Chapter 95

Derek's POV

I rushed out of the building and went straight to my car. I couldn't stand to be around here anymore.

This place was far too small to contain Clara and me. Despite seeing Vincent behind me, I walked faster and hopped into my car. I knew exactly what he would say with that judgemental look he had.

I don't know why I felt this way. I thought I'd feel much better after this, that I'd feel liberated and be able to smile again. Instead, I felt sick to my stomach. I tried to assure myself that this feeling would soon pass.

I drove to my country house right outside town. It was the only place I'd be able to be alone for a while, and that's what I needed. It took me nearly two hours to arrive.

The house was silent, as expected. The house staff only came here twice a week, which was mostly empty. I haven't been here in a while, mostly because I'm out of the city most of the time, and it's inconvenient to travel here from work.

I took my jacket off, placing it on the floor. I tried blocking away all the flashbacks of the party, trying to forget everything that had happened. I still couldn't understand why I felt this way.

If there is one thing I hate the most, it must be betrayal. I couldn't help but think of some old memories from years back. Someone I had once trusted, I would have nearly placed my life on the line for her.

You would think that I would have learned not to be too trusting.

I looked at my phone to see several texts and calls from my parents.

I at least hoped they would leave me alone. I blocked both of their numbers.

I'm sure that my father was in on it too. Throughout my whole life, he has done nothing but enable my mother.

As much as I hate Clara right now, I hate her more for bringing this side out of me.

At first, I didn't want things to end this way.

After Clara's accident, my mother continued to play her cards and use them as a chance to claim that the baby was dead. She didn't care that I might have suffered. She was just desperate to get what she wanted.

Overhearing my mother and Clara talk about their plan was shocking. I thought it must have been some joke or perhaps a prank. Having the doctor my mother paid off, confessing everything was world shuttering and the wake-up call I needed. I couldn't believe it.

Despite all that, I decided to stay away. I thought it would just be easier if I kept my distance. But it only drew me closer and made me more obsessed. I'm stupid, aren't I? I keep going back right back where I get burnt.

That's when I realised something. She had no right to play with my life or anyone else's like that. I wasn't ever going to allow her to use me again, or anyone else for that matter. She needed to be exposed. It wasn't fair that she destroyed my life while she continued with her life as normal.

It was my fault for trusting people so unquestioningly. Thinking back on it, the signs were clear. I was far too lost in a fantasy to accept reality.

The worst is that it wasn't her betrayal that hurt me so much, but having to realise that I would have to learn to live without her.

If I could survive without a heart, I would rip it out of my chest so that I could stop loving her.

I still couldn't help but think that I might have gone too far. I humiliated her in the worst and most public way possible.

I needed to forget about her. Soon, she'll be nothing but a closed chapter in my life. I needed to do something else to distract myself.

I was relieved to hear my phone ring. It was a call from Luke.

It was great. Hopefully, he had something urgent at work that needed my attention. It would keep me distracted for a while. I've never felt happier about working.

"Hello," I answered the call.

"The Robbins contract is ready and waiting for you to sign. Should I have someone send it to you?" He offered.

"I'll be at the office tomorrow," I answered slowly.

"And sir, about the investigation." He paused.

"Oh yes," I answered, recalling. I had asked Luke to hire a private detective to investigate Clara's accident. This was after I realised the police weren't doing much to study. It's ridiculous to think about how one police department could be this incompetent. She could have died. So far, the detective had found footage of the car. It was only a matter before we caught the culprit.

I tried to convince myself I wasn't doing it for her but to get one less psychopath off the streets.

"They found the guy," Luke paused again. "He was found badly beaten, and he is in critical condition." He explained.

I took a long sigh. If that guy dies, we may never know why he did it or if someone else was behind it. But who would want to kill Clara? Maybe she pissed off an old boyfriend.

"Let me know if there's anything else I need to know," I replied. "Can you do me another favour?" I paused. "I did something stupid. I'm going to need you to have many pictures and videos deleted," I asked. I proceeded to explain the rest in detail. I wouldn't have any of those pictures and videos spread around that the guests took. I didn't care what he had to do to ensure that. My conscience wouldn't let me live.

I was never going to have the photographers publish any of those photos. I just wanted her to feel the pain I did. But the damage I caused was far deeper than that. I wouldn't have any pictures or videos the guests took, either.

"I'm on it," Luke answered before I hung up the phone.

This wasn't me being a pushover, and I was choosing to be better.

My phone beeped in my hand as I received a text from my grandfather.

'I'm so proud of you, and you finally proved to be the man I always thought you were,' His message read. I've never felt more disgusted after hearing someone say they were proud of me.

I was more convinced that I might have made the worst mistake of my life.