BOUNDED

CHAPTER 9

Morning light filtered through the curtains as I finally decided to confront Clara. Cause why not? It's a matter about my life, Dair's life.

 I went down in the kitchen. Her calm demeanor belied the storm raging within me.

"Clara," I began, my voice trembling with the hurt and confusion that had kept me awake through the night. "We need to talk."

She turned from the stove, her expression composed yet guarded. "Of course, Amber. What is it?"

"I found your notes," I continued, struggling to keep my voice steady. "The ones about me, about Dair, about everything you've been hiding."

A flicker of surprise crossed Clara's features before she met my eyes with a steady gaze. "Amber, I..."

"Don't," I interrupted, my patience wearing thin. "Don't lie to me anymore. How long have you known about Dair and me? How long have you been keeping this from me?"

Clara sighed softly, her shoulders sagging slightly. "Since the day we met, Amber. I've known since then or you can say even before that."

"Why?" I demanded, my frustration bubbling over. "Why would you keep this from me?"

Clara hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "It's not just about Dair and you. There are forces at play here that are beyond your understanding, you both are part of something big and I've been investigating, trying to help you."

"Investigating?" I repeated incredulously. "What do you mean?"

Clara sighed again, her gaze flickering with regret. "I can't tell you everything right now, I can't break orders given by the higher ups. But please believe me when I say that I never meant to hurt you."

"You've been lying to me, Clara, and you have hurt me enough" I said bitterly, the weight of her betrayal settling heavily in my chest.

"I know," Clara whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "And I'm sorry."

Silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken regrets and fractured trust. 

" What about Dr. Stevenson? Did he also know everything?" 

Clara nodded silently " He is a partner with me and we are investigating on this together,  when I suggest you to take his help, it was all a part of our plan so that we could know whatever is happening with you." she said softly. 

" I never expect this from you. You know how much I trusted you!! It feels like that the care and worry you always showed was all fake!!" I burst out, rage already filling me.

I turned away and stormed to my room to gather my thoughts. The truth I had sought had been laid bare, but the wounds of betrayal ran deep. And as I closed the door behind me, I knew that the road ahead would be fraught with difficult choices and painful revelations.

Hours passed in a haze of conflicted emotions. When I could no longer bear the weight of uncertainty, I found myself walking aimlessly through the familiar streets, seeking solace in the quiet rhythm of the city.

Eventually, my footsteps led me back to Dair's doorstep. The sun had begun its descent, casting long shadows across the sidewalk as I hesitated before knocking. Seconds stretched into eternity before the door swung open, revealing Dair's concerned expression.