Chapter 33

Clara

To avoid a scene, we went to the conference room where Damon usually held meetings. My goodness, the company was enormous! I could only imagine the millions invested in it.

I felt Damon and Liam’s eyes on me, but I didn’t look at either of them. My emotions were a whirlwind.

We entered the conference room and sat in silence for a moment. I stole a glance at Liam; he was staring directly at me.

“How are you a shareholder? I’ve never seen you at my meetings, nor have I ever seen your name,” Damon said, causing both Liam and me to turn to him.

“I bought it from someone else. You might know him as Mr. Monterey,” Liam said. I heard Damon scoff.

“Call Mr. Monterey and tell him I want to speak with him, now,” Damon ordered. Luca immediately began making the call.

“You look beautiful, Clara.” I froze at Liam’s voice and glanced at Damon. His expression was blank; he looked unconcerned, which hurt more than it should have.

I took a deep breath and turned to Liam with a forced smile.

“You don’t look so bad yourself, Mr. Whitlock. Congratulations on your marriage,” I said. He frowned.

“I didn’t want to marry her, but it was for my pack. I couldn’t risk it, but I came here because of you. How was the rejection? Did it hurt?” he asked. Before I could respond, Damon slammed his fist on the table, turning to us with a menacing glare.

“Clara, come with me now,” he muttered through clenched teeth, then stood and left the conference room.

I sighed and was about to get up when Liam grabbed my hand.

“Does he hurt you? Are you okay?” he asked. I stared at him for a moment before sighing and gently withdrawing my hand.

“I’m okay,” I said with a smile, then hurried out of the room. A woman directed me to Damon’s office. I paused at the door, catching my breath before entering. I was mesmerized by the size and beauty of the office, but was quickly brought back to reality by Damon’s seething anger.

“So what? You’re just going to blatantly flirt with him in front of me?” he asked, taking menacing steps toward me. I was tempted to retreat, but I stood my ground.

“I wasn’t flirting with him; he was flirting with me,” I retorted. He scoffed.

“Oh, really? Did you think I didn’t see the way you looked at him earlier? You are married to me,” he said. I scoffed.

“So? I’m not treated like a wife, so why does it matter? Why do you care who I flirt with or talk to? I came here because I heard Jason and Job were suddenly fired, and I knew you were involved. Why are you doing this? We agreed we could be with whoever we wanted and not interfere in each other’s lives. Why are you acting this way?” I asked, meeting his gaze. He frowned. I could have sworn I saw something shut down in his eyes.

“You’re right. I have no right to act this way. I got carried away, I guess. You can leave. Be with him if you want,” he muttered, turning away. I frowned.

“Damon…”

“Get out now!” he yelled. I jumped back in fear, staring at him with wide eyes before frowning.

“This sexual relationship we have can’t continue. It’s igniting emotions neither of us wants, so let’s end it,” I said, still looking at his back. He paused.

“I was thinking the same. Close the door on your way out,” he muttered without turning, and I shook my head before leaving the office.

As I walked down the hall, I paused, seeing Liam waiting outside the conference room.

As soon as he saw me, he pushed himself off the wall and walked toward me with a smile.

“Hey, how are you?” he asked. I smiled slightly and nodded.

“I’m okay. I have to get back to work, so…” I began, about to walk past him when he grabbed my hand.

“I bought those shares to be closer to you, so don’t push me away, Clara. I’m sorry for how I treated you, and I’m sorry I put you through all that, but never again. Even with the mate bond, I couldn’t love Veronica as much as I love you. Our love was genuine, and I was blinded for a moment by the mate bond, but not anymore. I’m here now, and I’m not ready to let you go,” he confessed. I sighed before turning to him.

“I’m married now, Liam. I can’t do this with you,” I said.

“Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you’re in love, and I know you still have feelings for me, so I’m not letting you go. Just give me a chance to prove myself,” he murmured, his eyes pleading. In the past, I would have given in, but things were different. My emotions were complex, and I just wanted time alone to think.

“I’m married, Liam. That isn’t going to change. I’m sorry, but I can’t do this, not now,” I said. I was about to walk away when he grabbed my hand.

“Clara, please,” he begged. But I wasn’t ready to have my heart crushed again, even though it already felt like Damon had crushed it.

“I’m sorry, I have to go,” I said, yanking my hand away and running as fast as I could.