CHAPTER 24: Truth Behind Lies

CLAIRE’s P.O.V.

“I love you.”

He didn’t answer me. He just caressed my back gently, planting an uncountable kisses on my forehead. Although he didn’t say anything, I have a feeling that his actions speaks louder than words. Maybe he loves me too. Just maybe.

I let my tired self be asleep in his embraced. He continue to comb my hair using his fingertips as I slowly drowned myself into a deep slumber.

I woke up the next day feeling a pain in my core. Then I remembered what happened last night. I smile to myself because of that. But Darren wasn’t here by my side anymore. He’s missing, though I didn’t worry too much for I withhold the assurance I needed last night.

I try to look around, only seeing a note at the bedside table. I picked it up before reading it. I blushed as my mind process what the note had told me so.

“Dad needs me at Herrera Corp. I’ll just see you this afternoon. Please forgive me for leaving you here. I just can’t disturb your peaceful slumber. Take care, wife. –Darren.”

I took a shower and fixed myself before I decided to go home. As soon as I opened our house’s door, I saw my Dad, looking at me with his brows furrowed.

“D-Dad.”

“How many times do I have to tell you to stop your dirty job, Claire?!” he madly asked.

“This is not what you think it is, Dad.”

“Claire! You’re here!”

Alexa ran towards me, and Dad temporarily shut his mouth.

“Did you missed me?” I tried to put a wide smile on my face as I look at my little sister.

“Yes! Are you still working with Darren?” she asked curiously, making our father’s brows arched.

“Alexa, please go to your room,” he stated.

Authority is visible in his eyes. I knew that a few moments later, I will receive some hurtful words for him. Some words that I didn’t want to hear.

“But–”

“No buts. Just go.”

“Fine.”

Alexa gave me a peck of kiss on my cheeks before following our Dad’s order. As soon as she was out of our sight, Dad cleared his throat and averted his eyes towards me, glaring at my direction.

“Do you want to explain to me who’s this Darren guy?” he asked.

“He’s a... Uhm... A f-friend.”

“Then why are you stuttering?”

“Dad, I’m working for him, okay?”

“What work, Claire? I didn’t raised and educated you just to became a rented woman for some rich guy!” he shouted.

“Dad, please calm down. Your heart...”

“Please stop making this all about me!”

“But it is all about you!” I fired back.

He looked at me, surprised.

“What did you say?”

“It was all for you, Dad. I did this for us. I couldn’t find another way to save you... That’s why I choose to be a rented woman, for Pete’s sake.”

“I never asked you to do this. And if you’re going to slapped that reason to my face, then you should’ve let me die at the first place...”

“It’s not like that, Dad...”

I kneel in front of him, trying to ask for forgiveness. But he remained stoic, not bothering to listen to me anymore.

“I’m so sorry, Dad. I didn’t mean to hurt you... I was wrong... You’re right, Dad. Maybe I’m just doing this for my own good. Because I want to. Maybe I’m just using you as an excuse... I’m sorry.”

He look at me, trying to remain calm before his expression finally gave in. He touch my shoulder, looking at me with pity in his eyes.

“What would I do, Dad? I’ve fallen in love with the man who gave me this deal... I already love him... And I don’t know why to do anymore if ever that this situation ends... I can’t bear to lose him,” I cried.

I subdue to my tears. I cried so hard, and I cannot contain myself anymore.

“This is partially my fault, Claire. I’m sorry for being like this... I’m sorry that I wasn’t been able to help myself. I should be the one apologizing to you and Alexa right now...”

“Dad...”

He gave me a warm hug. I just cried in his arms, not wanting to say another word. After a few moments, we finally composed ourselves again.

“So... What will you do now?” he asked.

“Honestly, I don’t know, Dad. I keep on asking myself the same thing... And I couldn’t find any answer to that question.”

“You’ll know it very soon, Claire. Let him prove it to you.”

I just nodded. He sighed, before finally letting me go to my room and take a rest. I exhaustedly lay on my bed, thinking about what happened last night. I surrendered myself to him... And then I confessed. But he didn’t say anything. Maybe Dad was right. Maybe he didn’t love me the way I do to him. Maybe...

My cellphone beeps and I quickly picked it up, feeling excited to hear his voice again. But to my dismay, Elijah was the one in the other line of the phone.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“Elij...”

“Are you not coming to school today?”

“Maybe... I’m tired. I’ll just excuse myself to our principal.”

“Oh. And why are you tired?” he asked mischievously. I can hear that he’s smiling right now.

“Stop it, Elijah.”

“Oh. Sorry. By the way, Darren called me earlier.”

“Really?! What did he say?”

“Please don’t make it so obvious that you’re head over heels in love with my best friend.”

“I’m not.” He chuckled.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Anyways, Darren told me that he cannot see you this afternoon. He said that he have to attend to some important meetings.”

My heart dropped at that news. Maybe he just didn’t want to see me. Maybe I’m not that fond to him anymore now that he already got what he wanted.

“Claire? Are you still there?” Elijah’s voice made me came back to my senses.

“Y-yeah. I’m here.”

“Please don’t be mad at Darren. He’s doing everything to fix their company.”

“Yeah. I know that.”

“Are you okay?” Elijah asked in a worried voice.

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?” I said but disappointment was already invading my system right now.

“So...”

“I need to sleep now, Elij. I still have to make my lesson plan later. Bye.”

I dropped the call, before bursting out into tears. After I gave myself to him... This is what I have received. Pain because of love. Dad was right all along. Realization hit me hard. He doesn’t love me. I’m just his rented wife, after all.