Chapter 75: Chapter 75

Waking up in the morning with an unpleasant feeling, she greeted again the beautiful woman with slightly messy hair. Sitting on the edge of the bed, her head spun around what had just been dropped into her life. Indeed, she was covering up and would continue to try to cover up. Not thinking about how many risks were involved unless... that annoying kid came back.

Once again, Clara grabbed her hair in frustration. Since returning to the apartment yesterday, her mind had been a mess. Biting her nails as a form of release. Sometimes, screaming out of frustration, her peace-filled day and her almost achieved goal just vanished.

She needed to calculate.

Right.

She nodded to confirm her thoughts. She swiftly threw off the blanket and headed to the bathroom. She hoped that the cold water pouring down would wash away the anger that hadn't left her yet. Clara couldn't lose. Her goal was just a step away. Whether that kid returned or gained power, it didn't matter. She only cared about one thing and wanted the powerful man in her heart to be hers.

Completely.

Just like the most beautiful night they had ever spent together. It didn't matter if, since then, the man had been avoiding her. At least, he wasn't keeping too much distance from her. That was enough for her. He also agreed to any request she had regarding all the concepts of the upcoming marriage.

Done. That's all she wanted. She had done everything to ensure that the girl she felt like crushing could still breathe until now. But... oh God! Couldn't that girl just be removed forever? Her existence messed up her heart, which used to be filled with happiness. Initially.

However... she couldn't deny that yesterday's conversation had a significant impact on her. Very significant.

"Are you sure you don't want to talk about what you did to Fathia?"

Under the water pouring directly onto her head, she remembered the conversation that took place yesterday between her and the woman she admired. Larasati Claire.

"Fathia? I don't understand what Aunt means." Clara tried hard to contain the sudden turmoil. Her heart was engulfed in fear that was choking her even more.

"Is that so?" At first, Laras closed her eyes as if savoring her cup of tea. Now, those eyes were wide open. Sharp, staring intently at her conversational partner. "Did you deliver my message?"

"Did Fathia meet with Aunt?" Clara asked, trying to normalize her expression. She had to stay calm. She couldn't rush or tremble facing Laras now. Usually, they talked casually, although occasionally Laras would inquire about her niece.

Sometimes, Clara envied everything Fathia got. Sebastian's attention and affection, not to mention the protection that the girl unwittingly carried out, which Clara did only because... oh my God, if it weren't for such a huge debt of gratitude, Clara might not even want to get involved in reporting everything Fathia did while with Sebastian.

And...

Clara didn't expect that Sebastian could ensnare her heart like this. Allowing herself to be dragged so strongly by the allure of the thirty-five-year-old man. Despite his cold and rigid demeanor, Clara knew that Sebastian still had a heart as warm as spring. Proof of this was how gentle he became when he looked at Fathia.

Why couldn't she push Fathia aside? Looking at it from a visual and age perspective, they were far apart. But... it was all just a beautiful illusion that Clara couldn't easily break through. She had tried multiple times, but only failure greeted her. Give up? Of course not. The public knew that they were in a relationship. Based on that, Clara ruthlessly ensnared Sebastian. Exploiting the situation was the most effective way to silence him. Even though... she felt a pain that grew over time, making her resent the child who was always under the watchful eye of the man.

Fathia Bernessa Claire.

Even until now.

"Why did Fathia have to meet with me?"

Clara blinked slowly. She felt like she was thrown back into a conversation from when they were still in the introduction stage. When they still used formal language. Clara chose to stay silent, trying to enjoy the drink that was prepared for her. Sipping slowly while considering many possibilities.

"You haven't answered my question, Clara."

The woman swallowed with difficulty. "I still don't understand what Aunt means."

"Don't let me find out from someone else, Clara."

Again, Clara struggled to compose herself to appear as though she was hiding nothing. "There's nothing, Aunt. Clara did as Aunt wanted. Keeping an eye on Fathia from a distance, making sure she's safe, and giving regular updates to Aunt, right? What's the matter that Aunt is asking like this?"

"Why did Fathia come back now?"

Clara froze for a moment. "You mean... she met with Aunt? Is that true?"

Laras let out a soft sigh. "You know what I said, right? Someone's return doesn't necessarily mean they met with you, Clara. Use your brain."

Truly, for as long as Clara had known Larasati Claire, the woman always spoke with a gentle and authoritative tone. Nothing disrespectful had ever come out of her mouth, nor did she use a tone that cornered someone like this. Never.

"Have you told Fathia what I asked you to convey?"

This time, her breath was constricting. Clara wished she could break free from the sudden suffocation. She remembered what Fathia needed to know, which she had kept hidden because it would be the main trigger for Fathia's return.

What about her? She didn't want that girl to return. It was enough that she was just there. Dealing with her flower shop.

"Answer, Clara."

The tone was low, but for Clara, it was enough to leave her breathless. She didn't dare to meet the gaze of her conversational partner.

"Even though it's something so important, Clara. And I entrusted it to you."

Once again, Clara was stunned.

"I never forbade you from having a relationship with Sebastian. That's not my concern. But what I want is for Fathia to stay alive and get what she deserves. Not to feel like she's being pushed aside."

The air around Clara was making her even tenser. The cool breeze that touched her skin couldn't alleviate the tension she felt now. Was... her plan discovered?

"Do you still remember my message?"

Slowly, Clara nodded.

"What?" For this matter, Laras was genuinely disappointed. She fully trusted Clara. She knew that the beautiful woman in front of her was pursuing the love and attention of Fathia's legal guardian, her niece. But that didn't mean she ignored her responsibilities, did it?

