Three

Chapter 3

In front of dozens of lens flares and live-streaming smartphones, Julian kissed Victoria with dramatic, tender devotion.

Clara stood bruised against the desk, a forgotten background figure in his public spectacle.

Julian turned to the reporters, pointing an angry finger at the cameras. "Does that answer your questions? You want our story? Fine!"

"I have loved Victoria since we were teenagers! I confessed my feelings years ago, and my devotion to her has never wavered! She is the only woman I love, and the only woman who will ever bear the Maxwells name! I will give her the wedding of the century!"

The dramatic declaration stunned the room into complete silence. Then, a sharp, slow applause broke the tension.

Clara stood in her white lab coat, her short hair neatly framed around her pale, composed face. She clapped with measured precision, a polite smile on her lips. Prompted by her lead, the press corp joined in the applause.

Julian's eyes darted to Clara. For a brief second, a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face.

"A truly moving speech, Mr. Maxwells," Clara said clearly. "I wish you both every happiness."

Julian's expression darkened. Without another word, he wrapped his arm around Victoria and led her through the parting crowd.

Once the room cleared, Clara sat down heavily, wincing as she checked her lower back. Two deep purple bruises were already forming along her waist.

At five o'clock, as her shift ended, her phone chimed with a contact request on W******p.

Name: Arthur Pendelton.

Clara paused, remembering the man she had agreed to marry. She accepted the request. The chat opened to a blank screen. Unsure of what to say, she closed the app, packed her bag, and walked out of the hospital.

As she stepped out onto the rain-slicked London street to hail a cab, a sleek black Maybach pulled up to the curb. The window rolled down to reveal Leo Montgomery, Julian's lifelong friend.

"Clara!" Leo smiled warmly. "Jasper is hosting an opening gathering at his new lounge in Soho tonight. He sent me to pick you up after your shift."

Jasper Hayes was another close friend of Julian's. Knowing she would likely run into Julian there, Clara hesitated, but Leo insisted, leaving her little choice but to get in.

Inside the car, Leo handed her a bottle of water. "I was there the night Julian proposed to Victoria," Leo said, his voice laced with mild embarrassment. "Look, Julian proposes to her every year as a running joke within our circle. None of us took it seriously, I don't think even Julian expected her to say yes this time. There are complicated business reasons behind it, Clara. Don't overthink it."

Clara stared out the window. "What is your point, Leo?"

"Julian really only did it to help her family out of a jam."

Clara turned to him. "Leo, if you had to choose between being friends with me or Victoria, who would you pick?"

Leo answered without hesitation. "You, of course."

Clara offered a faint smile. "Even if that's just courtesy, I appreciate it."

"I am serious, Clara. I've known Victoria longer, but you are a far better friend."

"Then do me a favor," Clara said quietly. "If we remain friends, do not mention Julian Maxwells to me again. We are finished."

Leo looked alarmed. "Don't make rash decisions while you're angry, Clara. People say things they don't mean when emotions run high."

Clara closed her eyes, unwilling to argue further.

They arrived at the exclusive Soho establishment. Leo pointed toward a private suite down the hall before stepping away to take a call.

As Clara reached the suite, Julian's irritated voice echoed through the slightly open door.

"Jasper, drop it! Clara is the one making a fuss about breaking up, not me!"

Jasper Hayes sighed heavily. "You crossed a line, Julian. You cannot date Clara for eight years and then publicly propose to Victoria on television."

"Victoria was facing a media execution! How could I stand by and do nothing?"

"And Clara? Listen to me, go apologize to Clara before you lose her for good."

Julian scoffed loudly. "Clara is just being hysterical. If she had half of Victoria's grace and understanding, I might consider comforting her. She throws around the word 'breakup' whenever she wants attention. Once she cools off, she will come back begging as she always does."

"You are going to regret this, Julian."

"She is the one who will regret it. Every time Victoria needs me, Clara throws a tantrum. But in the end, she always comes crawling back. I'm going to leave her hanging this time to teach her a lesson."

"You take her devotion for granted," Jasper warned. "Even the most patient woman has a limit. I bought a bouquet of roses for you, take them and make things right with her."

Clara took a quiet breath, pushed the door open, and stepped into the room.

Jasper immediately stood up, looking relieved. "Clara! I am so glad you made it."

Clara presented a neatly wrapped gift box. "Congratulations on the new venue, Jasper. I wish you every success."

Jasper accepted it warmly, giving Julian an intense look before turning back to Clara. "Please, sit down. Let me get you a drink."

"I won't be staying," Clara replied gently, turning back toward the corridor. "I came only to deliver your gift."

"Clara, wait, "

"I appreciate your intentions, Jasper, but Julian and I are completely finished. There is no need to mediate. We have no future together."

She offered a polite nod and turned to walk out.

Julian sprang up from the lounge sofa and caught up to her near the main exit. "Clara! Haven't you caused enough of a scene today?"

Clara kept walking.

"I have already explained the situation to you! Do not push your luck!" Julian stepped into her path, his face dark with frustration.

Clara stopped and met his eyes with cold disdain. "I heard everything you said inside, Young Master Maxwells. I was foolish enough to believe I meant something to you over the past eight years. That was my mistake, and these eight years were the price I paid for it. I will not make the same mistake twice."

As she turned to leave, Julian grabbed her wrist tightly. "Are you truly doing this?"

"Let go of me!"

Julian's grip tightened, his eyes flashing with anger. Suddenly, he pulled her forcefully toward his parked car.

"I am not getting into your car, Julian!"

"We are going back to the estate!"

"No!"

Clara struggled against his grip, but Julian pulled her against his chest from behind. "It seems I have indulged you too much lately, giving you the grand idea that you can walk away from me! Tonight, I will remind you where you belong, I'll make sure you can't leave the bed for the next two days! Are you satisfied now?"