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 g
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
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 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
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"Get out of here please," I pushed him out of my study. I shoved James away until I could nearly get him out of my kitchen.His words echo in my mind like a ghostly tune. And all the fears I thought I had buried deep inside suddenly came rushing back. The feelings that arose when I remembered how he mentioned he never wanted my daughter to be a part of his life. Hearing that James just claimed Laila is his daughter, raised some alarm warning in my head. I felt a strong urge as a mother, that I could let him be here.He's a threat. Both for me and my daughter."Clara please, listen to my explanation first-""Do you want to leave on your own, or should I scream to get everyone's attention?" My voice shot up several octaves, and it was obvious that James didn't anticipate I would react this way. Tears forced their way out of my eyes.James looked at me with an incredulous expression and asked, "Why, Clara? This isn't fair to me. You have no right to just keep my daughter aw
Keith's POVI glanced at the countless calls I made to Clara, all of them declined. I was overwhelmed with anger, so I tossed my phone aside and grabbed my hair in frustration. I just want to have a conversation with her, but why does she have to complicate things so much?It's been three weeks since I last saw her. That was when we were at the hospital, when she surprised me with her sudden change of behavior and she suddenly became hostile towards Selena. I just wanted to know how she was and make sure she was okay but she closed all access given to me.Clara didn't even respond to the messages I sent when I wanted to discuss about our marriage. What the hell was she thinking? Does she really mean it when she says she wants to end this relationship? The relationship we've developed over the years?My study door swung open, and Selena walked in. "What’s going on?" She asked, a hint of panic in her voice. "I heard something hit the ground and break. Did you toss something?"Her jaw
Clara's POVTonight is the big night—my restaurant is finally reopening, and I’m absolutely thrilled. The news made its way to social media a few days before and I was really happy with the level of engagement I was receiving. I looked around and saw that almost every table was occupied by customers. Some customers even said they were missing this place and our food, their appreciation made my heart warm. It’s good to know that even now, we still have their support. The joy I feel brings a smile to my face. But it disappeared the moment I saw James walk in, and our eyes locked.'Gosh, what is he doing here?'Just like Keith and any other people I didn't want around tonight, I didn't invite him at all so he shouldn't be here. James strolled over to me. He's wearing an elegant black suit that suits him perfectly and the moment he stepped into the space, all eyes were on him."Hey," he greeted. I felt the urge to leave right away, but I held it in and tried to calm down. “Congrats on r
Keith's POVHave you ever felt that moment when you finally get what you want, yet it leaves you with an emptiness? The satisfaction, happiness, and sense of victory that should have accompanied it, seem to just vanish into thin air.I feel completely empty, lacking any sense of fulfillment even after finally being able to breathe the fresh air outside the damned cell. This should be the moment for me to go ahead and carry out my plan. Without Clara by my side, the spark of life within me has... faded away.What did I do wrong?What did I do to deserve her hatred?Maybe, I have gone too far. But believe me, I did this solely because I wanted her to return to me, as she was meant to. Clara belongs to me.Back in those times when my brother treated her more like a disgrace than a wife, I was always there by her side. I knew that her life had been never easy, so I ensured that in our fake and cold social sphere, she had at least one person she could truly call a friend.This feeling th
Clara's POVI finally met up with Lily on the same day. But not at the penthouse where her friend took her; instead, it was at one of the cafes. Lily said that her friend is somewhat shy and doesn't like to meet new people. I don't mind about the meeting location, as long as I can finally see her and make sure she's okay."Clara," Lily got to her feet as soon as I got to her table. I was silent, completely at a loss for words. What left me utterly speechless wasn't her, but rather her 'friend.' So this is the man she has been calling friend all along? I needed to raise my gaze when he finally got up. I'm not sure of his exact height, but it's pretty obvious that he's around 6,7 feet tall. He's so handsome, but not in the typical way that most looks. I have no idea where Lily even met him. "Hey, you must be Clara. Great to meet you." He said, reaching out his hand. I accepted his handshake even though the way he was looking at me made me feel a shiver down my spine. It feels like
Clara's POV"We’ve located the address. It's still in New York." James said. I quickly got up and made my way over to him and his subordinates who assisted us in locating Lily. Since I didn't have much information about her actual location, we just tracked her using the number she called me. I have no idea whose number it was. James shared with me the outcome of Lily's whereabouts. And sure enough, it's still in New York City. I narrowed my eyes, spotting the spot where the phone number was located. The area felt somewhat familiar.I realized it's due to its spot in the city center; the location is pretty upscale. But Lily mentioned that she was kidnapped. I never even thought about this place before. The person who kidnapped her definitely wasn't poor; they could afford to live in that neighborhood. "Do you happen to know anyone who lives there, Miss? Could it be her friend?"I just shook my head. Unfortunately, I don't know who Lily's friends are around here. I don't have their
