Heh-

Seriously? Checking me out while accusing me of straying?

Clara awkwardly grabbed a tissue, dabbing her nose as she mumbled, "It's just the hormones. Pregnancy does that."

"You sure it's the heat? Not just. excitement?" Ethan didn't bother softening his words.

Clara: "."

The intensity of his stare made her snap. She crumpled the tissue and tossed it aside.

"I'm hungry. Weren't you the one who said you can't starve your kid? So what are we waiting for? Let's go eat," she said, her tone edged with annoyance.

With that, she turned and walked off without looking back.

Ethan let out an amused breath, as if her irritation had somehow brightened his mood.

In just a few strides, he caught up to her.

Clara glanced down at their joined hands but said nothing.

Soon they were in the car. As the engine hummed to life and they pulled away from the villa, Ethan finally looked over at Clara.

"If you're that into me, you could've just said so. No need for the nosebleed," he remarked, completely deadpan.

Clara: "."

What a damn perv.

Silence settled over the car once more.

Only now, Ethan's hand was fully wrapped around hers. He twisted their fingers together, resting them casually on the armrest as they drove smoothly toward their destination.

...

Inside the car,

Clara broke the silence. "Shouldn't I at least know who's going to be there tonight? That way I won't say anything stupid and accidentally offend your guests."

Clara was naturally cautious.

Especially since anyone dining with Ethan was bound to be someone influential.

She didn't want to embarrass herself-or worse, him. It only made sense to be prepared.

Ethan shot her a sidelong glance. "People you've met."

Clara frowned. "Huh?"

Who could she possibly know?

Before she could figure it out, Ethan added, "Graham and the others."

Oh-

That shut her up real quick.

Yeah, she definitely knew them.

Fiona had always been close to Ethan, so naturally, Clara had crossed paths with Graham and that circle.

But Clara had always known her place. She was well aware that Ethan's friends weren't exactly her biggest fans.

In their eyes, Fiona had come first-Clara was just the replacement.

Early on, Graham and the others had been politely distant.

But once Fiona left the country upset and Clara stepped into the "wife" role, their attitudes shifted subtly.

Things grew colder. That quiet disapproval settled in.

She hadn't seen any of them since marrying Ethan.

Now, suddenly being dragged along to meet them again-in this situation? It felt off.

"What's wrong?" Ethan glanced over briefly.

Clara turned to him. "You're meeting Graham and the guys-why should I come along?"

Ethan didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the road.

Clara kept trying to reason with him, "You all end up smoking or drinking. What's a pregnant woman supposed to do there? It doesn't make sense. Plus, I've been tired lately. I could totally fall asleep halfway through. Wouldn't that be embarrassing?"

Ethan still didn't reply. The car continued moving smoothly forward.

Clara bit her lip, going for the final point: "And let's be real-if things get even a little awkward, you'll be stuck in the middle. That's not fair to you either, is it?"

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became.

Finally, she said seriously, "So I really should sit this one out, right?"

"Done talking?" Ethan said lightly, his tone flat.

Clara replied casually, "Yeah, all done."

Still not looking at her, Ethan asked evenly, "And how exactly is this situation making my life harder?"

Clara blinked. "Huh?"

Did she really have to spell it out? Wasn't he supposed to be sharp?

"You were pretty committed to playing the good little Mrs. Blackwood earlier. Pulled off quite the performance. What's with the cold feet now?" He finally turned to look at her. "Clara, what are you so afraid of?"

"I'm not afraid of anything," Clara shot back without hesitation.

Honestly, there wasn't much point in being scared.

If Ethan wasn't worried, why should she be?

She was just window dressing, a prop-nothing more.

"If you're not afraid, then let's go," Ethan said, sounding like he was closing the subject.

Fine. Let's go.

Clara didn't respond again.

The car soon pulled up outside the club.

Ethan got out first, tossed the keys to the valet, then came around to open her door.

There were moments when Ethan could be so damn gentlemanly, it almost made you melt.

But when he was being a jerk. oh, it really made you want to punch something.

Clara didn't make a fuss, stepping out calmly.

But as they walked inside, she noticed something-Ethan wasn't holding her hand anymore.

Seriously? Was he trying to avoid suspicion?

This guy really knew how to put on a show.

She didn't say anything, silently following him to the private room.

As the door cracked open, the sound of lively chatter drifted out.

Figures.

Sounded all too familiar.

Clara glanced up at Ethan instinctively.

She had a strong feeling-he'd brought her here on purpose.

Especially with Fiona in the mix.

Yet even with those thoughts swirling, Clara kept her cool.

The moment Ethan pushed the door open, everyone turned to look-including Fiona.

But Clara acted like none of them existed. She just gently tugged on Ethan's hand.

Ethan looked down. "What is it?"

She put on a soft, pitiful face-the kind she rarely used. Maybe only once, back in the elevator.

It made Ethan's tone soften.

"The air in here's kinda stuffy. I'm feeling a bit lightheaded. Can I hold your hand?" she asked, eyes wide and innocent.

Truth be told, Clara wasn't sure how he'd react.

Ethan always made sure Fiona stayed comfortable. Would he really walk in hand-in-hand with Clara?

But before she could overthink it, Ethan's hand was already wrapping around hers-steady and warm.

She blinked, and just like that, he was leading her inside.

The room quieted instantly. All eyes zeroed in on their linked hands.

Graham didn't say a word.

Even when Ethan used to show up with Fiona, he'd never been this publicly affectionate.

Doing it now? With Clara?

Well damn.

Fiona, of course, noticed. Her expression shifted through a whirlwind of emotions-it was quite a sight.

She stared, laser-focused.

And in Fiona's eyes, Clara saw it-bitterness.

But Clara just lifted her chin, meeting Fiona's gaze with pure defiance.

She hadn't signed up to be anyone's prop, and she wasn't about to act ashamed now.

If Fiona wanted to play sweet and innocent, Clara could do that in her sleep.

With a small squeeze of Ethan's hand, Clara pulled him just a little closer.

Ethan Blackwood frowned. "Not feeling well?"

Clara Walton shook her head. "Nope."

"Then what's wrong?" His voice held a tinge of concern, though he didn't seem to notice it himself.

Clara let out a soft "oh" before replying, "I just think Miss Barrington didn't really want to see me. Maybe. I shouldn't have come."

Her tone was so innocently pitiful it almost felt performative.

Even Graham Anderson shot her a sideways glance.

Fiona Barrington's face darkened further.

Ethan, however, didn't react as he turned to look at Clara.

Trying to keep her composure, Fiona forced a polite smile. "Of course not. Why wouldn't I welcome you? You are my sister, after all. my father's illegitimate daughter."

She was clearly trying to provoke Clara.

But all Clara did was smile.

"Yeah, and sis, you came back just to introduce your fiancé to the rest of us?" she said casually, brows arched, looking notably cheerful.

Fiona hadn't managed to get under Clara's skin-instead, she only angered herself.

The tension was palpable to everyone in the room.

Ethan remained silent. With him quiet, no one else dared speak-not even Graham.

Fiona was barely holding it together.

Back in the day, Ethan would never have brought Clara to an event like this-because Clara wasn't "worthy."

But now? He showed up hand in hand with her.

That. spoke volumes.

Was he trying to embarrass Fiona?

Even when Clara was subtly throwing shade, Ethan didn't say a word.

That silence practically threw Fiona under the bus.

Meanwhile, Clara calmly met Fiona's furious glare, then tilted her head to look up at Ethan.

She gently slipped her hand out of his.

Ethan noticed the empty space in his palm and frowned slightly.

Then came Clara's soft voice: "Honey, I think Miss Barrington genuinely doesn't want me around. Why don't you stay and enjoy the night? I'll have the driver take me home. We can do this another time."

A graceful exit.

It made Fiona look like the one throwing a tantrum.

Fiona finally snapped. "Stop pretending, Clara."

Clara blinked innocently. "Did I say anything untrue?"

"You-" Fiona had no comeback.

Clara smiled again, calm as ever. "Or. are you just in a great mood seeing me? Especially since I'm Mrs. Blackwood now?"

It was classic sugar-coated sarcasm-hitting all the right nerves.

Fiona's expression shifted completely this time. She turned to Ethan. "Ethan, you're really just going to let Clara bully me like this?"

That caught Clara's attention too.

Ethan replied coolly, "Did she say anything wrong?"

"Ethan, you-" Fiona's voice trembled with emotion.

The room fell into an awkward silence.

Graham finally couldn't take it anymore. "Alright, that's enough. Ethan, you're way out of line. You knew Fiona was coming back, and you still brought Clara? What, wanted to rub it in? You know what Fiona's been through."

Before he could finish, Fiona had already stormed off.

Ethan stayed rooted to the spot.

Graham shot him a disapproving look, then quickly went after Fiona.

Everyone else in the room found some excuse to leave-nobody wanted to get caught in the aftermath.

Except Clara, who stayed as nonchalant as ever, calmly snacking on fruit.

"Aren't you going after her? She looked really upset." Clara took a bite of watermelon. "If you go now, play the nice guy and say something sweet, she might just break down crying and run back to you."

She even thoughtfully planned out her husband's potential reconciliation with his ex. How considerate.

But Ethan just stood there, totally unfazed, hands in his pockets, towering over Clara as she casually took a seat.

"You did that on purpose," his tone left no room for doubt.

Well-duh. Even a fool could see that.

Clara didn't bother defending herself. She simply stabbed another chunk of melon, ready to pop it in her mouth when Ethan stopped her mid-bite.

Clara frowned. "Ethan, seriously?"

"It's not good for you. Too cold for someone pregnant," he said, voice low and steady.

Clara wanted to snap back with a 'not your problem,' but the look he gave her was enough to shut her up.

Still, the moment he looked away, she seized the chance and bit the melon straight off her fork.

Ethan: "."

Clara looked way too smug about it.

She'd taken such a big bite that juice dripped down the side of her mouth.

Ethan stared-until he let out a quiet, frustrated laugh.

Next thing she knew, he was tipping her chin up, eyes locked on hers. "Clara, seriously, are you trying to get on my nerves?"

"It's good watermelon," she said, completely ignoring the question.

Her lips moved slowly, deliberately.

The way she spoke almost felt like a tease.

Ethan's gaze darkened, and before either of them knew it, he dipped his head and kissed her.

Clara froze for a second.

Yep, they were kissing.

And with that sweet watermelon flavor lingering between them, the whole thing felt oddly. sensual?

"Close your eyes. Who kisses with their eyes wide open like that?" Ethan mumbled against her lips.

Alright, alright. Eyes closed.

Just like that, the mood shifted, and things easily slipped into something more heated. Neither of them noticed the door quietly creaking open behind them.

Graham had managed to talk Fiona into coming back.

But clearly, neither of them expected to walk in on this scene.

Fiona's face turned ghostly pale.

When Ethan finally noticed, Clara did too. He pulled away, and Clara just shrugged, suddenly way too calm.

While Ethan was still distracted, Clara sneakily reached for another piece of melon.

Ethan smacked her hand away, eyeing her like this wasn't just about watermelon-it was a whole warning: don't push it.

Clara only smiled.

Oh? Looks like Mr. Blackwood actually cares.

"I want to go home," Fiona suddenly said, turning to Graham.

Graham furrowed his brow, clearly reading the room. "Sure. I'll take you."

"Thanks." Fiona nodded.

Ethan stayed silent the whole time.

Soon, the two walked out, leaving him right where he stood.

"So. are we just gonna hang around here eating watermelon now?" Clara asked innocently.

"Home. Now," Ethan said flatly.

Fair enough. The show's over anyway-what were they supposed to stick around for?

Clara shrugged, got up cool as ever, and followed Ethan out. He didn't bother holding her hand this time.

Not that Clara cared.

On the way out, she suddenly needed the bathroom-guess the watermelon got to her.

She turned back mid-step.

Ethan didn't say anything.

After she finished and stepped out of the restroom, she unexpectedly ran into Fiona at the stairs.

Well, isn't that a coincidence.

Clara could only think-just great. Could this night get any messier?

Fiona Barrington shot Clara Walton a look that could kill.

But Clara? She wasn't the type to back down.

After three years of dealing with all those women Ethan Blackwood had around, Fiona was hardly a challenge.

Fiona only had the nerve to act so bold because Ethan allowed it. Without his protection, her tricks wouldn't even measure up to half of those other flings.

"Miss Barrington," Clara said with a calm smile, "you're in my way."

She nodded slightly, signaling for Fiona to move aside like a decent person.

"Feeling smug now?" Fiona snapped, staring daggers at her.

Clara remained unbothered. "Yeah, kinda. Since the man you care about most? He picked me. Thought you had it in the bag, huh? Bet it stings knowing I'm still Mrs. Blackwood."

The words weren't heated, but every syllable was a slap to Fiona's pride.

And of course, Fiona completely lost her temper.

She raised her hand, ready to strike.

Clara didn't flinch. Didn't even blink. "Go ahead. But do you really think you'll walk away from that looking good?"

That was a warning-clear as day.

Fiona hesitated, just for a second.

Clara's laugh was sharp. "Seriously, Fiona, who do you think you are, raising your hand to me?"

Fiona froze, startled by the shift.

As Clara stepped closer, Fiona instinctively backed up, step by step, until Clara was standing right in front of her.

This Clara was different-Fiona hadn't seen her like this before.

She remembered Clara as someone easy to bully. No say in the Barrington house, no say anywhere. Fiona used to push her around however she liked.

But now? Clara sent chills down her spine.

"What, scared now?" Clara sneered.

Fiona didn't even get a word out before Clara's next words landed like bricks.

"You're the one who spread lies about my mother, who pushed her into full-blown depression."

