Moana stared at Sean as if she couldn't believe her ears.
"What?" her voice rose. "You're joking, right?"
Sean stood up straight. His jaw tightened. "I'm not joking. We're going home now."
"Sean, this is our babymoon!" Moana rose from her seat. "I'm pregnant! You know how much I've been waiting for this moment!"
Several restaurant patrons turned to look. Sean didn't care.
"I'll rearrange everything. We can go anywhere else next time," he said briefly.
"Is this because of Clara?" Moana hissed. "Because of that woman again?"
Sean didn't answer. His silence was again an admission.
Moana laughed, but her laughter was bitter. "You're incredibly selfish. You got me pregnant, brought me this far, then suddenly want to go home because your wife might have hired a gigolo?"
Sean glared at her. "Don't repeat that word."
"Oh, so that hurts your pride?" Moana moved closer. "Funny. You didn't care about Clara's pride when you slept with me for two days and two nights."
Sean turned his face away. "I don't want to argue with you in public like this."
Moana held her breath, then spoke softly but pointedly. "You're afraid of losing her, aren't you?"
Sean looked at his lover. "I've never been afraid of losing anyone."
"But you are afraid," Moana smiled crookedly. "Afraid she'll stop loving you."
Sean stopped moving. His fear was naked in the air.
"Let's go home," he repeated stiffly.
Moana stared at him for a long time. Then she smiled, not a sweet smile, but a calculating one.
"Okay," she said finally. "Let's go home."
But in her heart, Moana had already made her own decision.
If Sean went back to Clara, then she would make sure Clara never truly won.
------
On the plane, Sean didn't sleep at all.
The cabin lights were dim. Moana leaned her head back against the seat, pretending to be asleep. Sean stared at the blank screen in front of him, his mind racing to one place: home.
To Clara.
"What is she doing right now? Is Clara smiling right now? Is she choosing a dress? Is she really going to touch another man?" Sean clenched his fists. His heart was noisy.
He didn't know what he would face when he got home. But one thing he realized clearly:
For the first time in his life, Sean felt uncomfortable imagining Clara starting to ignore him.
***********
Sean's car stopped suddenly in front of the house. The house lights were on. Several domestic workers were busy with their respective tasks.
But... Sean didn't see Clara anywhere.
Sean walked quickly. He opened the door roughly, his steps long and hurried. The living room was empty. The kitchen was clean. The guest room was tidy, even too tidy.
However, one thing was certain: there was no sign of Clara. There was no trace of Clara's favorite pink bag, which was usually on the dressing table, no sign of her favorite shoes, no sign of the thin jacket she usually wore.
"Clara?" he called out, his voice sounding unfamiliar to his own ears.
"Mrs. Clara is out, sir." A housekeeper came and spoke politely.
Sean's chest tightened. He took out his cell phone and dialed Clara's number.
No answer.
Sean cursed softly. His hands trembled as he dialed another number.
"Find Clara," he said coldly to his men one by one.
"I want to know where she is. Now."
He called Harrison.
"Harrison, activate all connections. Track her credit card, car, phone, or anything else related to Clara. Report back to me quickly!"
"Yes, sir."
Sean paced the living room. His head was filled with dark thoughts. Not because he cared—at least that's what he wanted to believe—but because he didn't like losing control. He was afraid Clara would betray him.
A million dollars. Clara's words about gigolos. Clara's unusual calm smile. All of it made Sean sick.
Sean slammed his fist on the small table next to the sofa.
"Damn it."
Just then, the sound of a car engine could be heard outside.
Sean quickly turned toward the window.
The car's headlights swept across the yard. A black sedan stopped in front of the house. The driver's door opened first.
Then, a man got out. He was tall and well-built. He was neatly dressed but relaxed. There was an expensive watch on his left wrist. His hair was neatly combed, his face calm, even too calm.
Then the passenger door opened.
Clara got out.
Not with the fragile face Sean was used to seeing. Not pale. Not panicked. Not sad. But full of joy. She stood tall. Her coat fell perfectly on her shoulders. Her hair was neatly combed. Even... she was smiling. Clara looked very beautiful.
Sean left the house with quick steps.
"What the hell is this?" his voice was sharp.
Clara turned her head. Her gaze was flat, almost cold. "I'm going home."
Sean shifted his gaze to the man. "Who is he?"
The man took half a step forward. A slight smile was etched on his face. He looked polite, confident, but a little annoying to Sean.
"Leo Alvaro," he said, extending his hand. "Your high school friend. Back then. Have you forgotten, Sean?" He smiled crookedly.
Sean did not accept the handshake. Memories of the past hit him hard.
Leo. The man who used to sit behind Clara. The man who used to drive Clara home. The man who used to... love Clara. But Clara always ignored him because she loved Sean.
"Why are you driving Clara?" Sean asked, his voice hardening.
Clara answered her husband's question without hesitation. "Because I needed a ride."
"Don't you have a driver?" Sean stared at his wife sharply.
"No!"
"Don't I have a personal driver who can take you anywhere?!" Sean yelled.
"I don't like him. Your men just like to spy on me," Clara replied briefly.
Sean laughed short, cynically. "And you chose this man? Leo, the man who used to chase you every day?"
Leo smiled thinly. "Don't be so sensitive. You've won, right? Clara is your wife now. Hehehehe."
"But, you also have to remember. If you forget to guard what's yours, someone else will take it!" He continued.
"Shut up! Don't talk so much in my house! Go away if you're done!" Sean snorted.
Sean stared at Clara sharply. "Why is your phone off?"
Clara shrugged. "The battery died."
"You know I was looking for you? Why didn't you send me a message?!"
"No," Clara replied lightly. "I didn't feel the need to."
Sean took a step closer. They were only a step apart.
"Are you doing this to provoke me?"
Clara looked him straight in the eye. "No. I'm just living my life."
Sean clenched his fists.
Leo glanced at his watch. "Looks like I have to go. It was good to see you again, Sean."
He turned to Clara. "If you need anything, call me."
Clara nodded. "Thank you, Leo."
That name stung Sean's ears.
Leo got into his car and drove away, leaving behind a thick silence.
Sean stared at Clara for a long time. "Did you do that on purpose to make me jealous?" he finally said.
Clara smiled slightly. "Maybe."
"What have you two been doing? Did Leo touch you?!" Sean exploded. "Have you two had a sex?"