"Don't come back until Aunt Laras picks you up," Clara muttered.

"And?"

Clara remained silent.

"I've finally realized that you're not someone I can trust anymore. Don't blame me if in two days, all your assets are seized because your contract is terminated and you have to pay a large penalty."

For the first time since feeling pressured to talk with Laras, Clara lifted her gaze. She looked at the middle-aged woman with an incredulous expression. "Aunt would really do that?"

Laras shrugged.

"I could threaten Aunt back if the mastermind behind all this is Larasati Claire. And Aunt," Clara started to chuckle joyfully as the thought struck her. Right. She could use that as a counter threat. She wasn't dumb. Laras had cornered her wrongly. She could shout for joy now. That would be nice. "Aunt can't escape the law."

The meticulously crafted forgery devised by Laras and executed... by her.

Instantly, it made her widen her eyes. She stared in disbelief at what had just crossed her mind. Everything she had done, in her name. Even the payment to silence anyone who might speak about this truth came from her. There was only one conversation she couldn't eavesdrop on because it was done discreetly, similar to whispers, between the hospital staff and Laras.

Oh... don't forget when she met the victim whose name was used for Fathia, all the matters that Clara handled. Suddenly, she was terrified by the threat she had just launched. She wasn't entangling Laras, she was preparing her own neck to be cut.

Damn!

Just for the sake of achieving her goal, she forgot how fragile and dangerous the risks she was taking were. Damn. Damn. Damn. Cursing in her heart felt pointless. Everything had already happened.

"Do you understand what you've done?"

Clara couldn't say a word.

"And why didn't you convey it?"

Clara's lips remained sealed. A sequence in her mind began to search for reasons and many arguments she had to present for this question. Arguments she hadn't prepared as weapons because her heart had already been rejoicing too soon. Especially with all the acceptance Sebastian gave. Even though he was still the same, cold and unwilling to be touched by her. She didn't care, as long as her impending marriage was in sight.

"Why?" Laras asked again. This time was making her short of breath. "Answer, Clara. I need an answer, not you standing here like a statue."

Without shame, Clara had pawned that feeling when she accepted all the help Laras had extended before. So, she could shine like she was now. If Laras could make her shine, it wasn't impossible for Clara Jasson's name to be at stake when the truth was revealed. She rose from her seat. She knelt down while trying to place her hand on Laras' gracefully sitting thigh.

However, she faced rejection.

"What do you want?" Laras asked with a furrowed brow.

"I'm sorry, Aunt. I was wrong," Clara tried again. To coax Laras into not scolding her and acting behind her back.

"What I need... is an answer. Not apologies."

Tears welled up in her eyes. Clara still didn't want to rise from her kneeling position. Hoping the suffocating aura around her would dissipate for a moment so she could take in as much air as possible. She didn't care if her makeup was starting to smudge.

"I believe in you, Clara. Seriously. I see you as a mirror of my younger self. I made you shine bright just the way you wanted, right? Did I break my promise back then?"

Slowly, Clara shook her head.

"What do I get?"

"Sorry, Aunt."

"The answer, Clara. The answer."

Tears welled up again. She was scared. Because truly, Larasati wasn't a match for her. In a single blow, Clara could lose everything. She didn't want that to happen. Despite the fact that Laras had contributed a lot to her achievements, she didn't want all of that to leave her. No.

"I never told Fathia about Aunt's message for her."

Laras, who was still sitting calmly, seemed ready to hear Clara's answer. She raised her cup slowly, took another sip of its contents. "Every action has a reason, Clara. And you? What's the reason?" She placed the cup down with a slow movement. Her eyes returned to the woman who still hadn't risen from her position.

"Sebastian, Aunt. I... I'm... I'm afraid Fathia will win Sebastian over again."

A small chuckle escaped Laras' lips. Clara could clearly see it because she dared to look up now. Laras seemed to be staring at something beyond reach. Pondering something far away, perhaps in a realm of thoughts or memories Clara couldn't fathom.

"Your love is an obsession, Clara. You need to realize that from now on."

"But—"

Laras raised her hand, indicating that she didn't want any interruptions. "Obsessions can narrow your mind. Is there any good in having an obsession like the one you claim is rooted in love? Is that so?"

Clara looked at Laras with a puzzled expression.

"Perhaps... if your plan succeeds, you could trap Sebastian in the blind love you possess. But remember one thing, Clara." Laras gently pulled Clara's arm, guiding her to sit closer. Ignoring the soft thank-you that came from Clara. "The heart always knows where it belongs. It withdraws and accepts all that welcomes it."

Clara contemplated for a while. "What about Aunt herself?"

The middle-aged woman smiled slightly. Again, her eyes didn't meet Clara's. "Me? Why me?"

"Isn't... Aunt also involved in her own obsession?"

That smile didn't fade. "At the beginning. That's why I warned you not to feel what I felt."

The pause Laras created before speaking further made Clara think.

"Where I created two people who loved each other, only to be torn apart. One accepted, while the other rejected vehemently. Replaced it with vengeance, mercilessly. What should've been directed towards me, but he knew how to toy with my heart."

Clara blinked slowly. She processed those words carefully, piecing them together, even though in reality she couldn't fully understand because she knew so little about Laras' personal matters.

"Slowly killing me by making leaves fall from the tree that once stood tall. And now, it's time to end this obsession."

Laras looked intently at Clara.

"I hope you understand. Obsession is the most painful form of self-destruction."