Chapter 86 - CLARA -

I ran out of the house as fast as I could, trying my best not to cry. "Where is the garbage area?" I asked a maid I saw, and she directed me there. Without wasting time, I searched for the bag containing Damon's office trash. Luckily, it was on top. I immediately grabbed the bag and returned to Damon's office. He and Luca stared at me with wide eyes. Before he could speak, I ripped open the bag and dumped its contents on the floor.

"There, you have your trash back. I'm moving in with Delilah," I muttered, glaring at him before walking away.

"Clara," Damon called, running after me. He grabbed my hand, and I sighed, halting. "What do you want? Haven't you insulted me enough?" I asked, without turning, hearing him sigh.

"I didn't mean to react like that. I just…"

"No, Damon, you did mean to react like that. Is this what you meant when you said we should start over? When are you going to stop hurting me? I just wanted to be a good wife and help relieve your stress. I know catching this perpetrator is taking a toll on you, but don't you dare take it out on me!" I muttered, yanking my hand away before running to Delilah's house. I turned around, frowning when I didn't see Damon. "That bastard," I muttered, wiping away my tears angrily before banging on Delilah's door.

Delilah paused mid-sentence upon opening the door and seeing me. "Clara? Is something wrong?" she asked worriedly.

"Damon and I fought again," I murmured. She sighed, pulling me inside. I told her everything as she held me.

"Maybe I shouldn't have brought the little boy home? I think Damon doesn't like him here," I murmured softly. She sighed.

"Listen, before you, Damon could barely tolerate Luca. Now, I'm not justifying his actions—he was wrong to yell at you when you were trying to help—but my brother isn't used to all this. He often doesn't know how to react. It's not about the little boy; Damon is under a lot of stress."

I sighed. "I know, and that's why I tried to relieve his stress, but I just got yelled at."

"The two of you argue about something new every week. I don't know if it's because you're so alike or so different," she murmured.

I scoffed. "If you think I'm like your brother, you're indirectly calling me a jerk and a narcissist."

She was about to respond when we heard a knock. Before we could react, the door opened, revealing Damon and Luca.

"Shit, I forgot to lock the door," Delilah muttered, while I glared at Damon, who was staring at me.

12:01 Tue, 2 Jul Chapter 86

"Let's talk, Clara," he murmured.

"I have nothing to say to you. By the way, I'll be staying with Delilah for now because I can't stand your presence," I muttered, turning away. I heard him sigh.

"Delilah, out now," he ordered. She scoffed.

"This is my house, you…"

"Delilah, let's give them space," Luca interjected. Delilah stood, gave me a sorry look, and left, leaving me alone with Damon.

"Don't come any closer, I might punch you," I muttered as he approached slowly. Despite my threat, he continued until he was in front of me. He squatted, taking my hand. I turned my head but didn't pull away.

"I thought you weren't going to come after me," I murmured. He chuckled.

"I'm always going to come after you because you're my wife, and I'm sorry for my reaction. I'm not used to anyone touching my things, and I know you're free to. I wasn't thinking straight, but I know better now. Please be patient with me, Clara. I'm trying my best."

I frowned. "I just want you to stop making me cry, Damon." He sighed, sat on the couch, pulling me onto his lap.

"It won't happen again, I promise. I've handed the case over to Luca, so I can focus on our relationship. How does that sound?"

I stared at him, sighing before wrapping my arms around him. I was done for; I couldn't stay angry at him for long. I was utterly in love with Damon Donovan.

"I won't forgive you that easily," I murmured. He chuckled. "I know that. I have a dinner reservation for us tonight—our first official date."

My eyes widened. "Where?"

"It's a surprise. Luca and Delilah went to pick out an outfit for you. Don't be sad anymore; I don't like it," he murmured.

"My husband is such a pain, I can't help but be sad," I uttered. He kissed my cheek.

"He promises to change. Scout's honor," he said, hand on his chest. I snorted but couldn't help smiling.

"I'm sorry for dumping trash in your office, but you deserved it," I murmured. He nodded. "I did. Will you go home with me, wife?"

I nodded immediately. "Of course, husband, but you have to carry me," I muttered. He immediately scooped me into his arms.

"How could I let my queen walk on this soil? The ground isn't worthy of you," he murmured playfully.

"Neither are you, but here you are, carrying me," I muttered jokingly. He winced. "You wound my heart, wife. I'm going to have to punish you for that later."

"It depends on how well I'm treated tonight," I murmured. He chuckled. "Don't worry, by the end of the night, you'll have fallen in love with me."

Too late!

The final section appears to be cut off mid-sentence. I've removed the website reference as it's irrelevant to the text itself.