Chapter 48

Clara

As I got into the car, I fought to control my racing heart. I avoided touching my lips, still feeling his kiss. Oh, how I'd missed that.

Earlier, my first impulse had been to run to him, hug him, and cry on his chest. I missed him terribly, but I couldn't risk it. Even without Alicia present, the risk was too great.

"You'll stop working there," Damon said abruptly, pulling my attention back.

"What? No," I whispered, my eyes wide.

"I didn't ask you, Clara," he murmured. I glared at him.

"I'm not quitting, Damon, and you can't make me," I retorted. I was sure Jasmine and her friends wouldn't bother me again after today, so if that was his concern, it was already resolved.

Pride surged through me. I'd expected anger when he'd made Jasmine kneel, but overwhelming happiness had shocked me. Even if he'd done it for his reputation and to quell the rumors, it still meant the world to me. No one—not Liam, not Aunt Amelia—had ever gone to such extremes to defend me. But then again, Damon was always extreme.

"Come work with me. I'll give you your own office and…"

"No," I said immediately. He paused.

"No? You're acting like I'm giving you a choice," he said.

"I'm not working with you. You sent me away, didn't you? Why do you want me to work with you now?" I asked. He sighed.

"I only sent you away because you were acting impossible," he replied. I shrugged.

"I don't care, and I like being on my own. So leave me alone. We're here; stop the car," I murmured as my house came into view.

I felt Damon's eyes on me but didn't dare turn.

The car slowed to a halt in front of my house. I tried opening my door, but it was locked.

I sighed and turned to Damon, frowning.

"Open the—" My eyes widened as he kissed me. I clenched my fists, resisting the urge to bury my fingers in his hair. God, I never wanted it to end.

"Won't you invite me in, Clara? I am your husband, after all," he murmured against my lips. I knew I should push him away before things escalated, but I was too tired to fight my feelings.

"No, I don't want your scent lingering in my home," I said sincerely. If his scent lingered, I wouldn't be able to stop thinking about him—though I was sure I'd be thinking about him all night anyway.

"Why the sudden change, Clara? You were the one who wanted us to act like husband and wife. Why are you acting like this?" His voice was soft. I almost confessed everything, but this secret could cost me everything, and I wasn't ready for that.

Chapter 48 (continued)

"Because I can't force myself to like you anymore. I tried, but I couldn't," I lied, avoiding his gaze.

"If I leave tonight without entering your home, I'll forget everything that happened between us, the feelings we shared. I'll treat you like a contracted wife. I'll never contact you again unless necessary, and I promise I won't change my mind, no matter what you say or what happens. Are you sure you won't invite me in?" He spoke earnestly, and I saw he meant every word.

My lips trembled, but I held back tears. I wanted things to go back to the way they were. I wanted to be in his arms again, but if he discovered my secret, he'd hate me and reject me.

I couldn't risk it. I simply couldn't.

"Goodnight, Damon," I said as coldly as I could. We were silent until he pulled away and unlocked my door. I felt his aura shift, becoming cold and unfamiliar. I knew then I had lost my husband.

"Get out," he muttered. I nodded curtly and climbed out of the car into the rain. He sped away immediately.

I stood in the rain, letting my tears mingle with the downpour as I watched his car disappear.

"I'm sorry, Damon," I whispered, crying bitterly.

"Madam, you're getting drenched!" one of the maids yelled, running toward me with an umbrella.

They escorted me inside and ran me a warm bath. I stared blankly for what felt like hours.

Was this all worth it? Maybe I should call Damon and tell him the truth?

I reached for my phone, about to dial his number, then paused. If I told him, he'd hate me even more. I couldn't risk that.

My tears fell onto my screen as I cried again. This aching in my heart could only be caused by one thing: love. I'd fallen in love with my husband, my mate. I'd denied it for so long, but what was the use now? I'd already lost him.

"Madam, your bath is ready. Please come in before you catch a fever," one of the maids said. I sighed.

As I stood from the kitchen bench, I stumbled, my head swimming.

"Madam, are you okay?" a maid asked. Before I could answer, I fell to the ground with a thud, my head ringing.

"Madam!" the maids cried, rushing to my side.

"Don't take me to the hospital. I don't want my husband finding out," I muttered before losing consciousness.