Chapter 81 – Clara – 62%

I opened my eyes to a replay of last night's explosion. Despite escaping the chaos with Damon and falling asleep, I woke feeling utterly disconnected, as if I weren't truly present. The lingering sense of something terrible having happened was unshakeable. The world slowly refocused, but everything felt different, as if I were seeing it for the first time. My body felt heavy and sluggish, my thoughts raced, and I struggled to breathe deeply. It was agonizing. All I could recall from last night was the explosion and the fact that I awoke at dawn, meaning I'd passed out.

Opening my bedroom door, I was stopped by two large men flanking the entrance. "Who are you?" I shrieked. Before they could answer, Luca's voice echoed from behind me. "Did they startle you?" he asked. I whirled around. "Who are they?" "They're your new guards," Luca replied. "Guards?" I gasped. "Yes. Damon's increased your protection after last night. The event left you… elsewhere. You were barely present, despite getting home." I nodded, understanding Damon's intentions.

"Expect to be more closely guarded," Luca continued. "Damon's investigating the explosion; we don't know its origin or the exact location at the carnival. You need to be careful." "Okay, thanks," I breathed, dismissing the lingering images of last night.

The atmosphere in the house was somber. Everyone wore grim expressions; their glances toward me conveyed pity. Damon was preoccupied, his usual coldness replaced by a solemn, angry frustration. Their inability to find clues about the explosion was clearly affecting him. I desperately wanted to lift his spirits. Yesterday's brief happiness, the rare smile on his lips, had been brutally shattered. Damon wasn't easily impressed; a lollipop wouldn't suffice; it would only anger him further. I needed a perfect strategy to distract him. But first, my duty as Luna called.

Dressed in a skirt suit, white blouse, and coat, I set out with housemaids and guards to the site of the explosion. The lingering tremors in the ground barely registered. Some things are unavoidable; this was the only way to confront the aftermath, to remain steadfast.

The scene was horrific. Booths and kiosks lay in shattered ruins, leaving no trace of their original forms. Seeing multiple bodies lying side-by-side, like discarded goods, pierced my heart. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, and the wails of the injured filled the air. Fighting back tears, I immediately directed the physicians to begin treatment and urged Gwen to distribute the food we'd brought. I moved among the survivors, vowing to prevent such trauma from ever recurring. The despair in their eyes was heartbreaking. I smelled their fear, their desperation, their brokenness. A woman cradling her injured child wailed, "This is the last straw! Even if you treat and feed us, how can we live? My carnival kiosk was my only income, and now I've lost everything!"

My voice caught in my throat, but I forced a smile. "Don't worry, ma'am," I said. "I promise you, and everyone else, that every booth, kiosk, and item will be replaced." Gasps of relief filled the air as despair gave way to joy. Their wounds seemed inconsequential as they looked at me.

"Everyone will receive free treatment and compensation," I continued. "And I promise you will never endure this again." "You're too kind, Mrs. Donovan!" "Bless your heart!" "Thank you so much!" Hope returned to the air, replaced by gratitude. I felt a surge of pride.

A child I was attending caught my eye, and I looked up to meet Steven's gaze. It held something I couldn't decipher. As our eyes locked, he smiled and mouthed, "Thank you." I nodded and turned to Gwen, who was urging me to attend to others. Honestly, I enjoyed being with the injured. Their resilience boosted my spirits. I had a larger following; people seemed warmer toward me than ever before. I knew Damon's presence would have inhibited this, but I cherished this connection.

Leaving the devastated carnival, I considered Damon's mood. I'd brought joy to many; now, how could I help my husband? With enthusiasm, I gathered my companions and headed to the mall to find the perfect gift. Hours later, I sighed in frustration. Damon was impossible to please; everything I considered seemed to evoke a scowl or sneer. My guards looked exhausted. Finally, I chose a few items and hurried home.

I showered, dressed, and prepared myself. Waiting in my room, and seeing he hadn't come, I went to find him. Luca informed me that Damon was furious and didn't want to be disturbed. Despite my insistence, he urged me back to my room, promising Damon would join me later. His assurance lacked conviction. I returned to my room, burying myself under the covers, impatiently checking the clock, staring at the door, awaiting Damon's arrival. Hours passed. He didn't come. This belongs to NovelDrama.Org: ©.