LOGINCLAIRE“It’s a pleasure working with your mom, Matt,” I said calmly. Matthew gestured for me to touch the food.I had no choice but to eat it—just to show him respect and so I could get out of here quickly. “I’ve been curious these past eight years.”I looked up briefly. Our eyes met, and I quickly broke eye contact.“I thought you’d moved out of town. But I’m glad you’re still here, Claire.”Since I still didn’t understand where Matthew was going with this, I decided to stay silent and just listen to him.“These eight years have been the longest of my life. Every day felt longer than it should be.”Okay, it was clear Matthew now wanted to bring up our past. I put down my cutlery and wiped the corner of my mouth with a napkin. “You’re right. Eight years is more than enough time for someone to change.”Matthew was silent for a moment. He looked away. “Want to order something else?”I shook my head. “I’m full. Well then, I’ll ask Charles to pick me up now.”I reached into my bag for
CLAIREI furrowed my brow. “Why are you asking me? I think I’m the one who should be asking you.”“I have only one problem. How to make you see the truth about Charles,” he replied calmly. I clenched my fists under the table. My eyes fixed on him without blinking. “I thought you asked me to meet because you were giving me the answer to my question that I asked over the phone yesterday.”“The job you’re looking for is available, Claire. Mom does need a fashion designer for the summer collection she’s launching next year.”I nodded calmly. “So, do I have a chance to apply?”“You’ve already been accepted. You’ll be filling that position. She chose you personally.”My eyes widened. Though I was extremely surprised, I tried to stay calm. “How is that possible? I haven’t even submitted my portfolio yet.”Matthew smiled. It was a smile I hadn’t seen in a long time. “That can come later as a matter of formality.”“Matt, but I haven’t even tried anything yet.”“Because she already knows your
CLAIRE“No, wait!” I said a bit loudly. I then took a deep breath and looked at the phone screen once more. “Thank you for everything. The flowers and all your kindness, thank you.”“You knew it was me?”I chuckled softly. “Of course. There were sender initials that I thought he intentionally included on every bouquet.”It was Matthew’s turn to chuckle. “I just didn’t want you to mistake it for Charles. Besides, I remembered you like Lilies. So who knows, if I send them every day, it might help lift your mood.”See, this is what I mean. He hasn’t changed much. He still does whatever he can to make me happy. In the past, he tried just as hard. The difference was that back then, since his money was limited, he tried through other things. Now, when money is no longer an issue for him, he’s still just as generous.But that’s what makes me hate Matthew so much. How can he still be this good to me when I’ve hurt him so many times? I’m actually embarrassed because I’m causing him trouble ag
CLAIRENo! It’s a trap. I’m sure of it.If I don’t work, I have no power. Without power, I’ll be trapped here with them forever. I’m sure it wasn’t Charles who realized that, but Eva. Because men take time to realize their mistakes, and women are more sensitive. Besides, Charles had done the same thing before—apologizing and being nice to me after being with Eva.“I didn’t mean to stop you, baby. I’m actually worried about you.” Charles released his hug. He held both my shoulders. “You can just stay home with Eva. You two can hang out together.”Ugh, that’s a terrible idea. I don’t want to hang out with her. After all, I believe negative energy is contagious. And I don’t want to catch it and turn into a nasty person.So, to keep fighting for what I want, I tried to soften my tone. I took Charles’s hands in mine.“Charlie, I appreciate your concern. I value your sincerity. But I hope you can also respect my wishes. I want to work for the same reasons.”Charles’ grip on my hands loosen
CLAIRE"Shut up, bitch! I know you just wanna spread your negativity. And if you don't let go of me right now, I'm gonna scream for Charles!"I could only laugh and then let go of her. I made sure to shake my hands as if I'd just touched something dirty. “Let’s wait and see. You’ll understand what I mean.”Eva rubbed her wrist, which was perfectly fine. “I’m gonna talk to Charles about you!”“Without any proof? You can kiss your fantasy goodbye if he ever believes you.”And that sly woman suddenly scratched her own hand until it bled. She then smiled wickedly. Unfortunately, right after that, the door opened from the outside—it was Charles. And of course, Charles’s gaze went straight to Eva, who was indeed whimpering in pain. “Chaz, I know my presence in this house might be disturbing you guys. But honestly, what Claire did to me was way over the line.” Eva said with teary eyes. Oh, she’s such a great actress. And Charles, foolishly, always believes her. Charles rushed over to Eva
CLAIRE“Eva, what’s wrong?” I glanced at Eva in the rearview mirror before finally getting out of the car. A week had passed, my recovery was complete, and now I was heading back to that house again. Annoyingly, Charles insisted on picking me up with Eva. I’d refused with a thousand excuses that I thought would be acceptable, but for some reason, he remained persistent. So the whole way home I was forced to chat with Charles in a romantic, spoiled tone so Eva would feel like she was in hell. And luckily, that discomfort is over now as we arrive. “I’m just under the weather. Oh Chaz, you have to help Claire.”Ah, that fake concern again. Eva started her drama all over again, whimpering in pain. Charles’s reaction? Of course he was worried about Eva. He didn’t chase after me or offer to carry my things. I wasn’t really expecting anything anyway. Besides, from a man like him, all I can expect is inconsistency. So instead of throwing a tantrum, I chose to walk into the house on my







