Clara froze. All eyes were on her. Mrs. Weasley seemed to be waiting for an answer from her daughter-in-law. Mr. Smith also stared at Clara and Sean intently. Mrs. Diana looked shocked, clutching her bag a little tighter.
And Sean ..., he looked at Clara with a slight smile, a smile full of subtle threats.
A smile that said, "Answer correctly... or we'll see what happens after everyone leaves."
Clara felt her heart leap out of her chest. Her breath caught in her throat. She wanted to tell the truth, that Sean had never said goodbye to her, that Sean had disappeared without a trace for two days and two nights. That Sean was sleeping... in another woman's bed.
But the words stuck in aher throat. Carla had more energy to convey the truth. Clara knew that if she said it, they would have a big fight. In front of everyone.
And Mrs. Diana—mother's Clara—had a heart condition. The woman might not be able to hear about the turmoil that was engulfing her daughter's household.
Clara slowly closed her eyes, holding back the nausea that suddenly rose in her chest. She slowly lifted her face and looked at her husband.
Sean's smile faded, his eyes hardened.
Clara knew what that look meant. It seemed to convey something implied.
"Don't you dare embarrass me."
With a voice that was almost broken, Clara finally replied, "...yes. Sean mentioned it."
"Thank goodness." Mrs. Weasley breathed a sigh of relief.
Mr. Smith nodded slowly. The tension in the room eased a little.
But Clara's heart was already broken. She felt like she had just stabbed herself.
Sean hugged Clara tighter, as if to show everyone how harmonious their relationship was. His hand felt hot and heavy on Clara's waist, while up close, Clara could smell the faint scent of alcohol on her husband's breath.
"See, everything's fine, right?" Sean said lightly. He patted Clara's head as if she were a little child.
Clara could only smile thinly, trying not to cry.
Mrs. Diana then said softly, "Thank goodness. I was worried... you two looked a little tense earlier."
Clara smiled stiffly. "It's okay, Mom. We're just... tired."
"Tired because we have a big project," Sean added quickly. "Clara needs some rest too."
Clara held her breath.
Sean started spinning the story again.
And Clara had to play along.
Soon, their parents said goodbye. Mrs. Weasley kissed Sean on the forehead and said, "Take care of yourself. And don't make Clara worry."
Sean just nodded.
Clara walked her family to the front door. She hugged her mother for a long time, a little longer than usual.
Mrs. Diana whispered, "You look pale, dear. Are you sure you're okay?"
Clara nodded. "Don't worry, Mom… everything's fine."
★
★★★
★
After their parents' car drove away, Clara quickly wiped her face. She held back her tears, held back her anger, and held back all the pain that was suffocating her chest.
When she returned inside the house, Sean was still standing in the living room. Now, there was no longer a friendly smile on his face, no longer the warm smile he had feigned earlier. All that remained was a dark, angry stare.
"You're lucky," he said coldly. "You answered correctly."
Clara stared at him silently. "I don't want to embarrass you in front of our family."
Sean snorted.
"No... you're just afraid your mother will get sick, right? And you want your family to believe that this marriage is going well."
Clara held her breath. "Sean, I—"
"Shut up."
Once again, he massaged his temples. "I'm dizzy. Get out of my sight."
Clara fell silent. Her heart ached. She felt humiliated. But she didn't move.
Sean glanced at her sharply. "Didn't you hear me? Get out."
Clara swallowed hard. She slowly turned and walked to the guest room, leaving Sean alone with his anger and fever.
But after only a few steps...
"Maybe ... tonight I'll stay at Moana's apartment again." Sean took a deep breath before continuing.
"Maybe you have already know, Moana is pregnant. She is carrying my child and she needs my attention!" he concluded.
Clara stopped walking. Her heart seemed to stop beating. But she didn't turn around. She couldn't.
Sean's voice pierced her back like a knife. "Yes! Moana is carrying the fruit of our love. Once again, I emphasize ...! She is carrying my child. I have to be by her side!"
Clara took a shaky breath. Tears fell without her realizing it. Sean's shoulders shifted, as if he was leaning back on the sofa. And his next words shattered what little strength Clara had left.
"We can make a sweet drama out of this situation. Let Moana carry my child. Later, after Moana gives birth, I'll bring the baby to our house and tell the whole family that the baby is yours!" Sean spoke without considering his wife's feelings.
"Maybe, in two or three weeks later, you can pretend to be pregnant to match Moana's pregnancy. Well, our parents have to see you pregnant. This is the only way I can bring Moana's child into my extended family!" The cunning man laughed cynically.
Clara bit her lip so hard it bled. But Sean wasn't finished.
"Maybe ..., starting tonight or tomorrow, I won't be home for a week. Moana is taking the baby moon to Hawaii. You have to make up a story if any of my family asks." The man said firmly.
Clara fell to her knees in the narrow hallway. Her hands were shaking. She didn't see Sean's face, but she felt every word her husband said was slowly killing her.
"I'll pay you handsomely if you agree to cooperate. I'll transfer 1 million dollars to your account as compensation for this cooperation." Sean laughed.
Clara closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face.
Sean exhaled heavily. "Just accept this partnership! You'll get definitely benefit from it."
The sound of his footsteps faded away. Moments later, the sound of the main bedroom door slamming shut echoed.
Clara remained kneeling on the cold floor, she is hugging herself.
For the first time… she felt what Eveline had described yesterday: the lowest point of a wife. And from that point—she had to decide: stay broken… or start fighting back.
"How dare he ask me to cooperate? How dare he ask me to lie to the extended family about the status of the baby that now is carried by Moana?." Clara laughed, as if laughing at her own foolishness.
She went to her room, locked herself inside. Her heart ached when she realized how much her husband loved another woman besides her. Sean was even more concerned about Moana and her baby.
"What? He'll bring that baby to this house and tell Mom and Dad that it's my child? So he'll make me pretend to be pregnant while Moana is pregnant?" Clara shook her head angrily. "No! I won't be stupid!"