News (1)

After leaving the home she had shared with Aiden, Clara spent a few days at her friend's house, seeking solace in the familiar comfort of someone who truly understood her. It was a temporary refuge, a place to gather her thoughts and steady her emotions before stepping into her new life.

Within a week, she found a new place, a modest yet comfortable apartment, not too big, not too small, but just right for her. It was a space she could call her own, free from the shadows of her past. The walls were bare, the rooms quiet, but they held the promise of a fresh start.

Clara decided against bringing any servants with her, preferring the quiet independence of living alone. She had always been self-reliant, and this was no different. Still, she arranged for a cleaning service to come by regularly, ensuring her new space remained tidy without intruding on her privacy. It was a small concession to practicality, but one that allowed her to maintain control over her life.

Today was a rare day off from work. Clara had been so busy since the move that she hadn't had time to properly unpack and organize her personal belongings. Boxes were still stacked in the corner of her living room, filled with items she hadn't touched since leaving the house she once shared with Aiden. She rolled up her sleeves and got to work, determined to finally settle into her new life.

As she sorted through old photos, books, and trinkets, memories of her marriage flickered in her mind. She paused for a moment, holding a framed picture of her and Aiden on their wedding day. His charming smile, once so captivating, now felt hollow. She placed the photo facedown in a box labeled "Donate" and continued her task.

Just as she was about to take a break, her phone buzzed. It was a message from her close friend, Tessa. Clara picked up her phone and glanced at the screen.

Tessa had sent her a news article, a gossip piece about her recent move. The headline read: "Clara Harrison, Wife of Aiden Whitmore, Moves Out: Trouble in Paradise or Business Tensions?" Clara sighed, shaking her head. The media's obsession with the lives of the wealthy never ceased to amaze her.

Another message from Tessa popped up: "What's going on? Did you two split? Was it because of that message I sent you last time?"

Clara quickly replied, her tone matter-of-fact: "Yeah, but don't worry. It was a family-arranged marriage anyway, so there was never any real love involved. I've been wanting to move out for a while now. Honestly, I'm more comfortable living alone."

Tessa's reply came almost instantly: "Ahhhh, I'm so sorry! (>_<)"

Clara smiled faintly and responded: "It's not your fault. Don't worry about it."

They exchanged a few more messages before Clara ended the conversation, setting her phone aside. She returned to her task, determined to finish unpacking before the day was over.

The next morning, Clara returned to work as usual. The office buzzed with its usual energy, but she noticed the subtle shift in the atmosphere.

Colleagues glanced her way more often than usual, their curiosity thinly veiled. She knew why, of course. News of her separation from Aiden had spread, and everyone was eager for details. But Clara was used to being the center of attention. She held her head high, her strong-willed nature shielding her from the prying eyes.

As she walked through the office, she noticed Kason at his desk, focused intently on his work. Unlike the others, he didn't seem to care about the gossip. His ascetic demeanor and single-minded dedication to his tasks were as unwavering as ever. Clara admired that about him. In a world where everyone seemed obsessed with drama, Kason's indifference was refreshing.

She approached his desk, a stack of files in hand. "Kason," she said, her voice calm and professional, "I need your input on the Carter project. Do you have a moment?"

Kason looked up, his sharp eyes meeting hers. "Of course," he replied, his tone as steady as ever. He gestured to the chair across from him, and they dove into a discussion about the project, their conversation entirely focused on work.

As they talked, Clara felt a sense of normalcy return. The office gossip, the curious glances, none of it mattered when she was immersed in her work. This was her world, her anchor. And no matter what happened in her personal life, she knew she could always rely on herself to keep moving forward.

That evening, as Clara returned to her apartment, she felt a quiet sense of accomplishment. The boxes were finally unpacked, her new space feeling more like home. She poured herself a glass of wine and sat by the window, looking out at the city lights. The soft glow of the skyline was calming, a reminder that life moved on, no matter what.

Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. She glanced at the screen and saw her mother's name. Clara's expression tightened. Her mother rarely called unless it was something important, or something related to the family's reputation.

She answered, her voice steady but guarded. "Hello, Mom?"

Her mother's tone was sharp, no-nonsense. "Clara, have you seen the news? The article about you moving out?"

Clara sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I saw it. It's just gossip, Mom. It'll blow over."

"It's not just gossip," her mother insisted, her voice sharp and unyielding. "It's affecting the family's reputation. You and Aiden need to make a statement, a joint statement. Something to calm the rumors. Otherwise, you'll have to move back in with him."

Clara's grip on her wine glass tightened. "A statement? What do you expect us to say? That everything's fine? That we're just 'taking some space'? People aren't stupid, Mom. They'll see right through it."

Her mother's voice grew firmer, her tone unyielding. "I don't care what you say, as long as it's convincing. This isn't just about you, Clara. It's about the family. You know how important appearances are."

Clara closed her eyes, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She had always hated this part of her life, the constant pressure to maintain the family's image, to play the role of the perfect daughter. But she also knew there was no point in arguing. Her mother wouldn't back down.

"Fine," Clara said finally, her voice tinged with resignation. "I'll talk to Aiden. We'll figure something out."

Her mother's tone softened slightly. "Thank you, Clara. I know this isn't easy, but it's for the best. We'll discuss the details later."

The call ended, and Clara set her phone down with a heavy sigh. She took a long sip of her wine, staring out at the city lights. The quiet sense of accomplishment she had felt earlier was now overshadowed by the weight of her family's expectations.