Chapter 91

Clara's POV

"Derek is going to propose?" I asked. The tears suddenly stopped flowing as my mouth became dry.

I must have heard wrong. No way that would happen.

"Yes," Layla answered with a sigh. "I probably shouldn't have said anything. But anyway, we need to get you prepared for the day. We still have to decide on the dress and everything else," she replied.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. I tried to contain it, but laughter abruptly erupted from my stomach.

I was beating the ground and holding my stomach to contain myself.

I had forgotten I was crying a minute ago.

She must have been joking.

Layla stared at me like I was some lunatic. I'm pretty sure right now she was thinking about having me committed instead of marrying me off to her son.

How did she even make this one up?

I knew she was crazy, but her madness had gone too far for her to make up something like this.

"You've-just-made-my-day," I said as I continued laughing. My stomach was starting to hurt.

Laughing at this moment was the only thing that kept me sane.

Layla folded her arms as she stared at me sternly.

I hoped she would yell that it was a prank, but she never did. Was she serious?

"You are serious," I said, finally stopping myself.

"I can't say anything else because I've already said too much, but I am sure this is happening." She answered.

Was I going insane and hearing things now? Maybe she was the one who needed to be committed.

"In that case," I sighed. "We'll probably have the shortest marriage in history. We'll be divorced within minutes of our marriage." I answered sarcastically.

Layla's face turned more serious as she bent to sit beside me. "Look," she said. "This story doesn't end with him finding out the truth. It ends with you two together and happy." She said,

Why did I feel like something bad was about to happen?

DAYS LATER

I picked my phone up from my nightstand and switched off the aeroplane mode.

I had twenty-three messages from Matthew, my dad.

I was still coming to terms with everything, so the way I chose to deal with it was by ignoring it.

The father I wished for my whole life had turned into the man I wanted to avoid. I wasn't ready for the implications of being his daughter. Thinking about it, my life was as perfect as it was.

With all those messages, there were none from Tristan.

I told myself that it was okay, that it was good for me to learn to be without him so my heart wouldn't hurt so much when I finally came to terms with the fact that I had to let him go. Maybe I will slowly forget him.

That's when the thought registered. Today was my birthday!

A smile spread across my face as I stared at the ceiling.

Twenty-seven and still living with my mom, I must be such a loser.

I sat up straight and pulled my legs off the bed. My leg had gotten a lot better. I still couldn't run, and I was still limping, but the pain was almost non-existent.

I wondered what Mom prepared this morning. Usually, on our birthdays, she would wake up early and prepare a whole buffet. Waking up to the smell of homemade food has always been among my fondest childhood memories.

With a smile, I walked out of my room and went downstairs, taking each step cautiously.

For a brief moment, there was a peaceful silence around the house before the chaos started.

Mom and Katy walked in, both of them seemingly in a rush.

"Morning," I greeted. My words were left unheard as the two of them continued with their tasks.

"Mom, did you happen to see my white sneakers? Do I need them for practice?" Katy asked.

"Wherever you left them, you don't have a maid in this house!" Mom snapped.

Katy stumped her foot as she picked her backpack up angrily. "I have to leave now. I don't have time to look for it," Katy said.

"Then leave now and fix your face before it stays that way," Mom answered.

Katy turned in my direction, still maintaining an angry look. "Bye," she said before turning around and leaving the house. She closed the door with a bang.

I guess she was too upset to wish me a happy birthday.

Mom was busy fumbling through her bag as she mumbled some words to herself.

Everyone seemed upset in this house today. It was better if I stayed out of their way.

“Clara," Mom called out, stopping me in my tracks. "I have to leave now. I just got called in for a job. Make sure to lock up all the doors and not let strangers into the house. And oh..." She paused. "I didn't have time to make breakfast this morning, but you are old enough to care for yourself." She said as she patted me on the arm.

She picked up her handbag before leaving the house.

I was reminded I was alone as I heard the door close.

Did everyone forget it was my birthday? I was starting to think I had the wrong date.

Nonetheless, I was starving. I don't usually wake up hungry, but last night, I deliberately left some space in my stomach, hoping that I would wake up to a feast. But I guess I was finally getting the 'welcome to adulthood' introduction.

I sighed, walking to the kitchen.

Our fridge and cupboards were empty. There wasn't much I could eat except to make myself a peanut butter sandwich.

With my sandwich, I settled on the couch and switched on the TV. I guess this was how I was celebrating my birthday: Netflix and a peanut butter sandwich.

Hours passed by. I had just fallen asleep when I heard our doorbell ring.

It must have been midday already.

I sat up straight and walked to answer the door.

Was it even a good idea to open the door? What if someone was here to abduct me or something or perhaps murder me?

What did I have to lose? I'm sure no one would miss me.

Rubbing my eyes, I continued walking to the door.

If I had had the chance to stop myself, I would have at least bothered looking in the mirror.

I was stunned to open the door to Derek. My heart nearly stopped just staring at him. He was dressed in a black suit with a coat over it.

"Happy birthday," He whispered as he held a bouquet of red roses before me.

“Derek," I whispered in surprise.

I tucked my hair behind my ear. I wish he had at least warned me he would be stopping by. I hadn't even showered. I'm pretty sure I had been drooling in my sleep.

"You didn't think I'd leave you alone on your birthday now, did you?" He asked. His smirk extended into a smile.

I was still in shock. After all this time, he was in front of me. Was I still dreaming?

I hoped he was real because this was not a dream I wanted to wake up from.

To confirm I wasn't dreaming, I was surprised when Derek suddenly pulled me into his arms.

"I missed you," I heard him whisper. His grip around me tightened. I wrapped my hands around him, too. I missed him, too. The two of us stayed like that for a while.

I felt the cold air between us again as he let go of me.