Clara stood in front of the main bedroom door a few seconds longer than she should have. Her hand rose, then fell again. Her chest rose and fell slowly. She had made her decision. Not for Sean. Not for the money. But for her mother.
Clara took a breath, then opened the door.
"Sean, I—"
The sentence was cut off.
On the bed, Sean sat leaning back with his cell phone in his hand. The phone screen was bright. A woman's face filled the screen.
Moana.
Naked. Without a single thread. Her hair was loose, her body deliberately positioned towards the camera. She smiled flirtatiously, as if the world belonged only to the two of them.
"Honey... do you miss me?" Moana's voice was clear.
Clara froze.
Sean was shocked. His face immediately darkened. He roughly covered the camera.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" he shouted.
Clara didn't move. Her chest felt tight, but her voice still came out, albeit softly.
"I want to talk."
Sean stood up. His face was red with anger—not because he had been caught, but because he was disturbed.
"Can't you see I'm busy?" he said coldly. "Get out."
Clara clenched her fingers. "This is important."
Sean laughed short, cynically. "Nothing about you is important."
He picked up his phone again, about to continue the call. Clara took a step forward.
"I'm willing," she said quickly.
Sean stopped.
"What?"
Clara swallowed. Her throat was sore.
"I'll pretend to be pregnant," she said clearly. "Just like you want."
Sean looked at her, assessing her. His eyes narrowed.
"Oh?" The corners of his lips lifted. "Finally, you understand your position."
Clara didn't reply. She lowered her head slightly.
"It's not for your money," she said softly. "My mother is sick. I don't want to upset her. I don't want her to know about your madness!"
Sean snorted. "A weak excuse."
He sat back down and turned on the camera. Moana's face appeared again, this time clearly annoyed.
"Who is that, Sean?" Moana asked sharply. "Why did you turn off the camera just now?"
Sean glanced at Clara. His gaze was warning.
"My wife," he replied flatly.
Moana laughed softly, dismissively. "Oh... the woman who's going to pretend to have my child?"
Clara's chest trembled.
"Sean," Moana continued coquettishly, "tell her to leave. I don't like being watched."
Sean nodded. "Did you hear that?" he said to Clara. "Go."
Clara looked at him. She didn't cry. She didn't scream.
"Just one thing," she said. "If I do this, I want the rules."
Sean laughed loudly. "You still dare to bargain?"
"I'm not your puppet," Clara replied softly but firmly. "I can cooperate... or I can destroy everything."
Moana was silent on the screen.
Sean stared at Clara for a long time. For the first time, something had changed in his eyes—not love, not pity—but caution.
"You're getting bold," he said softly.
Clara straightened her back. "YES!"
Sean smirked. "Get out now. We'll talk later."
Clara turned without a word.
As the door closed, Moana's voice could be heard behind it. "Sean... are you sure you can control her?"
Clara paused in the hallway. Her lips formed a thin smile. "Let's start this war! Screw my love for you that's been growing since high school, Sean..." she whispered.
No. Sean didn't know. He was unaware that he had just allowed his enemy into his own game.
***
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The next day, Sean got ready to go on a babymoon to Hawaii. He hoped Clara would whine as usual. He hoped to see jealousy on his wife's face. He always felt satisfied when he saw Clara whine and beg to be loved. But not today.
Clara allowed her husband to go to Hawaii with Moana. No drama, no tears, no whining. She was able to control her emotions and feelings.
"I need that $1 million transferred within 24 hours. This is compensation for our 'work contract'." Clara smiled as she watched her husband get ready to leave.
"If not, I'll tell them that you're currently in Hawaii with Moana," she concluded.
"Are you threatening me?!" Sean felt challenged.
"This is business, Honey!" Clara laughed.
"Don't get too excited. Remember! You've loved me since we were in high school!" Sean whispered, his eyes wild.
"If you want to come to Hawaii, just say so. I'll take you so you can know what it's like to vacation with a rich and handsome man like me. But be Moana's assistant. Maybe you can prepare Moana while in Hawaii. She's pregnant with my child." The man grinned.
"Sean, I love you so much. But I'm not stupid." Clara touched her husband's chest with a mischievous smile.
"Just transfer the money and go on a babymoon to Hawaii with your sweetheart. Don't worry about my feelings or jealousy. I'm used to all that." Now, Clara adjusted her husband's tie.
"What are your plans? What are you going to use that $1 million for?" Sean brought his face close to Clara's. Their noses touched. Their breath mingled.
"Ah, maybe just to have fun at the salon and pay a gigolo to accompany me. Hehehehehe." Clara laughed.
Sean glared. He wanted to get angry, but Carla immediately kissed him on the lips. "Relax, I'm just joking. Heheheh."
Sean immediately transferred the money to his wife's account. Then, he threatened. "Watch out if you dare to do anything!"