Chapter 342 Finally Found You
Clara's heart pounded as she bit her lip and looked down, muttering to Desmond, "It's none of your business."
Running into Desmond now was the last thing she expected.
She wasn't ready to face him yet.
"None of my business?" Desmond grabbed her arm, his eyes wide and locked on Clara.
Clara was terrified. She tried to pull away from Desmond's grip but couldn't.
The more she struggled, the tighter Desmond held on.
She had no choice but to whimper softly, "You're hurting me."
Hearing Clara's softened voice, Desmond realized he had let his anger get the best of him.
He frantically checked Clara's arm, gently blowing on the spot he had hurt, and then asked in a softer tone, "Clara, are you still mad at me? We made up, didn't we? Clara."
He had left Luminous City for Starhaven without a word, which was unfair to Clara. But hadn't Clara come to Starhaven anyway?
And just yesterday, they had rented an apartment. How could she be involved with someone else today?
Thinking of Ethan in the private room, Desmond immediately blamed him.
"Did he force you?" Desmond leaned in, cupping Clara's face, seeking confirmation.
Clara slapped his hand away and stepped back, her eyes red. "No, you came to Starhaven for a date, right? He's my date."
Ethan had promised her an engagement, and she had already compared Desmond and Ethan in her mind.
Even though she liked Desmond, she couldn't show weakness now.
Besides, Desmond came to Starhaven to date another woman.
Desmond was stunned by Clara's accusation.
"You know?" Desmond was taken aback, seeing the disappointment on Clara's face. He quickly explained, "Clara, I didn't want to date. It was my dad's idea."
Clara interrupted him, innocent and helpless, "You don't want to, but I do? My dad wants me to date, too."
Her eyes were filled with tears, but only she knew she felt relieved.
Desmond didn't want to date; it was Gabriel's idea.
As long as Desmond cared for her, it didn't matter if he dated other women.
"We'll talk about this later, Desmond. Please leave for now. I like you, but there are things I can't control, just like you."
Her pitiful and aggrieved look made Desmond's heart ache.
He regretted scaring Clara earlier and almost hurting her. He wished he could slap himself.
"But I'm worried about you. That guy knows Katniss; he might harm you!" Desmond said.
Clara shook her head, about to say something, when Desmond's phone rang.
"Desmond, answer your phone first."
Desmond didn't want to answer, but seeing it was Gabriel calling, he picked up.
As soon as he answered, Gabriel's angry voice came through.
"Where are you? Your date has been waiting for you! Why aren't you there yet?"
Desmond was confused, "Dad, didn't you say I should visit her?"
"I texted you earlier! She's out now. Go on the date!"
Gabriel's last words were firm, and he hung up immediately.
Clara, standing beside Desmond, heard Gabriel's words.
She looked at Desmond and said softly, "Desmond, go ahead. Don't make your dad angry, and don't keep the girl waiting."
She turned and went back to the private room with Ethan, not giving Desmond a chance to speak.
Desmond wanted to comfort Clara, but had no opportunity.
Remembering Gabriel's warning, he quickly checked his messages.
Seeing the content, he had no time to think about Clara.
He thought he would comfort Clara later.
As for Ethan, he would find a chance to teach him a lesson.
He rushed to the date location, needing to buy a gift on the way.
He had fought with Ethan earlier, but luckily, his face wasn't hurt, so it shouldn't affect the date much.
Meanwhile, Clara took a deep breath before entering the private room, preparing her response.
Ethan was still in his original seat, with a noticeable mark on his face from Desmond's punch.
"Ethan, do you need to treat your face?" Clara asked softly.
Ethan shook his head and gestured for her to come closer.
Clara slowly walked to his side.
Ethan's expression was calm, and he said gently, "The food is here. Let's eat first, and then I'll take you home."
He didn't ask anything, which made Clara feel relieved but also uneasy.
"Okay." Clara sat down, wondering why Ethan didn't ask anything, and ate her meal without appetite.
Ethan asked, "Don't you like it?"
Seeing Clara's lack of enthusiasm, he worried she didn't like the restaurant's food.
Clara quickly shook her head and brought up Desmond, "No. My friend hit you. I want to apologize for him."
Ethan was useful to her, or rather, very useful.
She didn't want Ethan to hold a grudge now.
"It's fine. I hit back, so I didn't lose out." Ethan shook his head, "He's done this before. He's irrational. We don't need to care."
Hearing Ethan's words, Clara finally relaxed.
Ethan didn't remember her being at the café with Desmond.
"Okay, let's not talk about him. Let's eat."
The room fell silent as they ate their meal.
While things seemed calm here, they were genuinely peaceful elsewhere.
In Maximilian's office,
Katniss stretched and glanced at Maximilian.
Maximilian was focused on his documents, looking serious and attractive.
Perhaps she stared too intently, as Maximilian noticed her gaze and looked up.
Their eyes met, and Maximilian asked, "What's up?"
Katniss pointed to the clock on the wall, "Are you done? It's time to eat."
Maximilian put down his documents, grabbed his suit jacket, and walked towards Katniss.
"Almost. Let's go eat."
Katniss gathered her things and followed Maximilian out.
As they left the company, they encountered an unexpected person.
"Katniss!" Dylan called out.
Katniss was puzzled, seeing the disheveled Dylan.
Why was Dylan in Starhaven instead of Luminous City?
"Katniss, I finally found you." Dylan, looking exhausted, breathed a sigh of relief and spoke to Katniss.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
