Chapter 21 A Step Toward Freedom
Finished
As Clara finished speaking, she handed the microphone back to the host. Turning her head, she searched for Francis, only to realize that he and Wesley had already left without a trace.
The host wrapped up with a few final words before officially announcing the end of the competition. The audience gradually dispersed.
Stepping out of the venue, Clara was greeted by Zoe, who approached with a bouquet of flowers in her arms. Lyla stood beside her, beaming.
“Clara, congratulations! I knew you would succeed,” Zoe said warmly, handing Clara the flowers before pulling her into a hug.
“Aunt Clara, you’re amazing! I want to be just like you when I grow up!” Lyla exclaimed, running up and clinging to Clara’s leg.
Clara chuckled, playfully pinching Lyla’s cheek. “Thank you, Lyla.”
Zoe smiled. “Come on, Liam has already reserved a table for you.”
Then, they made their way to the restaurant.
At the restaurant, Liam noticed their arrival and immediately signaled the staff to start serving food.
Looking at the table filled with all her favorite dishes, Clara felt a deep surge of emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes before silently rolling down her cheeks. “Thank you, Liam.”
Liam ruffled her hair with a fond smile. “What nonsense is this? I’ve doted on you the most since we were kids. You never used to be so polite with me, and now you’re being all formal.”
As Zoe wiped Clara’s tears, she asked, “Now that you’ve won the competition, the fireworks. company will have plenty of projects in the future. When do you plan to come home?”
Liam’s expression turned serious. “That’s right. When are you coming back? Mom and Dad miss you so much. They’ve worried about you every single day since you left home.”
At the mention of their parents, Liam’s face darkened with concern. Over the past few years, Clara had vanished without a trace. Their parents had sent people searching for her, but she was
nowhere to be found.
If they ever discovered how the Pierce family had treated Clara, they would never let that man off so easily.
Guilt weighed heavily on Clara’s heart. She had been absent for years, cutting off all communication. It was her own reckless decision to secretly marry Francis and have a child without informing her family.
If her parents knew the suffering she had endured, they would be heartbroken.
32 PM c c
Chapter 21 A Step Toward Freedom
But she could not return home yet. Not until she finalized her divorce. If the Pierce family discovered her true identity, leaving would become even more difficult.
Finished
She knew exactly what kind of people they were. Natalie had been able to cling to Francis for so long not just because he allowed it, but also because his family had meddled in their relationship. Without their interference, things would not have fallen apart so badly. Now that she had finally convinced Francis to agree to a divorce, she had to make sure it was finalized.
Clara took a deep breath. “Liam, Zoe, I’m sorry. I can’t go back yet.”
Zoe frowned. “But you’ve already proven yourself. Why change your mind now?”
Sensing something was wrong, she grew more concerned. “Clara, is there something troubling you? If you’re in trouble, tell me. If I can’t help, Liam will. We’ll always stand by you.”
Seeing the genuine concern in Zoe’s eyes, Clara shook her head. “It’s not that, Zoe. It’s just… Francis and I haven’t finalized our divorce yet. I want to return home with a clean slate.”
Hearing this, Zoe’s frustration erupted. She slammed her palm against the table. “What the hell does Francis think he’s doing? He keeps that mistress by his side, yet he refuses to let you go? Does he want to have the best of both worlds?”
Fuming, she poked Clara’s forehead. “And you! Of all the people in the world, why did you choose him? You even cut ties with your family for him. Was it really worth it?”
Clara knew she had made mistakes in the past. But no matter how much she regretted it, she could not turn back time. Besides, she did not regret everything. Despite their current animosity, there had been beautiful moments between her and Francis. Those were the memories she could
never erase.
Their love had simply run its course, and now, they were left with nothing but the wreckage of a failed marriage.
“Clara, should I go and force that bastard to divorce you? If he refuses, I’ll break his legs,” Liam threatened.
Clara quickly waved her hands. “Liam, he already agreed. We’re going to the Bureau of Civil Affairs tomorrow to finalize the paperwork. There’s just a mandatory one–month cooling–off period, so we’ll have to wait until then for the official divorce certificate.”
Hearing that Francis had finally agreed, Liam and Zoe both sighed in relief.
Liam, however, insisted on accompanying her to the bureau. No matter how much Clara protested, she eventually relented.
The next morning, at the break of dawn, Liam dragged Clara to the Bureau of Civil Affairs. The doors were not even open yet, but he was determined to be there first. He would not give Francis any opportunity to back out.
B2PM & d
