Chapter 25: Chapter 25
“AN EGG pie is a great partner for coffee. What do you think, Clara?” Felicia said as she retrieved a box of pie from the refrigerator.
The scent of coffee began to fill the kitchen. Clara’s heart twitched as Felicia opened the box on the counter. It was the same egg pie she longed for.
“You miss this, don’t you?”
Clara gaped as she stared at Felicia.
“I’m not going to lie anymore. I already knew you because of Fuego.”
She was left dumb-founded.
“It was crazy how he talked so much about you one second, and the next second, things had fallen apart just like that. I thought you were the one for him. Now, you’re with Josef.”
“Josef and I are just friends, M-Ma’am,” Clara said and swallowed the imaginary lump in her throat.
“How sure are you that Josef isn’t going to fall for you? I bet you did not tell him about Fuego. Are you going to break Josef’s heart, too? State your intention, young lady, so I could tell you I’m not going to let you do that.”
Clara bit her lower lip as she felt her body tremble.
“I-it’s far from that, Ma’am. I’m sorry. I have a complicated life, and I could not bear to involve Fuego and Josef. I did not mean to hurt your son’s feelings. If I had known that he’s coming, I would have declined the invitation.”
“Then, you perfectly understand that Fuego and Josef do not deserve a woman who does know what she wants. Right, Clara?”
Clara drew a breath and nodded.
“Don’t get me wrong. I really like you. I would love to welcome you to our family if things were a little different. But if this will only ruin Fuego and Josef’s relationship, I don’t think it should go on.”
Clara clutched her fist as her heart squeezed in pain.
“Ma.”
Clara jumped and turned at the sound of Fuego’s voice. He was standing at the kitchen door, looking stern and cold.
“What’s happening?”
Clara avoided his gaze.
“Nothing, son. I’m just giving Clara a piece of advice. You know how much I wanted to have a daughter, right?”
“It does not look like to me.”
Clara drew another breath and forced a smile.
“S-she’s right. I’d definitely remember that, Ma’am.”
“I’m going to take the pie outside. You can help Clara serve the coffee if you want. She would appreciate it.”
Felicia took the box and smiled at Clara before leaving.
She was supposed to sigh in relief because Felicia left, but she had to deal with Fuego this time. It looked like her world had gotten smaller.
Clara put the small cups on the counter and started pouring coffee in each of them.
“What did she tell you?”
She shook her head without throwing him a glance.
“Did she intimidate you?”
“She did not. All I heard were nice things, actually. Your mother is a great woman. I could see that.”
Too bad I don’t deserve to be a part of her family, she thought bitterly.
She put the cups on the tray and lifted it, but her hands were just shaky.
“I’ll carry it,” Fuego said.
“T-thank you.”
“WILL YOU be all right, Clara? You don’t mind driving alone?” Jose asked as they prepared to leave.
“Don’t worry about me, Sir. I’m already used to it,” Clara said politely.
“Your future husband is very lucky. See you again sooner.”
Clara smiled reluctantly. She was sincerely pleasured to hear it from Mr. del Mar himself, but she doubted it if Felicia would agree.
“I-I hope so, Sir. Thank you so much.”
“Call me once you get home, okay?” Josef said.
“I will. Drive safely.”
Clara did not move when Josef gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“And you, Fuego, go home straight right away.”
“I will, Papa.” Fuego hugged Jose and kissed his cheek. That gesture was very unusual, but to Clara, it meant deeper. Fuego loved and respected his parents more than anyone else in this world. “See you later, Mama.” Fuego wrapped Felicia in a long, tight embrace.
When Josef’s car left, Clara turned and sauntered toward her car. She could not wait to drive away from that place, from Fuego, and from everything.
But before she could even reach for the door of her car, Fuego grabbed her and hugged her from behind. Clara froze in shock.
In the next instant, she could feel her heart melting as she realized how much she missed him.
Fuego buried his face in her hair.
“W-what are you doing, Fuego?”
“I missed you. Don’t you feel the same?” he whispered, his voice desperate and longing.
“L-let go, please...” she uttered, her voice barely audible.
“Come back to me, Clara.”
“F-Fuego, what are you saying?” Clara tried to break free from his arms, but he would not let go.
She was making a fool of herself again. She knew Fuego’s arms were the place she only ever wanted to be. And it was the same place she was not supposed to stay.
But if this will only ruin Fuego and Josef’s relationship, I don’t think it should go on.
Felicia’s words still rang in her ears even up to that moment. She was right. She had no place in Fuego or Josef’s life.
…Fuego and Josef do not deserve a woman who does know what she wants.
“This will be the last time I’ll beg of you,” he said. “Come back to me.”
“I have nothing to give you any more, can’t you see?” she spat as tears filled her eyes. “I-I will never be good enough for you or for anyone else like I was never good enough for my aunt and my family. Why did they send me away just like that? I was always a burden. I will never be enough. Not even for myself. I’m sorry, Fuego. You have so many people around you, loving you, and protecting you. You don’t need me. You can live without me. But please…” Clara shut her eyes as her body trembled. “P-please don’t hate me. You’re the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me.”