Chapter 248: If only things were that simple
Clara’s eyes fluttered as a pang of guilt swept through her. Memories from her previous life came rushing back, so vivid that she couldn’t help regretting her past actions.
She had used the truth about Grace and Laila’s friendship to drive an even deeper wedge between Grace and Laila’s family. Eventually, they had publicly humiliated Grace, painting her as a heartless woman who had betrayed her best friend and stolen her husband and family for her own selfish reasons.
I’m sorry, Mom.
Clara lowered her eyes, the realization of how much damage she had caused striking her like a knife.
Meanwhile, Grace felt as though she had finally found someone with whom she could share the most painful part of her life. Clara wasn’t an outsider anymore. She was family, and opening up to her didn’t feel wrong.
"I know this must have come as a surprise to you, but that’s the truth." Grace smiled faintly, though sadness lingered in her eyes.
Her decision to marry Jonathan had cost her the trust of the very family that had once given her shelter. Even after all these years, they still hadn’t forgiven her.
"Mom," Clara called softly, pulling Grace out of her thoughts.
Her heart tightened at the sight of Grace’s expression, but before she could say anything else, Grace blinked and offered her a smile.
"I’m sorry about that," Clara murmured.
Grace quickly blinked away the tears threatening to gather in her eyes, but Clara had already noticed them.
"By the way, Hannah has agreed to introduce her boyfriend to us," Grace announced, changing the subject.
Clara pressed her lips together. She could tell Grace was trying to hide her pain, so she decided not to push the matter further.
But the moment she processed Grace’s words, her eyes widened.
Wait, what? Hannah agreed to introduce Mark to the family? But don’t they already know him?
"Haha... that’s wonderful news, Mom! I’m sure you’ll all like him."
Clara’s smile froze when Grace’s expression changed.
Tilting her head, Grace studied her suspiciously. "And how do you know we’ll like him? Have you met him before?"
Clara sucked in a breath before bursting into awkward laughter.
"Haha! You’re so funny, Mom. How would I know him? I-I was just guessing!"
Grace frowned at her daughter’s strange reaction but decided not to question her further.
"Whether we like him or not will depend entirely on how he treats Hannah," she stated firmly.
"Hmph! Right. You can test him all you want," Clara agreed, though she couldn’t help feeling sorry for Mark.
May God bless you, brother. You’re going to need it.
Just then, Jonathan returned. He stopped when he noticed Clara smiling to herself.
That smile... Why do I have a feeling something’s wrong?
Puzzled, he walked over to Grace and gave her a questioning look.
"By the way, would you two like to visit the bakery? I’ve tried a new dessert today," Clara offered cheerfully.
Jonathan’s confusion vanished instantly, replaced by an enthusiastic grin.
"Of cou—"
"Some other time, dear," Grace interrupted.
Jonathan turned to his wife with an offended expression, only to receive a warning glance from her.
He immediately shut his mouth.
Clara watched their exchange, struggling to suppress her laughter.
Poor Dad. Looks like Mom has him wrapped around her little finger!
"Alright, then. I should get going. See you soon!"
Clara waved goodbye before leaving the cemetery.
The moment she was out of sight, Jonathan turned to Grace with a pout.
"Honey, why did you refuse to go?" he complained, looking as though she’d just denied him his favorite treat.
Grace let out a sigh. "Do you really want me to tell you why?"
Jonathan blinked, clearly confused by her question.
Instead of answering, Grace reached up and wiped the corner of his lips with her thumb before showing him the evidence.
Jonathan froze.
"...Hehe. Where did that come from?" he asked with an awkward smile.
However, one look at Grace’s grim expression was enough to make him swallow the rest of his words.
"Alright, fine! I ate some of the cake Clara brought for Laila. But it was just a little!"
Grace crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.
"Is that so?"
Jonathan’s lips twitched.
"Perhaps a little more than that," he admitted reluctantly.
Grace remained unmoved.
"Okay, fine! I ate half of it!" he finally confessed.
Grace stared at him in disbelief.
"You—"
"Listen, honey! You know how much I love sweets. And since the cake came from Clara’s bakery, how could I possibly resist?" Jonathan argued, as though he’d committed no crime whatsoever.
Grace stared at him, utterly speechless.
She knew her husband had an insatiable sweet tooth. No matter how much cake, chocolate, or other desserts he devoured, he always seemed to have room for more.
