Taking a deep breath, exhaling it slowly...Lovely readers, today we officially bid farewell to this story, and I'm filled with gratitude for each of you who stuck with Clara, James, Keith, and the rest on their journey.I'm deeply sorry for the irregular updates last month, but your patience and support mean the world to me. Thank you for reading this book till the end, for giving this story gems. I hope you all stay safe and healthy, and I'll catch you in my next story.Warm regards, Ash.And don't forget to check out my ongoing werewolf book: ALPHA, I'll BE YOUR REGRET
Clara's POV"Good morning, Mommy!" I placed the glass of water I was holding on the counter and turned around at the sound of my daughter's voice. Layla is all dressed in her school uniform, ready to head out. Here I am, just waking up from sleep. I overslept again. "Sweetheart, I-" I took a moment to stop. A sense of embarrassment crept into every inch of my being.I was meant to take her to school today, but guess what I ended up doing? I ended up waking up late instead. Last night was the grand opening of my new restaurant branch, and I just got home around 3 am. Still, I shouldn't let that be a reason to oversleep, should I? "I'm so sorry. Just give me a moment, I'll be ready soon-""I'm not going with you today, Mommy." Yet my daughter just smiles.My hand, which had been gently running through her soft hair, paused as another voice floated into the air. "I'm the one who's taking her today." My husband said as he approached me, car keys in hand. I didn't realize I was hol
Keith's POVTwo Months Later."You didn't have to see this and torture yourself, you know..." Stevan's voice trailed off, but I barely registered his words. "Quiet, Stevan," I murmured, my gaze fixed intently on the scene unfolding at the venue on the hill. We were in the car parked at a discreet distance right now, and the tinted windows ensured that no one could see us. But I could see everything that unfolded from here. Clara and James tied the knot this morning, and now they're celebrating with a small party. I didn't show up. I decided not to. I realize that Clara won't be happy to see me, so I've decided to stay away and not interfere with one of the happiest days of her life. Up there, Clara fed James a piece of cake. I can also see my mom and Annette who record them and smile brightly. My clutch on the steering wheel tightened.My chest constricted the moment I saw James pick up Layla and swing her in the air. Layla, in her pink dress and holding a bouquet of roses, looks
Clara's POVA month has gone by. And now I've completely healed. I moved out of James’ penthouse and am now renting an apartment to live with my daughter. Since that night, we haven't discussed our marriage plan again. I told him that I need some time to think it over. I can still remember clearly how angry he seemed that night and I honestly thought he wouldn't give me a time.To my surprise, James agreed. He stopped mentioning our wedding plans or Zoe's pregnancy. He still called every day to ask how Layla is doing. He sometimes stops by when he has the time to treat us to a lovely dinner. Still never attempted to raise that topic again.The sun blazed overhead as I stepped out of the building and made my way to my white Audi. I just wrapped up signing the purchase agreement for a prime building right in the city center where I plan to open my restaurant branch. My phone buzzed with an incoming call.It has to be from Annette. She took Layla to the local mall this morning, and
James' POV“Please control your anger. We need to convince her so she'll join us. That's the only way we can get her to testify in front of the police." Annette's voice drifted in from next to me. I'm aware of it. Still, I wasn't sure if I could keep it together.The screeching of the tires was deafening as the car suddenly came to a stop. I got out of it right away and looked around the area. It was a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and I couldn't help but wonder what Zoe had in mind by calling me here. Yes. The call was from her. She called and said she wanted to talk to me one last time.I moved ahead. I saw a little inn up ahead and figured she might be there. That's when I saw a figure standing on the front porch. I could only see her back, but I was sure it was her."James," Annette called. I just turned to her and said, "Make sure everything's set." She nodded as she trailed behind me.Zoe spun around as soon as she heard our footsteps. Her eyes wer
James' POVWith a wide stride, I walked over to Clara. Deep within me, anger is simmering out of control. It's so hard to keep myself together right now. But I didn't want to end up hurting her again just because I couldn't control my anger.“James... were you following me?” Clara's voice carried a trace of fear. I didn't respond to her. Instead, I asked the words that stirred this turmoil within me. "Did you just say that Zoe is pregnant with my baby? Tell me, Clara, where did you hear this ridiculous news?"I placed my hand on her shoulder. It wasn't hard; it felt more like a gesture as I genuinely anticipated a truthful response from her. She tends to hide things and I was hoping she would respond with the honest answer."I-" Clara hesitated.And it made me more and more curious. She just returned from the kidnapping. When did she even meet Zoe? Unless she ran into Zoe while she was missing. Once everything finally fell into place, I let out a deep breath. The anger gradually