Chapter 57 lan ruffled Claraâs hair with a casual affection, his eyes twinkling with mirth as he looked down at her. It was as if the home he spoke of was their very own love nest.
A sharp pang struck Claraâs heart. The memory of leaving that place, the home she had poured her heart into and left with such sorrow, surfaced once again. Her fingers trembled ever so slightly, but her face remained calm as she turned to face Casey.
âDad, Iâm not comfortable leaving just yet. I want to stay with you a bit longer.â
âWhatâs there to worry about, sweetheart? We have a housekeeper, and you two just patched things up. You need to cement your relationship. Youâve done enough for your old man. I canât keep holding you back from your own life.â
After much persuasion from Casey, Clara finally got into lanâs car. For the first time since their separation, they sat together in silence, without an argument.
After a while, Clara finally broke the silence. âLetâs hit the mall nearby. Youâre out of dress shirts, arenât you? Iâll pick up a few for you as a thankâyou for playing along these past few days.â
lan turned to her, his expression unreadable. âClara, did we know each other before?â
Claraâs grip on her phone tightened, her heartbeat quickening. Yet her expression betrayed no sign of panic. She gave a slight smile. âNo, we didnât.â
âThen why did you agree to my request in the first place?â He finally voiced the question that had been gnawing at him, but his palms were sweaty as they gripped the steering wheel, waiting for her response.
âBecause youâre lan, the dream of every woman in Northbridge. Having someone like your on my arm? Why would I refuse? I mean, anyone in my shoes would have jumped at the chance.â
She was telling the truth. lan was handsome and wealthy, the heir of Northbridgeâs prestigious Hayes family. Being his secret lover, or even a mistress, was something many women would claw their way to the top for.
A wry smile played on lanâs lips, but inside, a bitter taste lingered. This wasnât the answer he wanted. Nor was it truly what Clara felt.
If Clara were like any other woman, she wouldnât have left without taking anything. She wouldnât have gone three years without once using the black card he gave her.
He used to think she was playing hard to get, staging a show for him, all to win his heart and secure the title of Mrs. Hayes. But now, knowing she had been oblivious to the incident three years ago, he couldnât help but think things might not be as he had assumed.
11:
Clare must be hiding something from him They drove into the underground parking of the mall. Clara got out of the car, not waiting for lan, and headed toward the elevator But she hadnât gone far when a strong arm wrapped around her shoulder. His voice, deep and seductive, whispered in her ear, âWhy didnât you wait for me?â
Clare tried to break free, but larâs grip was unyielding. She looked up at him reluctantly. âlan, this is Northbridgeâs busiest mall, where the elite congregate. Do you really want us to be tomorrowâs front page news lan, gazing at her soft lips, couldnât resist a quick kiss. His voice was husky. âIt wouldnât be the first time âBut I donât want that. We started as CEO and secretary, and Iâd like it to end that way, too.
Itâs better for both of us, donât you think?â
She spoke with her usual calm No matter how dark lanâs expression turned, she steadily pulled herself from his embrace