Billionaires with Benefits

Chapter 83: Painful Decision

"Dad, you're not serious, are you?" Clara asked haltingly. "I am your daughter, dad! Your only daughter."

"Did you forget what you promised me?" Patrick snapped, piercing at her. "I let you pursue your dream-becoming a doctor-something that has nothing to do with the family business, on only one condition: you must marry Dave! Remember?"

"But-"

"No, buts!" Patrick yelled. "From the start, this marriage was never for love, if you feel you love Dave, that's just a bonus. I don't care about it!"

Patrick looked at Clara with a sharp gaze, making Clara paralyzed. Clara's mouth could only gape without arguing.

"Do you think that the world revolves around you?" Patrick snapped again. "Be a smart and useful woman. There are things far more important than just love ... and even ... fidelity. Everyone makes mistakes. Just forgive him!"

He tapped his daughter's shoulder and then walked away, leaving her stunned in miserable silence. Shortly after, the Johnsons came to Clara with regretful expressions plastered on their faces.

"Clara, we apologize for Dave's behavior that has disappointed you so much. However, I hope you can forgive him," Jack said, patting Clara's shoulders gently.

Marissa then hugged Clara tightly. She could feel that Clara was getting thinner. The problem was taking a toll on Clara. "Clara, as Dave's mom, I'm so embarrassed. But I'm sure my son will regret it and will never make the same mistake, dear. Please, forgive him. He loves you very much."

.....

Marissa and Jack then looked at their son who was standing not far behind them. With eye signals, they ordered Dave to come closer.

"Clara, I know you won't be able to forgive me quickly. However, I will dedicate the rest of my life to get your forgiveness," Dave whispered sincerely, about to hug Clara.

However, Clara quickly swatted Dave's hands away, pushed him away, and said, "Go! You must know that I don't want to hear anything from you."

Dave sighed and pursed his lips in disappointment to see Clara, who didn't even want to look at him. He gave a bitter smile and left his lover with a heavy heart.

Only Linda said nothing. She just hugged her daughter and patted her back lightly, hoping that it could soothe Clara's pain.

***

Meanwhile, Lea was very confused. The doctor said that her mother's heart transplant operation had to be done immediately. For that, she should prepare two million dollars. Where would she get that much money from?

"Lea, what should we do?" asked Sarah, Lea's sister. Sarah was the only one Lea told about their mother's real condition. The others didn't know the details at all.

Lea just shook her head. Her puffy eyes could no longer shed tears.

"Lea, you have to borrow the money from William!" Sarah said half forcefully.

"What do you think, are we going to repay the debt? Do you think that's a small amount?" Lea snapped at her sister and made the girl almost jump in shock.

"He's a gazillionaire, right? That kind of money must not be much for him!" Sarah argued, challenging Lea with a bold look.

"Are you dumb or something? I'm nothing to him anymore! How could I borrow that much money?" Lea yelled in annoyance.

"This is for mom, Lea!" Sarah insisted.

Leah hissed hopelessly. She couldn't beg William after the terrible thing she did to separate him from Paula. He must hate her for that.