5

Chapter 5.

I never thought heartbreak could evolve into something deeper, but the pain I felt after hearing Spencer’s revelations about the sins Derrick had hidden behind his charming smile was too much.

However, I rejected Spencer's offer. What if it was another trap? I didn't trust him.

But when I entered the mansion, I heard laughter. Getting to the living room, I saw Florida in Derrick's lap as they kissed, devouring each other's mouths. Pain overtook me again.

And I turned away to escape the torture, but Florida’s voice stopped me.

“Oh, for God’s sake, Clara,” she snapped, shoving Derrick’s arm off her waist as she stood up.

“Can you stop lurking around like a ghost? Why don’t you just accept the truth that your marriage is over? Derrick is mine now, so go rent an apartment while he processes your divorce.”

Her words struck me harder than a slap. My lips parted, but no sound came out. Derrick didn’t even defend me.

Instead, he rose calmly, adjusting his shirt as if he were a respectable man instead of the traitor he was.

“Florida is right,” he said. “You need to move out, Clara. I can help you with the money.”

Something inside me snapped. I took one step forward, clenching my fists. “I don’t need your help. And if I leave this house, I leave with Rose.”

Derrick’s expression hardened, and Florida’s smug smile stretched wider.

“You think you can just take her?” Derrick scoffed, his voice rising. “You’re bankrupt, Clara. You have no home, no resources, nothing. Even the court wouldn’t give you custody. Do you think Rose would leave her comfortable life to live in your mess?”

My eyes reddened at his guts, “You did it on purpose, you loaned all that money to keep me in debt.” I say, my heart breaking all over again.

Who is this man?

His words cut deep because they were true. For a moment, I was afraid that he would win, and I would lose my daughter.

But then, my mind darted back to Spencer’s offer, “I can help you. You’ll have your company, your life, and your daughter back.”

I turned on my heels without another word because I was close to crying, and I refused to give Derrick the satisfaction of seeing my tears.

Halfway up the stairs, my phone buzzed and Spencer’s name flashed across the screen.

“Have you made up your mind?”

I stared at the text message he sent until the words blurred. A part of me still despised him for leaving me years ago. But another part of me knew I couldn’t do this alone.

~~~~

My heart thuds loudly as I curl my feet to my chest, pulling myself as small as I can.

I didn't want them to find me; it had been just three weeks, yet the bullying hadn't stopped. They still humiliated me and hurt me.

They said I was weak, not strong enough to be in prison.

“Where is she?” The leader of the girl gang says, her voice edging closer to me.

“Corner of her bed as usual.” The other one states, causing them to laugh.

Without another word, a strong arm grips mine, tugging me harshly out of my spot.

“Deal with her.” The leader spits, moving to the side of my bed to sit

“Please–” the words are barely out when a hard fist collides with the side of my jaw.

My head snaps to the side as thick red liquid spurts out of my mouth, as pain floods my system, causing me to cry out.

My eyes snap open as my body immediately shoots out of the bed, liquid soaking my body.

It was horrible in there; tears ran down my face as sobs after sobs raked through my body.

“Aww, Derrick, stop.” Florida's voice resonates through the walls of their room into mine. My ears are bleeding from having to listen to them all day.

I tried to sleep, yet the nightmares won't let me. I stayed cooped up in my new room, the one beside my matrimonial room. I can't believe he is sharing it with her now.

That smile that was just for me, the wardrobe, his body, the bathroom where we made love, that resulted in having our sweet baby.

I can't believe he is giving it all to her. I spent years inside a prison filled with torture and trauma, all for him, and he does this to me.

I can't sleep without nightmares while he is happily fucking my best friend.

My face burns as that familiar feeling rushes back up my throat.

Rage, pure, blinded rage.

I hate him, I hate her.

I HATE THEM ALL!!!

“Ahhh!!” A loud scream tears out of my lips as I swing my hand forward, pushing all the items on the table to the floor.

The door to the room bangs open, revealing a wide-eyed Derrick and a smirking Florida.

“Don't worry about it love, I will take care of this.” She says, waving her hand to send him away.

He nods before leaving me with the snake of a best friend. Slowly, she stalks inside the room.

“It hurts, right? Watching me be all lovey dovey with him, well, that's how I felt when you took everything that belonged to me.” She snarls, sending her hand forward to push me.

I move back, but my body moves too fast for her. I pull my fingers together like I was taught in prison and send my fist flying right into her jaw.

A blood-curdling scream wracks out of her mouth as her lips split open, paving the way for red liquid to spurt out.

Good.

“I hate you. And I will end you.” I murmur, my voice too low for how raging I feel on the inside.

Without thinking, I send my arms forward, shoving her out of the room before slamming the door closed and locking it as I hear Derrick pounding on the door.

Oh shit! He is going to kill me.

At that moment, my phone chimes, and I rush towards it. Sliding it open, the text I see has blood draining from my face as I stumble backwards.

No way in hell this is happening!