Chapter 8

As Clara made her way to the hospital for her follow-up appointment, a strange sense of relief washed over her. Sitting in the cab, she gazed at the passing scenery, crying numbly. Memories from the past three years flashed through her mind. Whenever she'd had period cramps, Sebastian would prepare hot chamomile tea for her and rub her stomach gently. Feeling bad for her, he would say, "I wish I could take the pain for you." Once, she'd fought with Frank and gotten slapped. Seeing the red handprint on her cheek, Sebastian had lost control and insisted on heading to the Zimmerman residence to seek justice for her. Another time, on a dark and stormy night, when Clara had fallen seriously ill, he'd cradled her in his arms and rushed to the hospital. As she'd drifted in and out of nightmares, he'd held her and comforted her, saying, "Baby, don't be scared. I'll always be with you." Until now, Clara still couldn't be sure—was he too good at acting, or was she a gullible fool to believe that he'd truly loved her? Who had he seen when he'd uttered all those sweet nothings to her? Exhausted, she closed her eyes. … After her follow-up appointment, Clara stepped out of the doctor's office and heard the nurses chatting among themselves. "Remember the couple who got admitted yesterday? I heard the man's rich and powerful. He reserved the entire VIP ward so his girlfriend can recuperate in peace. As soon as he woke up this morning, he rushed straight to her." "Yeah! The woman was still upset and refused to forgive him. Even though he's hurt, he stayed outside her ward and refused to leave, choosing to coax her gently instead. I've never seen a guy love his girlfriend this much. Ah, I'm jealous. You don't get to see things like this even in TV shows." Shocked, Clara decided to pay a visit to the VIP ward. When she got there, she heard familiar voices drifting from within. Clara spun around and froze—Erica was in Sebastian's arms, weeping as she poured out her grievances. "Sebastian, do you still resent me for leaving to study abroad back then? These past three years, I've lived in constant regret. I wanted to abandon my studies and come back to you. I swore I'd make up for all the lost time, but why did you lie to me?" Looking distressed, Sebastian gently wiped her tears away. "I didn't lie to you, Eri. You're the only woman I love." "Then what about Clara? You took her to the bridal shop to try on wedding dresses. Are you really planning on marrying her? Her father's been trying to find someone to marry her. Don't tell me you're tempted." "Listen to me, Eri. No matter what, I've been with her for three years. I was just saying goodbye to her. I wanted her to be in a good mood before I broke the news to her. "She's done nothing wrong, so I wanted to end things peacefully. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten my promise to you. You're the only woman I'll marry." Tears ran down Erica's cheeks as she sobbed uncontrollably. "Then break up with her now. I don't want to see you with her. You're mine, and mine only." Sebastian pulled her into his arms. Patting her back gently, he coaxed her. "Sure, anything you say." A few steps away, Clara flashed a helpless smile. It seemed true love always found its way back. "Good for them," she thought. She turned around and got into the elevator without another look back. Back at the villa, she'd just finished packing the last of her belongings when Frank gave her a call. "You'll fly to Rantsfield tomorrow morning at ten. The Sables will send someone to pick you up at the airport." "Got it. I'll be at the airport on time." Clara had just hung up when Sebastian returned. "Airport? What are you talking about? Where are you going?" Clara replied calmly, "Nothing. I'm going out of the city for a business trip."