Chapter 11

Dylan POV

“You owned that place?!”

“Yeah” I nodded and continued. “Apparently, I bought it off after your comment the other day. I couldn’t stop thinking about it so I had to add to my collections”

“You bought the building because of a passing comment i made?!”

“When you talk Clara, I listen. Always”

That was our last conversation and since the moment we got into the car, she had just sat quietly, staring outside of the window with her expression blank.

I have seen Clara at her strongest. Bold in the business room, fearless in surgeries and soft with child in the orphanage home but right now, there was something about her that looked shattered.

It must have been very difficult when she was married to him. I can’t even imagine how much pain she had to bury just to survive. I hated Bruno, hated how her presence tore through her strength. Maybe I shouldn't have let her meet with him, maybe I should have blown up his face when he tried to talk down on her but Clara, she wouldn’t let me- she just wanted to do things her way which I respected and always supported.

“Clara” I finally called out, breaking the heavy silence that had swallowed the car. Her name felt tight in my chest like it had been waiting and begging to be said.

She turned to me slowly, her eyes looking heavy with unshed tears. “ You should let it out,” I said, my voice low and careful. “I know you want to be strong but not here, not with me”

She quickly glanced away for a second, blinking fast as she tightened her hand around the edge of her coat.

“As much as I hate to see you cry, I can still manage if you do it here, with me,that way I can be your strength” I added.

Her lips trembled and for a moment, I was scared she was going to break out but instead she nodded and whispered. “ I thought I would be okay, I really did” tears streamed down her eyes and I could feel my heart shattering into pieces.

“I don’t know how to let go, Dylan. I am scared” she broke out.

“Then be scared” I said softly “But don’t be scared alone” I added squeezing her hand. “ You didn’t deserve what he did to you. And I swear to you, I will make him pay. With everything I have got, I will make him pay. All of them, for every scar they left on you” I assured her.

“ I am fine” she sniffed in and continued. “ I will just bury myself to work and every other thing won’t matter”

“No” I interjected. “You are not doing that today”

She glanced at me with her eyebrow raised.

“Yes. I am taking you home, where I will prepare a cold bath for you, that is what you need right now. A cold bath and a better sleep” I said firmly, giving her no room for interjection.

She smiled weakly, though I knew it was forceful but I was glad she made such an effort. After another hour's drive, I finally pulled the car to stop in front of her apartment.

“You don’t have to do this you know” another attempt tried to stop me but I didn’t flinch.

I just nodded and opened the car door as I carefully watched her step.

“I have a brief meeting with one of the investors in a few hours” she suddenly came to a halt, glancing at me from behind.

“ I will go cover up with the investors after I put you to sleep” I responded and without giving her any chance for hesitation, I walked inside knowing full well she would follow.

We were welcomed by Nana, Clara’s housekeeper who's been working all day and I dismissed her as I would be taking over her job for the rest of the day.

“ Your bathtub is ready” I announced and just while she was washing, I got myself occupied with work, moving my thumbs around the laptop. I didn’t spend another minute before I finally got my hand on the information I needed. I picked my phone and made a quick dial to Fred, my personal investigator. Fred is a professional in the field, and there is barely anything he can’t dig up.

“ Bruno Clark, I want you to dig up everything. Finances, deals, medical records, past scandals, Everything that can break him”

Fred chuckled from the other side of the phone “ Are you sure you want dirt? This is looking like a war”

I leaned backwards, staring at the directions hallway, where Clara was standing. “ I don’t want a single thread untouched,” I added.

“ Got it. 24 hours” he replied and hung up.

Hours later, I stood by the bedside watching Clara sleep. Her breathing was slow, peaceful but I knew that peace was temporary.

I softly caressed her forehead, mumbling out.

“Whatever it takes, I will protect you. From Bruno. From the world. Even from yourself if I have to”