CLARA'S POV “I need to speak to Julius, alone" Those words kept on echoing in my head as I paced back and forth in the hospital.I didn't want Arsenio speaking to Julius alone because he was unpredictable. There was so much chaos in my chest.Julia had fallen asleep after the doctor gave her pain medication. Jerry was curled up in the corner chair, fast asleep, his hand still holding his sister’s while Julius hadn’t said a word in over an hour.He just stood by the window, watching the sky turn from blue to grey as if it mirrored the weight hanging between us all.I sat there… numb, empty with eyes fixed on Julia’s face.She was breathing slowly now…peacefully, for the first time in what looked like forever but I knew better. I knew what was coming and that the peace was temporary.The cancer was real and the time was short.And Arsenio, he had said no…or rather hasn't given his verdict.I tried not to think about it again, tried not to replay his cold voice. His final words.A f
CLARA'S POV The morning after our… night together, I woke up to find Arsenio still sleeping beside me, one arm lazily thrown over my waist.For a moment, I let myself feel it….safe…warm and wanted.Then reality hit me like cold water.I hadn’t come to Italy for him. I came for Julia…for answers and for peace and instead, I had gotten pulled right back into Arsenio’s messy orbit.I slowly slid out of bed, careful not to wake him, and padded to the counter where my phone lay.I had one missed message from Julius:“I’ll send the address when you’re ready.”I took a deep breath, typed a simple reply:“I’m ready. Send it now.”Just then, I heard movement behind me.“What are you doing?” Arsenio’s groggy voice filled the room.I turned halfway, not meeting his eyes. “What I came here for.”He sat up, running a hand through his messy hair. “I’m coming with you.”“No, you’re not.”“Clara.” he warned, already climbing out of bed. “You’re not going alone.”“Yes, I am,” I snapped.“You hav
CLARA'S POV I was still pissed with the fact that Arsenio called me Bella.I had no idea what relationship he shared with her and the reason he has refused to let her go and it was becoming quite disturbing but what was more disturbing was the fact that he had also been ignoring me.He wanted me back and he chased after me and now that he had gotten what he wanted, he was back to being cold.I paced back and forth in the room restlessly as my mind wandered around.A few seconds later, I heard a soft knock at the door.I didn't need anyone to tell me that it was Arsenio because asides from me and him, there was only one person left in the house and she couldn't dare knock on my door.“What??!!" I bit out."Open the door Clara, we need to talk.” Arsenio said.“We have nothing to talk about Arsenio." “Open the damn door Clara or I will come in either way." Arsenio threatened.I honestly didn't want to open the door but based on past experience, I had no choice but to open it.I hated h
ARSENIO'S POV “Oh shit!”I quickly turned around, facing the wall like my life depended on it.“What the hell, Arsenio?!” Isabella yelled behind me, rushing to grab something…probably a towel.“I didn’t know you were in there!” I shouted, eyes shut tight, heart beating fast. “I knocked!”“Are you blind? You could’ve waited another second!” she snapped, her voice now calmer but still full of fire.“You didn’t answer!” I defended.There was silence for a few seconds as I heard her footsteps shuffle. “You can turn around now,” she said.I slowly turned, and sure enough, she was wrapped in a towel, dripping wet, her hair sticking to her neck..Her face was also flushed probably from anger or embarrassment.“What do you want?” she asked flatly.I cleared my throat, trying to act normal. “We’re leaving tomorrow….To Italy.”Her eyes widened. “Wait... what? You just told me a few hours ago that going depends on….ohh..your woman has agreed.”“Yes, so you're coming.”“Okay.”“Yes..but there
ARSENIO'S POV "I am Arsenio and also, I've thought about it and have decided to speak to Adaline.” I said.“That's good…the first right step you are taking.”"I am only doing that for you." “Noo..you are doing it for you Arsenio and not me..I am not the one who's still carrying the baggage of resentment and unforgiveness.” Clara said as I rolled my eyes.“Whatever you say…but this would only be done after I am back from Italy.” I said."What?? I don't understand you.”"I am heading back to Italy as soon as possible…there is a business deal I need to secure.”"This is exactly what I talked about Arsenio!! Your shady business deals need to stop.”"That shady business deal is worth so much Clara and I've secured it before but that bastard Elijah is at work again." “When will this drama actually end Arsenio??!!" “You need to ask Elijah that and not me…he's the one who started this again.”"Anyway, I am coming back to Italy with you." “No you aren't Clara." “It's not up for debate Ar
CLARA'S POV “Julius." I didn't want to believe what I just heard or rather the name I just heard.Suddenly memories of the past flooded me and the part where I was thrown into the pool gasping for air and at the point of death flooded my mind.“Clara?? Are you there??" “Why are you calling me??" I asked as tears welled up in my eyes.“It's really you…”"I said why have you called me?? If you don't tell me right now, I will end the call and block your number!!" I bit out."Please!! Don't end the call…please I beg of you." “Then why have you called?? How did you get my contact??" I asked.“I got it from someone with so much difficulty but I am glad it's really you…please Clara I need your help.”"Of course…why else would you call me?" I asked as I scoffed."Can I see you Clara?? I want us to talk.”"Who the hell do you think you are?? Calling me out of the blues and asking for my help?? As if that is not enough, you want to see me?? As what exactly??!!" “It’s been years Clara..are