5

CHAPTER 5

I never thought heartbreak could evolve into something... deeper. The pain I felt after hearing Spencer’s revelations about the sins Derrick had hidden behind his charming smile was too much.

However, I rejected Spencer's offer.

I didn't trust him.

But when I entered the mansion, I heard laughter. Getting to the living room, I saw Florida in Derrick's lap, both of them kissing passionately, practically devouring each other's mouths.

Pain overtook me again.

And I turned away to escape the torture, but Florida’s voice made me halt.

“Oh, for God’s sake, Clara.” She snapped, shoving Derrick’s arm off her waist as she stood up.

“Can you stop lurking around like a ghost? Why don’t you just accept the truth that your marriage is over? Derrick is mine now, so go rent an apartment while he processes your divorce.”

Her words struck me harder than a slap. My lips parted, but no sound came out.

Derrick rose calmly and adjusted his shirt.

“Florida is right.” He said. “You need to move out, Clara. I can help you with the money.”

I clenched my palms tightly, nails digging into skin. “I don’t need your help. And if I leave this house, I leave with Rose.”

Derrick’s expression hardened, and Florida’s smug smile stretched wider.

“You think you can just take her?” Derrick scoffed. “You’re bankrupt, Clara. You have no home, no resources, nothing. Even the court wouldn’t give you custody. Do you think Rose would leave her comfortable life to live in your mess?”

My eyes reddened at his guts. “You did it on purpose, you loaned all that money to keep me in debt.”

For a moment, I was afraid that he would win, and I would lose my daughter.

But then, my mind darted back to Spencer’s offer.

I can help you. You’ll have your company, your life, and your daughter back.

I turned on my heels without another word and headed upstairs. Halfway up, my phone buzzed, and Spencer’s name flashed across the screen.

“Have you made up your mind?”

I stared at the text message he sent until the words blurred. A part of me still despises. Deeply.

But another part knew I couldn’t do this alone.

||

My heart thuds loudly as I curl my feet to my chest, pulling myself as small as I can.

I didn't want them to find me; it’d been just three weeks, yet the bullying hadn't stopped. They still humiliated me and hurt me.

“Where is she?” The leader of the girl gang says, her voice edging closer to me.

“Corner of her bed as usual.” The other one states, causing them to laugh.

Without another word, a strong arm grips mine, tugging me harshly out of my spot.

“Deal with her!” The leader spits, moving to the side of my bed to settle.

“Please–” The words are barely out when a hard fist collides with the side of my jaw.

My head snaps to the side as thick red liquid spurts out of my mouth.

The severity of the pain made my eyes snap wide, my body immediately shot out of the bed, sweat soaking it damp.

“Aww, Derrick, stop.” Florida's voice resonates through the walls of their room into mine.

My ears are practically bleeding from having to listen to them all day.

I tried to sleep, yet the nightmares won't let me. I stayed cooped up in my new room, the one beside my matrimonial room.

It's hard coming to terms with the fact that Derrick now shares it with Florida.

The wardrobe, his body, the bathroom where we made love, which resulted in Rose.

I can't believe he’s giving it all to her.

I can't sleep without nightmares while he is happily fucking my best friend.

My face burns as that familiar feeling rushes back up my throat.

Rage, pure, blinded rage.

I hate him, I hate her.

I hate them all.

“Fuck!” A scream tears out of my lips as I swing my hand forward, pushing all the items on the table to the floor.

The door to the room bangs open immediately, revealing a wide-eyed Derrick and a Florida.

“Don't worry about it, love, I will take care of this.” She says, waving her hand to send him away.

He nods before leaving I and Florida.

“It hurts, right? Watching me be all lovey-dovey with him? That's how I felt when you took everything that belonged to me.”

She snarls and tries to attack me, but I move back and pull my fingers together like I was taught in prison before sending my fist flying right into her jaw.

A blood-curdling scream wracks out of her mouth as her lips split open, paving the way for red liquid to spurt out.

Good.

Without thinking, I send my arms forward, shoving her out of the room before slamming the door closed and locking it as I hear Derrick pounding on the door.

At that moment, my phone chimes, and I rush towards it. Sliding it open, the text I'm met with instantly has the blood draining from my face as I stagger backwards.

[CLARA LAURENT STALKS EX-HUSBAND DERRICK ANTHONY]

No..There's no way in hell this is happening!