Chapter 65 - CLARA -

By the time I woke up, it was late. Damon was gone. "You're awake," a quiet voice said. When the speaker came into view, I gasped. It was Damon's mother. I was uncomfortable around her since discovering her initial opposition to me. I'd heard from the maids that she'd encouraged Damon to take another wife.

"Do you feel better? Your phone was ringing, but I didn't want to disturb you, so I turned it off. I hope that's okay?" she asked. I nodded slowly, speechless. Her guilty expression confirmed the maids' gossip.

"I need to clear the air," she said. "I've been disgusted with myself. When I learned you were barren, I was furious. I called you a gold digger and urged Damon to find another wife." She paused, watching me. My blank stare made her sigh. "You have to understand, Clara. You and Damon discussed children before marrying. Your silence about your infertility made me think you married him for money and power. My anger consumed me, but Delilah's words got through. I was wrong. Seeing how you are with my son, I realize your feelings are genuine. I was just bitter. I wanted Damon to have a family, and he's changed for the better since you came into his life. Thank you for that."

I sighed. "At first, I married Damon for money—you're not entirely wrong—but I fell in love with him. I didn't tell him I was barren because I was terrified he'd leave me. I never had a family, and it's something I desperately wanted. With Damon, I finally felt I wasn't alone, that I could have the family I'd always dreamed of, even without giving him a child. I was so scared that telling him would destroy that dream, and I was right. He turned against me, and everyone shunned me." Tears welled, threatening to spill. I'd been trying to numb myself, but the dam was about to break.

"I have no excuses for my behavior and am truly sorry. Delilah was right; having children is a great joy. Instead of judging you, I should have tried to understand. That was my mistake, and I apologize. Please give Damon a chance. He's changed for the better, though he tries to deny it. He hasn't changed completely. Damon hates betrayal more than anything—I know, because I'm still paying for betraying him years ago. He hasn't let go. His actions weren't because he disliked you, but because he felt betrayed. He was restless and unhappy when you weren't together. He's stubborn, like his father; they don't show weakness. I'm afraid his weakness is you, Clara. He tried to fight it, but he cares for you deeply—more than he cares for me, Delilah, or even his father. I'm not saying what he did was right, but as his mother, I ask you to give him another chance."

Tears streamed down my face. "Because I was so broken without him, I didn't notice I was pregnant. If I had known, I would have protected our child with my life. I failed them. I failed my child! I blame him for it."

She frowned. "Look inside yourself. You are both at fault. If you'd checked yourself and told Damon the truth earlier, things would have been different. If you'd been together, this wouldn't have happened. Yes, Damon shares the fault in your child's death, but so do you. It's unfair to blame him entirely. He lost his child too; he's probably blaming himself. If you blame him as well, he'll shut down. Please, give him another chance."

I opened my mouth to speak when Damon burst in. My eyes widened at the sight of Aunt Amelia.

"Aunt Amelia…" I whispered as she rushed to me and embraced me. "I'm so sorry, my love. I can't believe you were pregnant," she sobbed, breaking my resolve. I cried uncontrollably, the weight of my loss crushing me. I'd lost my first child, never even holding them. I'd failed them.

I looked up, meeting Damon's gaze. The sadness in his eyes broke me. Aunt Amelia released me, and as Damon leaned down, I buried myself in his arms, clinging to him as my tears intensified. He patted my back, murmuring reassurances, but the sadness in his voice was palpable. It ached my heart. He was my safe space.