Chapter 14

"Clara, just sign it. There's no love between us, no kids, and definitely no future." Tears welled up in Clara's eyes as she shut them tight, forcing all the heartbreak back into her chest. Her fingers gently brushed over her lower belly. There's a baby in there now, right? Their baby. Because of this child, she couldn't walk away—she wouldn't let this marriage fall apart. She had to be strong. Suddenly, Clara opened her eyes and asked calmly, "If we divorce, are you going to marry Ellie?" "Of course. I'm going to marry her, make it up to her. You've been Mrs. Collins for five years—that's long enough. It's time to give the title back to her." Clara bit her lip, her fingers knotted together tightly as a flicker of determination crossed her eyes. "Eugene, I'm not divorcing you. Not now, not ever." "What?" Eugene looked like he'd just heard the world's biggest joke. His eyes narrowed, fury flaring in them. A vein popped on his forehead as he shouted, "Clara!" Clara ignored his anger. Her gaze stayed clear and firm as she repeated, "Eugene, I won't divorce you. Even if it kills me." "You—!" Eugene lost it completely and threw the divorce papers right at her face. "Clara, whether you agree or not, this marriage is over!" Clara's heart felt like it had turned to ash, but she lifted her chin stubbornly. A pale, bitter smile forced itself onto her lips as she said, "Eugene, no matter what you say, I'm not divorcing you." With that, she bolted to the bedroom like she was running for her life, slamming the door shut behind her. The room was dark and quiet. Clara slumped down against the door, her body drained. She covered her mouth to stifle her sobs, but the tears just kept falling. Late into the night, half—asleep, Clara drifted into a dream. She was eighteen again. Someone had pushed her into the water, and she was drowning, flailing in panic... Then Eugene jumped in after her, holding her close as they broke the surface. His cold lips pressed to hers, passing her his breath. Because of him, she lived. From that moment on, Eugene was her everything. She chased him like a shadow, following him everywhere, shamelessly telling him, "I want to have your babies!" But Eugene had always loved Ellie. When Clara found out, she gave up. Until that one party when Ellie pushed Clara into the sea—then jumped in herself and lied that Clara had attacked her. That time, Eugene had risked it all... for Ellie. And gave Clara nothing but disgust. Later, when Ellie disappeared, Old Mr. Collins insisted Eugene marry Clara. She'd been so happy back then, thinking her dream had finally come true. She was finally Eugene's wife. But on their wedding night, she waited all alone, her heart slowly icing over. To Eugene, everything was always about Ellie. And what she got? Just cold. Clara suddenly jolted awake, breathing heavily. She wiped the sweat from her forehead. It was 3 a.m., but there was no sleep left in her. She stayed wide awake till morning. Then she got up and quietly opened Eugene's bedroom door—empty. Cold. He hadn't come home. Was he with Ellie? What were they doing? Were they wrapped up in each other? Whispering sweet nothings? Clara couldn't bear to imagine it. She knew she'd fall apart. Her thoughts of Eugene kept circling all day, right up until evening. Then, a call from Mrs. Bennett snapped her out of it—she remembered she had a dinner arranged with Frederick. She forced herself to pull it together and rushed to the restaurant on the boat. It was a well—known spot, built on a fancy cruise ship with dining, entertainment, and breathtaking views. At 7 p.m., it started gliding along the coast, showing off stunning night scenes. As soon as she saw him, Clara apologized, flustered. "Frederick, I'm so sorry I'm late!"