Chapter 11

"Not enough! It's never enough, is it?" Ellie lowered her voice, a bitter smile curling at her lips. Out of nowhere, she stumbled backward like someone had shoved her hard, landing on the ground with a thud. Tears welled up and she shouted with trembling grievance, "Clara, why are you doing this to me? I already backed off to let you and Eugene be together! What more do you want? Are you trying to push me to the edge?!" She looked heartbroken, her voice sharp and shaky, echoing enough to make Eugene rush over in full panic. He dropped to his knees, pulling her into his arms, brows furrowed with worry. "Ellie, please don't cry! What happened? Talk to me!" "Ugh... Eugene, let go! You married Clara, I shouldn't even be here, I'm not supposed to stir things up... Just let me go," Ellie struggled weakly against him, like she was about to pass out any second now. Clara stood there shocked, eyes wide. She hadn't done anything. She wanted to explain... but then Eugene's angry voice cut through the air. "I'm not letting you leave! Haven't you been gone long enough? If anyone should leave, it's Clara! She took what was rightfully yours. She should be the one getting lost from my life!" He held Ellie even tighter, and his words dripped with disgust directed at Clara. Clara froze, a chill sweeping over her body as if every ounce of strength had drained out of her. Her lips trembled as she struggled to speak. "Eugene, listen to me! I didn't do anything, I swear... I really..." "Shut up, Clara!" Eugene barked, cutting her off, voice loud and furious. "Nothing? You did nothing and yet Ellie ends up crying like this? Get the hell out of my house! I never want to see you again! I want a divorce! Now!" Divorce? He said... divorce? Clara's mouth went dry, tears blurring her eyes until they slid down without control. "Eugene... don't be like this," Ellie said softly, tugging his sleeve, then she turned to Clara, pretending to be kind. "Clara, he's just angry. Don't take his words to heart." Her moist eyes looked all gentle, like she really meant it. Clara met her gaze. In that moment, Ellie's lips curved into a mocking smirk. Suddenly, everything inside Clara turned ice cold. She couldn't beat Ellie, not then, and not now. This marriage was always one—sided. Eugene never cared. Never wanted her. It hurt like her heart was being cracked open. Eugene glanced at her with pure contempt before pulling Ellie behind him. "Ellie, this marriage with her? It's over." He said it like a promise and tugged Ellie into his arms, ready to walk off. "You're not going anywhere!" Clara rushed over, blocking his way. She couldn't let Ellie take him like this. "Eugene! Do you even remember why we're here?" He was her husband. The father of her child. She couldn't let someone else steal him away. Eugene halted, then looked at her like she was some kind of joke. "Clara. The only woman I want having my kid... is Ellie. Just move." "No! Eugene, I'm begging you! Please don't go!" Clara clung to his arm with desperation, her body shaking like a leaf. But Eugene shoved her off without hesitation, disgust plain on his face. "Don't make me repeat myself, Clara." "Eugene..." Ellie bit her lip with a worried glance at Clara. "Please don't be so harsh. She's..." "You're way too soft, Ellie. That's why she keeps stepping all over you. But I won't let it happen again. Let's go. I don't even want to look at her anymore—it makes me sick."