Chapter 106 – Π

I packaged the large batch of cookies and smiled at the cook. “Sorry for invading your space. I’ve just been craving these,” I murmured. She smiled. “It’s nothing, ma’am. If you don’t mind, I’ll clean up now,” she said. I nodded and left the kitchen, reminding myself to tell Damon about the cookies.

As I left, I glanced at the wall clock and frowned. It was getting late, and Damon wasn’t back yet. Maybe he was planning a surprise. I didn’t know what to expect from him anymore. After I was satisfied with my reflection, I checked the time again. I decided to get ready while I waited. It was getting very late. Where was he? I tried mind-linking him, but couldn’t get through. I tried calling, but there was no answer. Eventually, I calmed down and waited. He might be busy. Hours passed; I tried reaching Damon repeatedly, but to no avail. I called Luca instead. He’d know what was going on.

“Hello, Clara, is something wrong?” he asked, answering immediately.

“I can’t reach Damon. We were supposed to go on a date, but he hasn’t returned, and I’m worried. Is he nearby? Can you hand him the phone? I need to talk to him,” I said. Luca was quiet for a moment, then sighed.

“I thought he told you,” he said. I frowned.

“Told me what?”

“Alicia apparently has food poisoning, and he’s been with her at the hospital. I thought he’d told you.”

My heart sank. He’d stood me up because of Alicia?

“Oh, okay, thank you,” I murmured.

“I can give him the phone if you want. Don’t be mad at him; Alicia is probably the one keeping him. He must have forgotten…”

“About me? About our date? At least now I know where I stand. Goodnight, Luca,” I said, hanging up. I sat on the bed, trying to calm myself. He’d promised not to make me cry again, and yet here I was. I was sick of it. I immediately changed clothes, removed my makeup, and showered. I don't know how long I stood there feeling sorry for myself, but I snapped out of it when I felt Damon's presence.

“My love, I’m sorry,” he said, but I ignored him, turned off the shower, and grabbed a towel.

“Baby, please listen to me?” he pleaded, following me. I ignored him, got dressed, and went to bed, with him still trailing behind.

12:11 Tue, 2 Jul M M Chapter 106 59% A

“Please don’t be mad. I lost track of time. I never meant to stand you up, you know that, right?” he asked. I resisted the urge to scoff; his words were making things worse.

“How is Alicia? I hope she’s better?” I asked nonchalantly. He pursed his lips.

“She’s better. The food poisoning was serious. Clara, can I ask you a question? Promise not to be mad?” he asked. When I didn’t reply, he sighed. “Alicia told me she came to the house to see me, and you offered her cookies. Is that true?”

I paused, turning to him with disbelief. “You better be joking. Are you trying to blame me for her food poisoning?”

His eyes grew frantic. “No, Clara, I…”

“She came to the house looking for you. You said you wanted us to be close, so I tried to be friendly by offering her a cookie—one I and the cook had already eaten—and now you’re accusing me of poisoning her?”

He frowned, reaching for me. I slapped his hand away and stood up. “I’ll be sleeping in another room. You should probably go back to the hospital and watch over your precious Alicia,” I muttered, turning my back on him. He hugged me from behind.

“I was wrong, I’m sorry. Please don’t go. I don’t even know why I asked you that. Of course you’d never try to hurt her. I’m sorry, don’t be mad at me,” he murmured. I heard the plea in his voice, but I was done.

“Sorry won’t cut it this time. Please let me go,” I said, but his grip tightened.

“Clara…”

“Please don’t say anything; you’ll only make me angrier. I’ll be in the other room,” I said, using all my strength to pull away.

“Clara, please, I’m sorry,” he murmured. I stopped. “If you care that much about her, and still have feelings for her, tell me instead of hurting me this way,” I said, hurrying to the room I’d been given and deciding to sleep there. I tried to hold back my tears, but as soon as I got into bed, they flowed freely. I was so attached to Damon’s presence that I knew I wouldn’t sleep without him. Soon, I heard the door open. I didn’t move as Damon came to the bed, pulling me close.

“I love you so much, Clara,” he murmured, kissing my head. I closed my eyes and cried silently, feeling sorry for myself. I couldn’t stay angry at him for even five seconds. I was so weak around him, and I knew that would be a problem sooner or later.