Chapter 13

Mrs. Bennett rolled her eyes and set down her glass with a huff. "Go on, drink it all and move on!" Clara calmly finished the water and slumped into a seat, clearly tired. Before she could say anything, Mrs. Bennett began firing off like a machine gun. "Clara, your brother's been trying to work with Aurora Galleria. Don't you know the boss there, Frederick?" She gave a sly giggle, her smile full of calculation. "Didn't he used to chase after you? If you ask him, he'd totally think about it!" Frederick? Clara froze, her expression instantly paling. "Mom, I'm already married to Eugene. You really want me going to him for a favor? That's straight—up gossip fodder!" "What gossip? It's just asking for help!" Mrs. Bennett snapped. "Listen to me, while he still kinda likes you, use it! Few years down the road, that man won't even remember your name!" Her words were so harsh they made Clara's stomach flip and her head spin. "Mom, I can't. And I won't." Clara said flatly. Mrs. Bennett's eyes widened, her temper flaring all at once. "Clara! Do you think your brother has it easy? If he doesn't pull off something big, how's he going to earn your dad's approval and take over the family business? You're his sister—if you don't help, who will?" The guilt trip hit hard, making Clara feel even more cold inside. She rubbed her throbbing temples, not in the mood to argue anymore. Exhausted, she muttered, "Mom, I really can't do this. I'm wiped. I'm heading home." "Clara!" Mrs. Bennett reached out to stop her, visibly annoyed. "What do you mean you can't? I already set up the dinner for tomorrow night. You have to go!" Those words made Clara's headache pound even harder. She yanked her mother's hand off, eyes full of disbelief. "Mom! Are you serious? I'm a married woman, and you want me to wine and dine a man for Nathan's business deal? If Nathan's not cut out for this, even giving him the project won't help—he'll just screw it up anyway!" She was genuinely angry, and the words came out before she could filter them. Mrs. Bennett blinked in shock, then suddenly burst into loud sobs. "You heartless little thing! After everything I've done for you, and this is how you repay me? Your brother needs help and you just stand there? Where's your conscience—gone with the wind?!" Clara shut her eyes, worn out, her ears ringing with her mom's crying. After a long minute, she forced down the ache in her chest and snapped, frustrated, "Mom... stop crying. Fine, I'll go." "That's the spirit! Clara, remember, it's the restaurant by the bay, tomorrow night!" Mrs. Bennett brightened instantly, beaming as she practically shoved Clara out the door. Clara leaned back against the driver's seat, eyes closed, her mind a total mess. It was a long while before she started the engine and drove back toward the Collins home. By the time she arrived, night had already fallen. She flicked on the living room lights—and nearly jumped out of her skin. Eugene was sitting silently on the couch, legs crossed, eyes sharp and cold as he looked at her. As soon as she stepped in, he held out a document between two slender fingers. "Clara, here's the divorce agreement." His tone was final, not a trace of hesitation in his face. "We're done. Ellie's back, and I want to make things right with her." Clara's hands trembled as she gripped them tightly, trying to steady her breath. Her voice shook as she asked, unwilling to give up, "Eugene... are you saying that after all these years, you've never loved me? Not even a little?" Just a tiny bit would be enough... But disappointment came swiftly. Eugene stood up, calm and cold as ice. "No. I never loved you."