Chapter 70 – The Twilight In Despair

“Of course, done by the chef. What did you expect?”

She rolled her eyes at his usual bragging. Always boasting, she thought to herself.

“Let’s dig in,” he said, and they began to eat. Smiling, he noticed how much more comfortable she seemed. She was eating with him without hesitation now. Maybe it was just hunger, as she didn’t seem to realize it, but he did. It was an achievement for him-this was the first time they had ever eaten together at the dining table in their home, and it wasn’t because she was forced or convinced.

“Why are you smiling?” she asked, noticing his expression as he ate.

“Nothing,” he replied, still smiling.

He was frowning and acting cold towards me earlier, and now he’s smiling to himself. Is he crazy? she wondered as she continued eating.

“Why were you angry at me earlier?” she asked, deciding to take the opportunity to ask him. “Was it because I left the place you asked me to sit?”

“You should’ve known better than to follow an unknown man,” he replied, his tone serious.

“I didn’t just follow him,” she defended. “He approached me and said you asked him to bring me.”

“A stranger? Just like that?” he asked, his frown deepening. “Did he mention my name?”

Thinking back, she realized the stranger had only referred to him as “the man you were with,” never mentioning his name. Her head dropped as she struggled to find the words. “No.”

“You can’t just follow anybody just because they claim to know me,” he said, his voice firm. “You could’ve been kidnapped. If you’re ever lost or looking for me, you have a phone now. Call me, and I’ll be there, right by your side.”

Her heart melted as he said that, and a feeling of gratitude welled up in her chest. Her eyes became teary, and everything that had happened with Christian made her want to ask questions. Why? Why does he care so much? Why does he always know just the right thing to say? What is it with the strangeness in her heart?

Her thoughts were interrupted when a question popped into her mind.

“So, never wander off without letting me know?”

“I won’t, and I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“It’s okay,” he said, squeezing her hand briefly.

“Are we good now?”

“We’ll be good after a kiss,” he said, winking at her. But she eyed him, thinking, What a shameless man.

“I have one more question.”

“Shoot,” he replied, continuing to eat.

“How do you know I’m afraid of King Spider?”

“Are you?” He pretended not to know.

“Don’t. How do you know?” she asked again.

He paused, smiling, and looked at her. You really don’t remember anything, he thought to himself.

“That’s what most fragile ladies are scared of, so I guessed, and it worked,” he lied.

“Oh,” she nodded, continuing to eat.

A part of him felt sad that she didn’t remember any of those memories. At the same time, he felt sorry, recalling what he had been told by the doctor.

“Yes, she had an accident twelve years ago,” he had replied to the doctor’s question.

“From the results, she injured her head badly in the accident. It must have been a traumatic event, causing part of her brain to shrink, which affected her memory. This could explain the loss of some of her childhood memories.”

“Is there any remedy for that?”

“Hmm… Psychologically, when there’s a memory that causes too much pain, our body begins to seek a coping mechanism. Judging by the fact that it was part of her childhood, if she can overcome her trauma, she might remember.”

“So, what you’re saying is that the only solution is overcoming her trauma?”

“Yes,” the doctor had replied.

Christian sighed as he remembered, Who cares about childhood memories when we can create new ones? But I hope you can overcome the trauma, he thought as he stared at her.

A ray of light shone into Gael’s eyes, waking him up abruptly. He groaned as he sat up on the bed and noticed a figure beside him. She was sitting on the floor, her head resting on the bed. He had fallen asleep while she was telling him a story.

He scoffed as he watched her sleep peacefully. Her eyelashes seemed longer, and below her pointed nose were firm, pink lips that looked so soft and inviting. She looked so beautiful, even in her sleep, and…

Gael quickly looked away, realizing he had been staring at her, admiring her beauty.

What are you doing? he scolded himself inwardly. She’s one crazy woman, and I should start going. I have a surprise for Sophia today, he told himself as he quickly stood up. She was still asleep when he left the room, bumping into the chief maid on his way to the sitting room.

“Good morning, Mr. Gael,” he greeted with a smile.

“Good morning, Mr. Clinton. Is my brother back?” Gael asked.

“Yes, since last night.”

“Where’s he?”

“He’s waiting for you in the sitting room,” Clinton said and led him to where Christian was, standing beside his wife.

“Hey, brother,” Gael called, walking towards him with his arms open for a hug. Christian groaned as he enveloped him in a tight embrace.

“And there she is, the beautiful wife,” Gael said, grinning as he moved away from Christian to hug her, getting a murderous glare from Christian in return.

Christian’s glare was sharp. Want to die? it seemed to say. Gael quickly withdrew and chuckled awkwardly as he stepped back.

“I can’t hug you too much; your husband might kill me,” Gael said, laughing with Clarisse.

Christian’s frown deepened. Why are they laughing together?

Clarisse’s palms felt sweaty as she sat next to Christian in the car. Her heartbeat raced at the thought of what the organization would be like, who she would meet, who her boss would be, and how the entire experience would unfold for her. She felt it would have been better to start as an intern, but Christian was firm about the decision. He was adamant that he couldn’t allow his wife to be bossed around.

He could see the nervousness written all over her face. Gently, he reached out to take her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She looked at him, and he smiled gently at her.

“There’s nothing to be nervous about. You’re going to be fine,” his soothing voice calmed her a little. “Don’t forget your purpose. This is the perfect opportunity for you to be as strong as you wanted to be, and the time to chase after your dream.”

Meanwhile, Gael drove to Christian’s office as instructed, while Christian took Clarisse to the fashion design organization.

It was a short drive, and when they finally arrived at the building, Clarisse gasped at the sight of the huge structure before them. The building had a modern architectural design with two distinct parts. The front building had a unique, angular shape resembling abstract geometric forms stacked together. Its beige-colored exterior contrasted with the sleek, glass-and-steel structure in the background. The taller background building featured a grid of windows and vertical columns, reflecting a more contemporary office style.

With Christian leading the way, they entered the building and were immediately greeted by the bubbly Suzanne, accompanied by Celia, who never seemed to leave Suzanne’s side.

“Mr. and Mrs. Charles,” Suzanne cooed as she approached them, grinning ear to ear. Clarisse, who had been admiring the building’s beauty, was drawn to Suzanne’s jovial energy. She turned to see the woman walking toward them, dressed in a flared black skirt and a black wrap blouse. Suzanne looked so beautiful, even in such a simple outfit.

“Good morning,” Suzanne greeted them both, and Clarisse quickly responded as politely as possible.

“Good morning, ma’am,” Clarisse greeted, bowing slightly.

“Good morning, Mrs. Suzanne,” Christian responded.

“I’m so glad to have you here, come on in, let me offer you some coffee,” Suzanne gestured warmly.

“That won’t be necessary; I’m here to drop my wife off,” Christian replied, leaning forward to whisper in her ear, “Don’t forget our agreement, and don’t stress my wife.”

Suzanne nodded with a chuckle, “I’m a woman of my word,” she whispered back.

‘What are they whispering that it can’t be said out loud?’ Clarisse wondered in her mind.

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