STORM - (Intersex)

CHAPTER 18

CLARA

This weekend, it's mostly been just me and Eli. I've been giving him to Fran for a few hours here and there so Tyler can see him, but it still hurts—everything feels so confusing. I don't know how to process it all, and I think Eli can sense it. He's been crying more than usual, but when he comes back from Fran's, he seems calmer.

Eli's been crawling a lot lately, and he's fast.

As I worked in my office, he crawled around, exploring every corner of the room. But he never made a mess—he just picked things up and put them back, his little personality shining through. His hair's been growing out, and I'm thinking of leaving it as it is. It suits him.

I've blocked Tyler's number because I just couldn't handle the calls. Fran keeps looking at me with hope in her eyes, but it hasn't helped. All I can focus on now is work.

----

It's Monday morning, and I drop Eli off at daycare before heading to the office. As I walk in, I notice people staring, but I'm used to it. Today, I'm wearing a tight red dress that hugs my curves, with a V-cut that puts my chest on full display. A black trench coat, heels, and sunglasses complete the look.

Is it just me, or do clothes really help when you're in a bad mood?

I step into the elevator, about to press the button when Terry rushes in.

"Hey, boss! How's everything?" he asks, flashing a genuine smile. I can tell he's unaware of everything that's been going on.

"It's been... good," I reply, offering a small smile in return. "How about you? How's work been?"

"We finished everything. It was hell, but Ty really pulled through. Poor girl needs a holiday!" he says with another big grin.

I smile weakly and nod, my heart heavy with the mention of Tyler.

"You know, one time, she was so submerged in her work that when Michelle and I tried talking to her, she didn't even respond. This went on for hours—no food, just work. Honestly, I might just buy her lunch to make her take a break!" Terry laughs softly, but the mention of Michelle's name leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

"I see you guys are getting closer. You, Tyler, and... the girl," I say, my tone carefully neutral.

"Ty and I, sure. But I'm not really a fan of Michelle. And honestly, neither is Ty. She annoys her to death," he laughs again, and I can't help but smile at the thought of Tyler's annoyed face. It's almost cute in a way.

Terry finally gets off at his floor, waving as he goes. I wave back, but as I reach my floor, I'm greeted by an unexpected and unwelcome presence.

"What do you want, Mark?" I say through gritted teeth as he stands near Nat's desk, then follows me inside my office. I shrug off my trench coat and sit down at my desk, his eyes lingering on me far longer than they should. "My eyes are up here."

"Oh, yeah, sorry," he says, clearing his throat. If Mark weren't such a dick most of the time, maybe there could've been something—once—but Tyler was always better. Or at least, I thought so.

"What do you want, Mark?" I ask again, my patience wearing thin.

"I know you have a kid and all, but I'm willing to be a real dad for him. I'd treat you like the queen you are," he says, his words catching me off guard.

I stare at him in shock. This can't be the same idiot from before, right? Small-dick energy Mark?!

"What?!"

"I love you, Clara... please, give me a chance," he pleads, his voice filled with an earnestness that makes my stomach turn.