Lily's POVAshley snatched the phone from my hand just as I was about to wrap up my conversation with Clara. Shit! “You said you were only going to order food? Who did you just ring up?" She asked, her voice raised. "I-" For a moment, I found myself hesitant, too anxious to answer after just being caught red-handed. But suddenly, it dawned on me that I really shouldn't have. Cause there's no chance I'm sticking around here forever, right? Iits my right if I tried to find a way to escape this place.I don’t need to be scared. Especially since Dominic's actions went against my wishes. I can't just accept this and remain quiet. I have to stand my ground. "Answer me." "Yes!. I just called the cops!" I responded with just as much intensity. Ashley was mistaken if she thought I would feel intimidated simply due to my status as a captive. She just confronted Lily Russel. She had no idea how headstrong I could be. “Cops?”"Yes! Soon they'll come and arrest your master. Does he believ
Clara's POVWhen I woke up, my body was aching. I spent a few minutes stretching before getting up to check on Layla. She was still asleep, so I went to the kitchen to get a drink and then headed to the living room. I settled into the couch, my gaze locked on the door.I was kind of hoping it would open and that Lily would appear. She really should have come back to let me know that she was okay. Instead of just vanishing without any trace.Lily already mentioned she wouldn't be staying in my apartment forever, but she hasn't said when she's planning to move out. I didn't expect that she would move out this quickly, especially without giving me a heads-up. Opening my phone, I tried to dial her number. "Can you please answer it, Lily?" I began to feel that anxiety creeping back in.Once more, an automated voice picked up the call. I didn't have the number for her friend to reach out to and I had no idea where to find her. She really shouldn't have just vanished like this.Her careles
Lily's POVMy head hurt, I blinked a few times, trying to lift myself. I reached out for anything nearby to steady myself."Ouch, what just happened to me?" I rubbed my temples. It feels just like that moment when I dozed off at three in the afternoon and woke up all confused. I can't even tell if it's day or night. I can't even tell where I am right now.I shifted my gaze to the unfamiliar room around me. This isn't Clara's place. I didn't even like the apartment I checked out to live in. This feels like it’s straight out of a penthouse, something I could never dream of affording. How did I end up here in the first place?I tried to remember what was happening before I lost consciousness and the memory slowly came back into my mind. Oh, god....Keith Morgan came to Clara's apartment. He claimed that he wanted to see me. And then...That dick! He drugged me! He applied something to that cloth that caused me to pass out. Before he did, I recall him mentioning that someone wanted to m
Lily's POVA week later.I got back to Clara's apartment in NYC three days ago. Clara, James, Layla, and I are heading back to New York today. I had to leave before them because of some things I needed to take care of. I just finished my shower and answered a call from my mother, she asked how everything was going. Before I left LA, I told them that besides meeting Clara, I was going to look for a job here. It wasn't a lie, I want the opportunity to work in this city.My phone buzzed with another incoming call. “What’s up, Josh?” I nervously bit my tongue, waiting for his response. Why did he call me? Is it related to that man again? "Are you still in Italy?" "No. I'm back here again. What is it?" “Sounds good, let’s meet up. I have so much I want to share with you."“Yeah, of course.”I'll head to the airport to pick up Clara in the evening and I don't have anything planned for today beside it. It's still early, and rather than sitting here feeling bored, why not take Josh up on
Selena's POVAs soon as I received a call from Mrs. Iris Morgan, I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs right away. I hopped in a taxi to her penthouse and told the driver to speed like the wind. Keith is free.Can you even believe that? At last, he's out of prison. I'm not sure what finally clicked for James Morgan and made him see things differently. I'm glad he finally understood that his actions towards Keith were unacceptable. How could he possibly lock up his brother just for that woman?As soon as I got there, I settled up with the driver and made my way to Iris's floor. As I reached the door, I pushed it open just like she instructed and stepped into the main room. Seeing Keith there made my heart burst with joy. I held back the impulse to shout with happiness and strolled over to him."Keith!" I exclaimed, "Oh thank God! You are finally free! You finally made it out of that awful place! At last, James had a change of heart and let you go!" I couldn't hold back my joy, s
Clara's POVThe dinner was great. I have no regrets about accepting James' invitation. He's sticking to his word about just wanting to have dinner together and nothing more. And now, we’re strolling through the vast green fields that stretch out on either side of us. Pine trees standing tall, white cobblestone path under our feet."What does Layla think of this trip so far? Is she feeling happy?" James asked. As I glanced over at him, I noticed a worry etched on his face. “She is.” He probably noticed it on his own. Layla hasn't stopped smiling since we got here. I'm thankful that I agreed with James when he decided to invite her on this trip. Took a break from my hectic daily routine and flew to this gorgeous place made me feel like I didn't want to go back. Why can't I just stay here forever? I took out my phone to snap some pictures of the stunning scenery when I heard James ask. "How about you?""Sorry, what did you just say?" I wasn't quite catching what he was asking abou