Chapter 12: Chapter 12

CLARA stayed there for a few more days, falling in love with Fuego and the people surrounding him. They taught her how to make their famous pies, feed the chicken on the poultry farm and harvest eggs.

She never took riding a horse seriously, though. She preferred riding with Fuego because she loved being close to him, with or without clothes.

They drove around the city and nature and took every opportunity to make love. Clara thought that was the happiest days of her life ever since leaving her family.

“Are you really leaving tomorrow?” Fuego asked as they lay on his bed, just hugging and cuddling.

“I hate to leave, and I am not sure if I could return here sooner, but I have to.” Clara smiled sadly as she pressed her cheek against his chest. “I have a business to run, remember?” And there was Aunt Carlota who knew nothing about her little escapade. She still could not tell Fuego the very reason she went with him in this paradise of a place.

“You came here wanting to escape your life even for a short while. I hope you felt better now.”

“I did not just feel better. I was the happiest after staying here. I wish I could stay here forever.”

“Then stay.”

“If things were easier, I would.”

THEY BOTH woke up early the next day. Fuego went downstairs to help Emerisa prepare breakfast while Clara packed her stuff.

It felt heavy inside to leave. She felt more at home here than back at Aunt Carlota’s mansion.

Clara noticed Fuego’s pants on the floor. It must have fallen off from the backrest of the single sofa. She went to pick it up, and something thick dropped from the pocket. It was Fuego’s wallet.

Out of curiosity, Clara opened it, and Fuego’s driver’s license welcomed her. She smiled. He even looked gorgeous in a black and white photo.

But what she saw next shocked her. Fuego’s last name was ‘del Mar.’

Her hand could not help trembling as she read his name over and over again. That explained the resemblance she noticed the first time she saw Josef del Mar’s enlarged photo. She could not be mistaken. They were related.

She hastily put his wallet back in the pocket. She retreated to the bed, her body cold and trembling in tension.

CLARA did not know how to compose herself after the discovery. She did not want Fuego to suspect her. But the coincidence was insane! She slept with her prospect husband’s relative!

But it was not her choice to make, though. It was Aunt Carlota’s decision.

She wanted only Fuego.

Clara took a deep breath. But she jumped at the knock on the door. It opened and revealed Fuego, handsome as ever in his ruffled hair.

“Are you done packing?”

She nodded at once and forced a smile.

“Are you all right? You look pale.” He closed the door and sauntered toward her.

Clara stood up and threw herself into his arms at once.

“Clara?” Fuego uttered, his tone was laced with concern. “Is there any problem?”

Clara cleared her throat. She felt like crying in an instant.

“I’m just sad that I’m leaving, ” she said. And it pained her that she had to lie to him, to the man who made her feel happy, to Fuego, who had been her knight-in-shining-armor since day one.

Fuego chuckled as he stroked her hair.

“You know you can always change your mind.”

She faked a laugh.

“M-my staff already missed me.”

“I HATE to see you leave, Clara. Will you come back sooner?” Emerisa said as they stood outside the house.

“I-I hope so, ” she said as she fought back the silly tears that started to well up her eyes. “I’m already anxious to leave.”

Emerisa laughed as she pulled Clara into her arms.

“Take care, both of you. We’ll see each other soon. Let’s claim it.”

“Yes, of course.” Clara nodded as she pressed Emerisa’s back.

She pulled away and felt Fuego’s arm behind her.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Y-yes. Good-bye, Emerisa.”

“See you soon, Clara.”

CLARA took a deep breath as the truck traveled down the road. She hated the fact that she had to face reality now.

“What’s wrong?” Fuego asked as he glanced at her.

“Nothing.” She smiled as she stared at his side profile. “Thank you for everything, Fuego. Because of you, something happened to my boring life. For a moment, I felt that my life was not bad after all.” She drew a breath once again.

“Are you sure nothing’s wrong?” His eyebrows were scrunched.

She nodded with a smile. But her heart twinged with pain.

Why Fuego, of all people?