I Need Your Warmth (Original, English Version)

Chapter 16 - Clara Regan

I know I should believe him. He's more trustworthy than my whole family combined. The irony. So, why can't I bring myself to go to him? I clutched my hair and groaned.

My mind is playing tricks. I believe him when he said nothing happened, but hearing Cindy say that something did happen... that irritates the hell out of me. I feel unsettled inside. I can't face him yet.

Allen had his assistant bring my car back home and I managed to go out Friday to get myself a new number. Right now, I've only made it available to some co-workers. People I really need communication with for existing projects. And of course, that means Axel Evans, Allen's brother. I did save his number on my new digits but I haven't messaged him yet.

Saturday night, I made a ceremony on disposing my old number. I promised myself I wouldn't be considering them family anymore. They aren't. Blood relations doesn't justify a family member. I declared in my head: I have no mom, no dad, no stepmom, no half-sister, and no half-brother. I grimaced. I think my father knows where I live, and I'm unsure whether he shared the information to his wife and children. If they can't reach my number, what are the odds they're going to show up at my place?

I think long and hard about it. I should get a new apartment.

I showed up to work on Monday. Given everything I went through in the last week, I do look tired. People could misinterpret that as me being previously sick. If I'm honest, I do feel a bit under the weather. I managed to focus on work.

Though I'm unsure how to face Axel, I don't see him often unless I have a report to make. I checked my calendar and I had to meet him on Wednesday afternoon. Progress report. I need to prepare the progress report.

Tuesday night, the one thing I dreaded happened. The wife was waiting for me in front of my apartment. Oh, she didn't insist on coming in. Instead, she had me sit with her on their car. I decided not to say anything. One of these days I'll find a different place to move into. Hopefully by next week.

"It's good that you're no longer seeing Allen. But we missed your presence over the weekend. Your father found someone for you. I think you will be a good match. His family owns a textile company. They're highly successful." She stated. Nothing new, but I wonder if we have the same definition of highly successful? Probably not. To her, as long as someone has money to spend, she sees him as a successful individual. It didn't matter if it comes from loans or borrowings.

I only gave her a bored look. She's used to it, but it still irritates her. She wants to see me riled up and losing control, which I used to do when I was a kid.

She said the usual things about my mother being a whore. I don't even know her. She added the usual tirade about how I couldn't live up to father's expectations. Internally, I rolled my eyes at that. What expectations? I'm not even a recognized daughter in public. I am a secret. Then, she went on to compare me to Cindy, her perfect and lovely daughter. Why are some people too blind to the flaws of their loved ones? I shouldn't. I wouldn't. I already made a decision to not associate with him. Just as soon as I find a new apartment.

She just has to rub everything in before she's satisfied. It has no special meaning. That's what she always does. I'm not sure if it makes her feel better about herself. I'm almost tempted to rub it in her face that someone else caught her husband's attention. I paused as I realized her intent. She was making it out as if I am her, with Cindy stealing my boyfriend. I pursed my lips as I try not to snap. Just bear it for a few more minutes, Clara.

When I couldn't take her anymore, I had to excuse myself.

"I'm sorry, but I'm feeling sick. I think I'm going to throw up." I do feel that way but for a different reason. I'm sick of her. She didn't stop me when I actually retched right outside the car. They're gone in minutes.