Chapter 50 - CLARA -

The last few weeks have been torture. After I fainted, I didn't want to go to the hospital; I didn't want Damon to think I was seeking his attention. However, I secretly wished and prayed he would visit, but he never showed up. Luca visited, but had no news from Damon. I even pretended to be sick, hoping he'd come, but to no avail. Delilah was the only thing that made the last few weeks bearable. She came to stay, claiming she couldn't stand her brother after discovering he'd driven me away. Her support surprised me, knowing Damon was a hero in her eyes. She moved into my room—even though there were other rooms available—and made me go out with her every weekend. We went clubbing, shopping; we had a blast. But each time we returned, all I could think about was Damon and his last words. I felt he genuinely meant them, and it was taking a toll.

I shook off the thought as I got ready for work, while Delilah whined, "I don't know why you have to work; you already have money. Even with this break, he'll still get you whatever you want."

I sighed. "I don't like depending on anyone. One day, he might decide he doesn't want me anymore and take everything away, leaving me with nothing. I don't want that."

I saw her frown in the mirror. "My brother would never do that. Not only because of his ego, but he's not that horrible."

I frowned. "I know he's not horrible, but I'm just being cautious. Besides, I love working; it takes my mind off things,"—meaning Damon.

"Hmm, maybe I should get a job too! Maybe at your workplace. Do you think I could get a job there?" she asked, scoffing.

"Everyone fears the name Donovan, Delilah. You're a Donovan. You can get any job you want," I murmured, and her eyes widened.

"Maybe I should follow you to work and see what it's like before I apply," she said, and I smiled. She was suddenly clingy. Was it pity for her brother's actions, or did she genuinely enjoy my company? I knew I'd been a downer lately because of Damon, but she stayed by my side.

"Thank you for being my friend, Delilah. Besides Aunt Amelia, I've never really had a friend before," I murmured. She smiled, got out of bed, and hugged me.

"Me too. People only want to know me because of my status or money, but you're different," she said.

The reason I agreed to this whole ordeal with Damon was money. I waited for Delilah to get ready, then we went to work. Since Damon's actions with Jasmine in the park and the viral video, Jasmine kept her distance, but I noticed her glares.

11:42 Tue, 2 Jul Chapter 50

"Why don't you sit down here and watch me?" I asked Delilah, leading her to a table. She sat, and I returned to work.

I noticed the manager intentionally gave me light duties, almost as if she was being careful with me. But I didn't read too much into it; she always treated me differently because I'm a Donovan. Delilah would smile and give me a thumbs-up every time I delivered a meal; sometimes she'd clap excitedly. As cute as it was, I didn't appreciate the attention it drew.

I escaped to the storage room for a break. I was about to close my eyes when the door opened.

"You must think you've won, right? Because you disgraced me, huh?" Jasmine asked, closing the door. I sighed. I tried walking past her, but she stopped me.

"Jasmine, I'm not in the mood," I said. She showed me her phone. "Guess who I saw at the club? Your husband."

There was Damon, with a half-naked woman on top of him.

"See? Your husband doesn't care about you. You're just a trophy wife. He can disgrace me, but you couldn't keep your husband because you're a gold-digging"

I slapped her. Delilah burst in, yelling my name and trying to pull me away. I pulled Jasmine's hair before she could grab me. Jasmine screamed. Delilah dragged me away. Seeing Jasmine crying, Delilah frowned. "What's wrong?" she asked. Before I could answer, Jasmine came out yelling, so Delilah had to intervene. [Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org]

Had Damon slept with someone else because of my attitude? Had I lost my husband? I couldn't let that happen. I loved him, and he was mine. I called him. He answered immediately. I listened to his breathing, tears streaming down my face. I'd missed him so much.

"What do you" he started, pausing as I cried. "Clara, are you okay?" His concern made me cry harder. Did he still care?

"I I don't know." I missed him terribly.

"What happened? Were you bullied again? I"

"I miss you, Damon. I can't take it anymore," I blurted out, instantly regretting it. Did he hate me?

"What?" he muttered. I was about to end the call when he said, "Don't you dare end this call."

"What do you want, Clara?" he asked. How do I tell him I wanted us back? If I told him, Alicia might reveal my secret.

"I want you, Damon. I want you to come back to me," I sobbed.

"Wait for me, I'm coming," he said before hanging up. His words made my heart pound. He was coming back!

I left work early, texting Delilah; she said she wasn't angry and would go home because she didn't want to hear us That made me blush.

I waited on the porch, but hours passed. It was almost midnight. My hope was fading. Then I heard a car. Damon stood there, staring at me.

"You came," I whispered.

"You called," he murmured, pulling me into his arms and kissing me. I kissed him back.

"Let's push aside our differences and let me have you tonight, Clara. Just for tonight," he pleaded, kissing my neck.

"Damon"

"Please, Clara, don't say no. I'm aching for you. Please, we"

I placed my finger on his lips. "For tonight, my body belongs to you again. Do whatever you wish."