5. Her and never me

Clara's POV

"How could James did that to you?” Emma asked. “He is a jerk." 

She's my only friend, the first person I call as soon as I step out of my uncle's house. No one from my family has reached out to me in the last few days, but I’m not surprised since they’ve never really been there for me.

No one cares where I am or what I'm doing. But I was thankful I still have Emma. She stayed over and gave me some support.

"Because the love of his life has returned, so James wants to end our marriage," I said.

Emma grasped my hand firmly.

"I know you can stop loving him and get through all of this, Clara; you are truly one of the most resilient people I've ever known."

"Thanks. I will start looking for a job from now on." I've realized that I can no longer rely on James.

"I need to take care of myself and the baby-" I promptly shut my mouth. Nearly let it slip!

"What do you mean? What's baby?"

I shook my head. "Forget it. I sometimes say nonsense. Tomorrow we leave at 8, right?" I change the topic.

Emma informed me that a car exhibition is scheduled for tomorrow, and they are seeking sales promotion girls. This is a great opportunity for me to earn some income to support myself.

I have experience working in a restaurant and have also taken on a role as an event model during my free time, so I believe I will be well-acquainted with this job.

"Yes, now get some rest. You look like a ghost. I don't want you to get sick." Emma said then we went to bed.

The following morning, after breakfast and donning the provided uniforms, we arrived at the location. 

I stood for hours in my shoes and kept a smile on my face for the customers. Time flew by. We also had some heavy things that needed to be moved. As noon went by, I started to sweat. My legs felt stiff, and I had a deep pain in my back.

I lightly rested my hand on my belly, overwhelmed by a profound sense of guilt.

'Mommy is so sorry, darling; because of me, you have to endure this' I wish my little one could feel my words.

Ten minutes later, a crowd formed in one area as customers began to gather. I noticed everyone start pulling out their phones to capture images and videos of someone in the moment.

"What's that?" I asked.

"Hmm, it looks like there's a customer who's a famous person maybe. This is a common occurrence at exhibitions catering to rich people. It must be a public figure or someone influential with business." 

I moved closer to see who had arrived.

People were pushing and shoving, and I felt elbows jabbing into me as I instinctively wrapped my arms around my stomach protectively.

"Mr. Morgan, could you please tell us who this beautiful lady is? Is she your girlfriend?"

My heart sank upon hearing that. As soon as I saw the person who had everyone's attention, my heart beat twice as fast.

It was James. And he looked so handsome in his dark gray suit, holding the hand of a woman who was none other than Zoe, who was dressed in an elegant dress of a matching color. They exchanged warm smiles and occasionally responded to the crowd's inquiries with a friendly demeanor.

"Meet Miss Zoe Sinclair, soon to be Mrs. Morgan," James said with a smile.

James has never looked this joyful before, particularly in my company. Standing side by side, the two of them look like a couple made in heaven. 

"But, Mr. Morgan, aren't you married already?"

"That's a fake rumor; James is not married yet. He has faithfully waited for me, the love of his life, and now we will soon be married." This time it was Zoe who answered. 

Whispers started to circulate through the crowds.

"You've never seen James with the woman you believe he married, have you? Well, that's because she's never existed. I am the only woman he loves and will marry." Zoe added.

All this time, James had kept me hidden, as if I were something to be ashamed of. Aside from our family and those closest to us, no one was aware that he had married someone from a lower class like me.

A gasp slipped from my lips before I could stop it, and I quickly covered my mouth with my palm.

The people in the crowd and James were both too busy to notice, but Zoe's eyes found me in the crowd of faces. She looked shocked for a moment, but then a sneaky smile cracked her red lips.

"James, this one looks so good. Would you consider getting it for me as our wedding gift?"

She pointed to a metallic silver saloon car in the corner.

"Of course, baby, anything for you," James answered without hesitation.

"Thanks, hubby." Then she gives James a long kiss on his cheek. 

Zoe's gaze was full of satisfaction as she looked back at me. James still hadn't noticed me.

That's when I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Clara, isn’t that your husband? Who is that woman with him?" 

 I spun on my heel and rushed off. 

When I reached the bathroom, I collapsed onto the floor, tears streaming down my face as I wrapped my arms around my legs.

"Why do I have to see them again?"

I hate this! I hate myself for being so emotional. Yet it feels like I have no control over my feelings. 

I know they will get married, but seeing them look so affectionate gives me this much pain.

When my sobs began to subside, I rose and splashed my face with the water from the sink.

I stared blankly at the woman in the mirror, dark circles framing her eyes and her complexion strikingly pale.

No, I can't let myself drown in sadness.

"No, Clara. Weakness is not an option. Show them that he doesn't define your happiness and that without James you wouldn't lose your smile."

I convinced myself once again. I have to be strong. For the sake of me and my baby.

I was about to return when someone appeared right in front of me. Zoe, wearing a pleased expression and a victorious grin, assessed me from head to toe.

"Good uniform Clara. It suits you perfectly."