Chapter 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?"

"What do you think? That I'll allow a woman like you to mother my child? How do you think she'd react knowing her mother is a thief?" He leans in so close that I can smell his cologne-the same one I bought him for our first anniversary.

Even though his words stings, I forced confidence into my tone. "I'm going to see my daughter and you won't stop me,"

"No," He cuts me off. "What you're going to do is go in there, pack your miserable things and get the fuck out of our lives. This house, this life, none of it is yours anymore,"

The words stab me like a knife to the heart. "Three years, