Chapter 35

Clara's POV

My phone rang on my nightstand as Layla's name popped up.

I've been avoiding her since last night. I was too afraid of what she would say to me.

She is always updated on her information. I fear she might already know what happened between Derek, which greatly scares me.

I can still remember her words ringing in my eyes: 'Don't get too attached,' and here I was, very much getting attached to him. What was I doing kissing him back like that?

But anyway, I didn't have time for that right now. I was rushing around the house, doing my best not to be late for work.

The other hand was putting on my shoes as I grabbed my keys with the other.

"Clara," Mom called out. She was standing right behind me. "We need to talk," she said.

"Can we talk later? I'm in a rush," I answered.

"No, sweetheart, this is more important." Mom insisted.

She pointed back to the living room. She wanted me to sit. The sooner I comply, the better.

"You know, I was at your age too, I get it. I know because I was in the place you are in. I didn't listen to my parents either. I sneaked out, and I was always lying about where I was, and then I got pregnant with you." She spoke.

I knew where this was going.

"I'm not going to get pregnant," I said. "Besides, I never lied about where I was going," I replied.

"You know, I said the same thing too. Here I am with two daughters. It would help if you didn't end up pregnant and alone like I had to go through it," she continued.

I was about to be late for work because of this.

"Is mom giving you the talk?" Katy laughed, coming downstairs.

"You should sit for this too." Mom pointed.

"The only place I ever go is to school. Those kids are too rich to even sit with me. How am I supposed to get pregnant?" Katy laughed. "You know what we should be talking about? That guy you talked to on the phone last night," Katy said. She folded her arms, facing Mom in a challenging manner.

"Don't be silly," Mom said, throwing her hand over her shoulder.

"I heard you last night. We laughed and told each other that it had been many years since they last saw each other. That you miss each other, all the lovey-dovey stuff. I know what I heard." Katy replied.

I joined in, staring at Mom with my arms folded. "Who was it, Mom?" I asked with a serious face.

"You guys are acting crazy. I only spoke to a client for a few minutes." Mom spoke.

"So, you were talking to someone?" Katy asked. "Mom, we want to inform you that we are not interested in a stepdad. That is unless he can buy us a mansion and buy us each a car." Katy shot on another look before making her way out of the house. Her driver had arrived.

I looked at Mom in disapproval before looking at my watch to see that time; I was running late.

"We are going to finish this conversation when I return," I assured her.

Mom sighed as both Katy and I rushed out of the house.

I nearly missed the bus by a second. Thankfully, the driver was kind enough to stop after a car almost ran over me as I tried to cross the road.

When I arrived at the hotel, I was a sweating mess.

At my locker, I looked at my phone screen to see several missed calls from Layla. Maybe it would be better if I just spoke to her. I couldn't hide away from her forever.

I took the time to fix my hair, making myself more presentable.

Just then, Ivy walked into the room. She looked tired; her hair was tousled in a bun. I noticed the bags under her eyes. She probably didn't have time to do her makeup this morning.

"Morning," I greeted her.

Ivy paused, resting her back against the locker. "Morning," she finally greeted back.

"What happened to you?" I asked.

"It's Marcus; he is seriously after my life this time." She answered. "First, he gave me most of your shifts, so now I'm doing two people's jobs, and then he moved me to the laundry. I had to finish all the clothes first before I could go home. By then, I could hardly stand on my feet." She explained.

I felt her pain. I wondered who was doing my shift since Marcus didn't plan on employing anyone new. Most importantly, who was now cleaning Derek's penthouse?

My phone vibrated in my hand. I hesitated to look at my screen, thinking it would be another text from Layla.

'Morning,' the text read. It had a picture of a sunflower following the message.

It was from Derek.

I couldn't help but smile.

"You are smiling at my misery?" Ivy exclaimed.

"No, I'm sorry," I answered, looking up from my phone. "It's just a message from someone. But listen, I'll do my best to try and convince Marcus to take some of that burden off your shoulders." I answered.

Since I was the assistant manager, it had to be worth something.

"Thank you," she said, placing her back against her locker again.

"But listen, we can catch up later. "My shift starts soon," I announced.

"Okay, but I won't wait for you after work. Yesterday, you ditched me after you said we'd work.

I gave her a thumbs-up as I walked out of the locker room.

I headed towards the elevator for Marcus' office.

But before the doors closed, Madison slipped in.

It was too early to deal with her antics.

"Good morning," I said, trying to fake a smile.

Madison leaned forward and pressed the button to stop the elevator.

"So, what did you find out about who that whore is in those pictures?" she asked.

"No, ma'am, I didn't see him with anyone or hear him mention someone," I answered. I think my legs must have been shaking. Maybe it was from my lies or the murderous look she gave me. I could already imagine her yanking my hair out the day she learned about those pictures.

"Did he speak to anyone at all?" she asked.

"He didn't speak to anyone; he only had a few business calls," I answered. I wouldn't know anyway because I was sleeping.

Madison sighed. "You are useless to me; I'd have to do everything myself." Madison snapped. "Just one question: is he in his penthouse today?" She asked.

"Yes, he is," I answered. At least, I think he was.

Madison now appeared relieved as she smiled.

What was she planning?

She pressed the button for the elevator to continue moving.

Madison left the elevator before me, and I got out of the elevator on the following floor after her.

I stepped out of the elevator into Marcus' office. His door was open as usual.

I noticed a desk in the far corner of the room. He must have placed it there to accommodate me. He has been a lot nicer to me since I've been promoted. I thought he'd be yelling at me all the time.