It felt as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice-cold water directly in Clara’s face, sending a chilling sensation crawling up from the soles of her feet. She looked at Wesley, yet he suddenly felt like a complete stranger. “Mommy, can you promise me?” Not getting a response, Wesley asked again, his bright eyes fixed on Clara, full of hope. Clara’s lips curved into a bitter yet resigned smile. She couldn’t help but let out a self-mocking laugh. Look at him. This is the son I carried for ten months and gave birth to. Yet his heart is elsewhere, and he’s even lowering himself to beg me for another woman. Five years of caring for him now feel like nothing but a joke. Wesley tilted his head in confusion. “Wesley, come here.” Clara beckoned to him. “I have something to say to you.” Wesley hesitated for a moment before walking toward her. But when he was three steps away, he stopped. “Mommy, just say it from there.” Clara’s gaze froze for a moment, but what surfaced in her mind was a social media post from Natalie. A short video of Wesley nestled obediently in Natalie’s arms, acting spoiled. Wesley had inherited Francis’ reserved nature—calm, composed, even his smiles were measured. But in Natalie’s embrace, he laughed so hard he rocked back and forth, waving his hands excitedly, even calling her “Mommy” outright. At the time, Natalie had gently corrected him, “Wesley, I’m not your Mommy.” Wesley’s face had fallen in disappointment. The smile at his lips slowly faded. “I wish you were my Mommy.” As for Francis, just like tonight, he had stood silently beside them. A tide of emotions surged in Clara’s heart. The contrast between those memories and Wesley’s resistance now only strengthened her resolve. “Wesley, Happy New Year.” Clara’s unexpected response made disappointment instantly appear on Wesley’s face. Why? Why is Mommy always like this? I hate bitter things, but she still makes me drink the most awful medicine. I hate pain, but she still pricks me with needles. I’m not even hungry, but she still forces me to eat, and the food always tastes terrible. Even now, when all I want is one small thing, she still refuses. Hmph! Ms. Dawson was right after all! Wesley clenched his small fists at his sides, yanked his hand away from Clara’s, and ran off. Clara watched him leave, her gaze gradually calming. She pulled a suitcase out from under the bed and began packing. As time passed, the painkillers’ effects started to wear off, making the task more difficult. Looking at the scattered belongings on the floor, she recalled when Natalie moved back to Riverdale from abroad, Francis and Wesley had helped her tirelessly. Yet in these five years, neither Francis nor Wesley had ever lifted a finger to help Clara with anything. If the foundation was flawed, anything built on it was bound to be wrong. That thought sparked a sudden surge of anger in Clara. Without hesitation, she shoved everything into garbage bags. After giving a few instructions to the housekeeper, she grabbed the unused black card from the drawer and left the Pierce Residence. She checked into the most expensive postpartum care center in Riverdale, purchasing a premium recovery package. As she handed over her card, she instructed the caretaker, “Please keep my information private.” She was generous with her spending, signing up for several rehabilitation programs in one go. Naturally, the caretaker readily agreed. After sending the caretaker away, Clara hesitated for a long time before dialing a number. To her surprise, the call was picked up in less than three seconds. A delighted female voice came through the receiver. “Clara? Is that you, Clara?” At the sound of that voice, Clara’s eyes instantly burned, and silent tears rolled down her cheeks. At first, she only sniffled quietly. But soon, she couldn’t hold it in anymore and began to sob. The person on the other end seemed to understand, remaining silent until Clara had cried herself out and her emotions had settled. Then, with a cold chuckle, she spoke, “Heh! So, you finally realized that your boundary-less, blind husband is a piece of trash, huh?” She cursed angrily, but Clara actually laughed through her tears. Helpless and aggrieved, she called out, “Zoe…” Her sister-in-law’s rant came to an abrupt stop Instead, a gentle voice answered, “Yeah, I’m here. Clara, if you’re hurt, just come home, okay? I’ll make your favorite meatballs. How does that sound?” Home? Hearing that word, Clara felt a moment of dazed confusion. Then, a bitter smile slowly formed on her lips. Do I even have a home anymore? I gave everything up for Francis… but now… … Meanwhile, at Seaview Heights Residence. Natalie clutched her chest as she leaned against the couch, looking apologetically at Francis, who stood nearby. She spoke softly, “I’m so sorry, Francis. After my livestream, I felt a little unwell. I didn’t mean to call you. I didn’t think you’d actually come all the way here.” Francis expertly prepared medicine for Natalie. Hearing her words, he responded indifferently, “It’s fine.” Natalie’s eyelashes fluttered. “I’m sorry for making you rush over on New Year’s Eve… Clara didn’t mind, did she?” Francis’ hands paused. Clara’s unusual behavior tonight flashed through his mind. Buzz, buzz, buzz… His phone vibrated. Francis snapped out of his thoughts. “She was a bit emotional.” Natalie lowered her gaze, her lashes hiding the emotion in her eyes, but the corners of her lips lifted slightly. Francis finished preparing the medicine and handed it to Natalie, ignoring the phone’s buzzing. But when the vibrations continued non-stop, as if his phone had been set to constant alert mode, he frowned and pulled it out. A series of transaction notifications filled the screen. Scrolling to the last one, he noticed the purchases were made using his supplementary black card. His brows lifted slightly in surprise. He had given the black card to Clara on the day they got married. She had never used it. But that day, her first purchase was at four in the morning. And in total, she had spent 75 thousand dollars. Connecting the dots with her strange behavior earlier that night, an inexplicable sense of unease crept into Francis’ heart.
Cool Lady
Status: Ongoing
