meal in this kitchen?

She scanned the room like it was foreign, like she hadn’t stood there just yesterday, arranging the spices, warming tea. But did she do any of that?

She gave it a hard thought as she still rested her weight on the wall. Then she remembered the pizza.

She had ordered a pizza late yesterday afternoon when she was hungry. She was still unsure of what to wear to dinner at of then. She had ordered the pizza as a snack, just to keep her busy till dinner, but she didn’t touch it.

She could remember now, she’d taken one look at the cheesy slices and had refused to touch a single one.

Then, after she had selected a dress, she refused to eat as her dress clung tightly to her figure. She didn’t want anything bloating her belly or leaving a trace of grease on her lips.

All these, just to look perfect for someone who didn’t even bother to come or call.

A wave of bitterness washed over her. She could feel the familiar bitter taste hanging behind her tongue. The bitter taste from last night, the one that threatened to break out but never did. She didn't want that, not yesterday and certainly not today.

Jace had ruined her night and nearly ruined her life. Clara knew that she had given him the chance to do so, but she decided not to any longer.

Back in the Blue Jade estate.

The heat couldn’t be any hotter—not from the sun, but from the heat burning inside Jace’s chest as his eyes locked with Luci’s.

She stood at the end of his bed, fully naked, with just the edge of the high bed covering her thighs. Her posture was relaxed, almost amused, as her smirk was confident, building rage in Jace. She smiled the kind of smile that spoke volumes even before she opened her mouth.

“Well, that’s strange,” she said sweetly, “because last night, you were so eager to rip my clothes off. Why the sudden change of heart, Alpha?”

Jace’s jaw clenched. “What are you talking about?” He asked. His voice was a low growl, but didn't carry the force it normally did.

Luci stretched lazily, lifting her hands to bring out her plump breasts. “You don’t remember? You literally tore my dress off with your own hands. It was wild, hot and desperate.” She grinned. “Romantic, in a twisted sort of way.”

Jace’s eyes widened. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. “That’s a lie. You don’t know what you’re saying.”

She gave a mocking, sarcastic laugh. “Don’t do that. Don’t try to deny, it's too late for that, Alpha. You’ve always been good at pretending nothing’s your fault, haven’t you?”

“I said I don’t remember,” Jace snapped, taking a step back from the bed. “The last thing I remember is getting ready for my dinner with Clara.”

Luci raised her eyebrows. “Oh yes. That dinner, you changed your mind at the last second.”

Jace’s fists tightened at his sides. “You’re trying to twist everything again. That dinner meant everything to me. There’s no way I would just change my mind like that.”

She rolled her eyes dramatically. “But you did, I won't lie," she said with a shrug. "You were standing," she said, pointing at the space in front of the large mirror, "you were getting dressed when I—,” she paused, lowering her voice, “I stepped out of the shower.”

Jace froze. His breath caught in his throat.