Chapter 9

"Clara, are you dreaming or what? You seriously think I'd touch you?" Clara's throat locked up, her eyes turned red as she bit her lip. It took her a moment before she murmured, "Eugene, do you really have to be this cruel? You know how much I love you, and yet you still go straight for the heart?" Eugene let out a cold laugh like he'd just heard some ridiculous joke. "Clara, I don't know how real your so—called love is. What I do know is—I don't love you. So tell me—why would I ever feel sorry for you? Or hold back for your sake? Clara, get this in your head. You and I? There's no love here. My heart's always been Ellie's, and it always will be." With a look of disdain, he pulled on his clothes, slammed the door, and left without looking back. Clara stayed frozen a long while before forcing herself to stand up. Like a machine, she walked into the bathroom. The hot water poured down on her skin, and her tears mixed with it, falling endlessly. Everything that happened last night... felt like a joke—just a dream. And now, she was wide awake. Back to the cold, harsh reality. By the time she came downstairs, she found out Eugene had already stormed off without even touching breakfast. She forced a small smile and quietly finished her own before heading out for work. Her mind was a complete mess the whole day. She couldn't focus, zoning out in the middle of sketching her designs without realizing. That night, Eugene still didn't come home. He didn't answer her calls either. Clara tossed and turned in bed and only managed to doze off late into the night. But it wasn't long before she jolted awake from a nightmare. After washing up, she sat by the window, blankly staring at the ring on her ring finger when the door suddenly slammed open. A tall figure appeared, his presence dominating the room. His expression was sharp, impatient, borderline annoyed. He grabbed Clara and dragged her straight to the car, driving directly to the hospital. "Today's the embryo transfer." Clara stared at him, her heart aching. The idea of a child born without love made her chest tighten. "Eugene, I'm begging you. Don't do this... A child isn't something you use to fool your grandpa—it should be born from love..." "Love? You think you deserve that?" Her words stuck in her throat. Her eyes burned, her whole body numb like she'd dropped into an icy lake. Suddenly, a voice called out from above, full of glee. "Eugene!" That voice— Clara's brain blanked as she trembled all over. She'd know that voice anywhere—it was Ellie Greene. Ellie. Just hearing that name was enough to send Clara spiraling again. For five years, that name had haunted her like a shadow she couldn't shake. She turned and saw her walking over with confidence. Ellie looked just like before—tall, long hair styled in soft waves, and a face that felt custom—made for dolling up. Her big eyes sparkled with intentional coyness. "Clara, Eugene, long time no see!" Ellie greeted them with a sweet smile. "Ellie! You're back! You're finally back!" Eugene, stunned, couldn't hide his excitement. His hands trembled as he pulled Ellie into his arms. There was genuine warmth in his voice, mixed with disbelief. Clara couldn't tear her eyes away from the scene. It was like a blade slicing right into her heart. Their gazes met—a sly smirk playing on Ellie's lips, her eyes blinking knowingly, almost smug. Eugene held Ellie tightly like she was some priceless treasure he'd just retrieved, his voice soft and soaked in emotion. "Ellie, where have you been all these years? I searched everywhere for you." Ellie gently patted him on the back and murmured, "Eugene, calm down... Clara's still standing right here." She smiled like an angel, but the look she shot Clara held something far darker, all wrapped up in fake sweetness. Clara clenched her hands into fists, her nails nearly digging into her palms. This woman—the one who acted like the perfect, innocent friend—was the same person who had rotted Clara's world from the inside out. The facade might've fooled others, but she knew better. Elliot's 'purity'? Nothing but a mask.