LOGINThey had learned that interruptions were suicide when he was in that state. When his voice finally came, It felt like something that had been continuing long before anyone was allowed to hear it.“I attended a burial once,” he said slowly, almost detached, like the memory belonged to someone else but still annoyed him. His boys stood firm. A dropped feather sound could be heard.There was a pause, but he didn’t look at anyone.“The kind where you think it is done… and then somehow, it refuses to stay done.”He had a cigarette between his fingers, already halfway burned down, and the smoke followed him slowly as he moved.“I’ve watched that same thing happen with Jeffery more times than I can count. Every time I think it is finally over, every time I think something has finally reached him properly… he finds a way to stand up again.”His gaze shifted slightly, still unfocused, he was replaying every moment that had failed him.“It is like he understands escape better than consequence.
Clara looked at him through wet lashes while trembling slightly. “I couldn’t even look at myself,” she whispered.Jeffery’s chest hurt listening to her. He wiped her tears carefully with both thumbs before shaking his head slowly. “Nothing about this is your fault.”Clara bit her already injured lip while more tears rolled down her cheeks.He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “You hear me?” he whispered against her skin. “Nothing.”Clara cried quietly against him again while Jeffery held her tighter.After a moment, he suddenly carried her into his arms. Clara gasped softly from the movement.Jeffery placed her carefully on the bed like she was something fragile. He immediately went toward the cabinet and returned with ointment and treatment supplies before sitting beside her again.“You don’t need to do this,” Clara whispered weakly.“I do.” His answer came instantly. Jeffery carefully adjusted the opened side of her nightdress slightly to expose the bruised area better. His ja
“They are both adorable,” one of the attendants muttered quietly to another.Outside, night had already fallen properly across the city. Clara called the driver afterward and waited with Mei near the roadside while talking about the launch again. Not long after, the car arrived.Mei hugged her one last time. “Goodnight, Mrs Rothwell.”Clara sighed dramatically. “You’ll never stop calling me that.”“Never,” Mei replied proudly.Clara finally entered the car while Mei waved excitedly until the vehicle disappeared down the road.Back at the mansion, the driver carried the shopping bags inside before placing them carefully on the couch and leaving afterward.Clara picked some of them up herself and headed upstairs.Halfway through the hallway, a smell suddenly stopped her. She blinked.Then followed it straight toward the kitchen.Jeffery stood there wearing a black shirt with the sleeves folded carelessly while staring at a pot like it had personally offended him. H1 stood nearby looking
“There she is,” Mei announced proudly. “Mrs Rothwell herself standing outside like a normal citizen.”Clara entered the car with a quiet laugh. “Good evening.”Mei shut the door after her before entering the driver’s side again. “No seriously,” she said while starting the engine. “Why were you outside alone?” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “And where’s your driver?”Clara adjusted the seatbelt calmly. “I told him not to follow me.”Mei turned toward her immediately. “You told a Rothwell driver not to follow you?” she repeated slowly. “Wow. Marriage is really a good thing.”Clara rolled her eyes slightly. “It’s not that serious.”“Oh, it’s serious,” Mei replied dramatically while pulling the car back onto the road. “Look at you now. Secret shopping trips. Private outings. Next thing you’ll tell me is that you enjoy stress.”“One day, I’ll finally escape all this flattering.” Clara said while shaking her head softly.Mei gasped loudly. “Flattering?” She pointed at Clara briefly before ret
Clara’s fingers remained on the door handle after the question left her mouth. The office suddenly felt quieter than before, almost heavy enough to press against her chest. Behind her, the faint sound of glass touching the desk echoed softly before silence settled again.Her boss finally leaned back slightly. “You already know the rules. Agents are not allowed to know the client until the mission is successful.” Her eyes stayed fixed on Clara. “The less you know, the longer you stay alive.”Clara lowered her gaze immediately. “Yes, boss.”“You’ve been asking too many unnecessary questions.” She brought out a cigarette. Clara’s fingers tightened slightly around the rod still in her hand. “It won’t happen again.”Her boss watched her for a few seconds without speaking. “Good,” she said eventually. “Because I’m already taking a risk by keeping you alive after this level of failure.” She tilted her head slightly. “Don’t make me regret it, Velora.”Clara bowed immediately after hearing th
The back door closed behind Clara with a muted mechanical thud, sealing her inside the Eclipse Breed Organization’s private vehicle. After long driving and the vehicle finally stopped, she stepped out without hesitation and walked straight into the facility. The moment the gates began to part automatically, the illusion of abandonment dissolved completely.Armed guards stood in position at both sides of the entrance. She walked in deeper into the compound until she stopped in front of a building made of dark glass and reinforced steel. Clara adjusted her coat. The air felt different. Not just colder, but controlled.One of the instructor lowered his head slightly the moment she passed, while another stepped aside without being ordered. No one questioned her arrival. She was already expected.Clara walked forward steadily, her heels echoing faintly across the metallic floor of the inner corridor. People inside the facility paused briefly as she passed, not enough to stare openly, but
Clara stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the fall of her long gown as it settled neatly around her. The crochet fabric draped smoothly, reaching the floor in a soft line that moved lightly when she shifted. It's gentle tone mirrored the light, elegant without glare. She took a slow breath, ste
H1 entered Clara’s room with its usual soft hum. She was struggling to stand when it appeared in the doorway. Every step hurt, and even gripping the edge of the bed for support required effort. “Good morning,” H1 said gently. “Mr. Rothwell requested I check if you need anything.”Clara shook her h
Later that night, Jeffery stood alone in his study. The screen in front of him replayed the same footage again. A small phone hidden beneath her hair. His eyes stayed on it, his thoughts going beyond what the screen actually showed.He replayed it once more. Clara wasn't aware he knew, or at least
Clara dried herself carefully in the changing room in the swimming pool area. She removed her soaked dress and changed into something soft and comfortable. She let out a quiet sigh. The water had left her hair slightly damp, clinging to her shoulders, and she walked toward her room. H1 had already