Fiona's face went pale. She looked at Clara in disbelief.

"You and the housekeeper drugged her. Turned her into someone who didn't even know who she was. If I hadn't caught it in time, she might've."

She didn't finish the sentence, but the silence said enough.

"And as if that wasn't enough," Clara went on, her gaze darkening, locked onto Fiona's eyes, "you spread rumors about me too. At school. Made it sound like I was chasing after my cousin, said I had a messy love life, even made up that I was pregnant before marriage."

She said it all in this eerily calm voice, but every word was like cutting glass.

Then Clara tilted her head, as if something else had just clicked. "Does Ethan even know it was you who shoved me into his bed back then?"

That one hit different-dripping with sarcasm.

Yes, Clara really had feelings for Ethan.

But she'd never cross a line like that. She knew what was right.

Fiona, though? She'd gone to crazy lengths. Just to test if Ethan would cave, she threw Clara straight into the fire.

Only, the whole thing blew up in Fiona's face.

Ethan didn't stop Fiona from leaving the country, and Clara? She ended up becoming Mrs. Blackwood.

"You're lying!" Fiona's voice was shaky, barely holding on.

Clara looked at her, face blank. "Do I look like I need to lie?"

The question hung in the air.

Fiona's frustration finally reached a boiling point. Her glare sharpened, zeroed in on Clara.

Clara Walton didn't plan to let Fiona Barrington off the hook that easily. "Fiona, aren't you scared that someday your pretty little face ends up all over the internet? You're still in the public eye. A scandal like that? Must be. thrilling, right?"

"Clara!" Fiona practically screamed.

Clara's face was unreadable. "Move."

She was itching to deal with Fiona-just not here, not now.

But Fiona wasn't budging. She kept blocking Clara's way, her face twisted with anger.

"You think any of this matters?" Fiona sneered. "You really believe Ethan will take your word over mine? Just because you're wearing the 'Mrs. Blackwood' tag, you think that gives you power? Newsflash, you're just a stand-in. Always have been."

She was yelling now, practically shaking.

Clara stood there, calm as ever, eyes cold and sharp. She wasn't about to waste energy on someone who'd been entitled and unhinged her whole life.

This wasn't the moment to settle scores.

But watching Fiona throw that tantrum? Clara couldn't help but smirk, voice dripping with irony. "So you're blocking my way just to deliver this little speech?"

Fiona choked on her words.

She was so angry that she started gasping-that kind of breathless rage that knots in the chest. The warning signs of an asthma attack were beginning to show.

Clara noticed.

Not like she was about to show mercy.

"Whether I'm happy or not doesn't matter. What does matter is, for now, I'm still Ethan's wife. Technically speaking." Clara's tone sharpened, "he's your brother-in-law."

Fiona froze.

"Even if all of River City knows Ethan's in love with you-so what? You're still the side piece. That's not changing anytime soon," Clara delivered the blow with brutal precision.

Fiona couldn't even argue.

"Funny, isn't it?" Clara went on, her gaze deadpan. "The same Miss Barrington who used to trash-talk homewreckers left and right. and look where you ended up. How's that taste, huh?"

"Clara, you-" Fiona tried to speak but failed spectacularly.

"What about me?" Clara's lips curled into a half-smile. "Let's even assume Ethan and I get divorced. I'm still pregnant with his child. That fact's not going away. Whether you like it or not, I'll always be standing between you two. Forever."

The thought alone made Clara chuckle.

And knowing Fiona's personality? Even if Clara decided to bow out, Fiona would still cling to Ethan like a dog with a bone. How long would Ethan really put up with that?

"You think you can get rid of my kid?" Clara's voice turned colder. "Not happening. Ethan's grandfather cares about the baby. So yeah, plan failed."

Fiona looked like the ground had just opened up beneath her.

She'd never imagined Clara could be this shameless.

"Got anything else to say?" Clara raised an eyebrow, cool as ever.

Fiona practically hissed through gritted teeth, "Clara, you've got no shame."

"I don't need it," Clara replied evenly, not a twitch of guilt on her face.

Losing it, Fiona raised her hand to strike-but Clara caught her wrist in a flash.

"Really?" Clara said calmly. "Trying to hit me now?"

Fiona struggled in her grip.

Clara didn't let go.

She could see the panic, knew Fiona's asthma was about to kick in-and still, she didn't ease up.

A small, wild part of Clara considered just going off the rails completely. If she was going down, she might as well drag Fiona with her. At least that way, Ethan would hurt too.

Heh.

"Seriously, what makes you think you have the right to touch me?" Clara's grip tightened. "You think I wanted to be any part of your mess with Ethan? Go yell at him. Ask him why he won't let me walk away."