But that didn’t mean she was going to let him eat whatever he wanted without considering his health!
"No sweets for a month," she declared firmly.
Jonathan’s jaw dropped.
"WHAT?!"
He hurried after her as she turned on her heels and headed toward the car.
"Darling, you can’t be serious! A whole month? That’s practically torture!"
Grace ignored him and continued walking.
"Fine! Two weeks, then! How about ten days? Honey, at least give me a chance to negotiate!"
She didn’t even spare him a glance.
Jonathan clutched his chest dramatically, following her like a man whose entire world had just crumbled.
How cruel! My own wife is depriving me of the simple pleasure of life!
As Grace climbed into the car, Jonathan could only stare at her in despair.
He had come to visit his late wife, and somehow, he’d ended up losing his dessert privileges.
Laila, if you’re watching over us, please help me! Your best friend is trying to starve me!
***
By evening, Dominic was sitting in his study, a serious expression etched across his face.
He still couldn’t get over the fact that Clara had reached out to VANTA. Although he and VANTA were the same person, the thought of his wife seeking out her anonymous online friend made his heart tighten for reasons he couldn’t quite explain.
Back when he and Clara had first met online, he hadn’t known anything about her except her gaming ID, MoonlitRose.
What had initially caught his attention was her unusual gaming style. Her strategies were unlike anything he had encountered before, and his curiosity had eventually driven him to approach her.
At first, their conversations had revolved entirely around gaming techniques. They exchanged tips, discussed strategies, and occasionally challenged each other to matches.
However, as time passed, their conversations gradually shifted to other things.
They began talking about their daily lives, sharing their frustrations, and discussing things they wouldn’t normally tell other people.
Before he knew it, the mysterious girl behind MoonlitRose had become someone he looked forward to talking to every day.
Eventually, she had revealed her real name to him.
Clara.
Even now, Dominic could still remember how he’d stared at the screen when she first told him. He had never imagined that the girl whom he had tried looking for so long would end up being the girl who had been talking to him everyday.
And yet, here they were. The very woman who shared his bed and wore his ring had unknowingly reached out to the same anonymous friend she had once confided in.
Dominic leaned back in his chair, rubbing his forehead.
What am I supposed to do with you, Clara?
He couldn’t deny that he was curious about why she’d suddenly contacted VANTA after such a long silence.
Had she finally remembered their friendship? Or was there something else she wanted to tell him?
Whatever the reason, one thing was certain.
He wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass without finding out what was going on in his wife’s mind.
"Woof! Woof!"
The sudden barking from beside him drew Dominic’s attention. He glanced down at the little puppy before scooping him up and settling him on his lap.
"Toto, what do you think? Why do you suppose your mother suddenly reached out to me?"
The puppy tilted his head, staring at Dominic with his round, curious eyes.
Dominic let out a helpless chuckle. "You’re not going to help me, are you?"
Toto wagged his tail, seemingly pleased with the attention, completely unaware of the turmoil in his owner’s heart.
Dominic gently stroked the puppy’s head, his thoughts drifting back to Clara.
He still remembered the conversations they had shared in the past. Back then, she had opened up to him, telling him about her life, her struggles, and the things that had shaped her into the person she was today. She hadn’t spoken to him as MoonlitRose, the name everyone knew her by online, but as Clara herself.
Through those conversations, Dominic had learned more about her than he could have imagined. He had discovered her vulnerable side, the one she rarely showed to the world.
And yet, despite everything they had shared, he still couldn’t bring himself to tell her the truth.
How was he supposed to explain that he was the same boy she had once comforted when he had been on the verge of giving up? The boy who had found solace in her words when his own world had seemed unbearably dark?
Dominic lowered his gaze to Toto, his fingers absently brushing through the puppy’s soft fur.
His life had never truly belonged to him. There had always been people watching his every move, scrutinizing his decisions, and waiting for an opportunity to use his weaknesses against him.
He had grown accustomed to keeping his distance from others, protecting the few things that mattered to him by keeping them hidden.
And Clara was one of those things.
He didn’t want her to become entangled in the complications of his life simply because she had once offered him a shoulder to lean on.
"What am I supposed to do, Toto?" he murmured.
The puppy licked his hand.
Dominic smiled faintly, though the worry in his eyes remained.
"If only things were that simple."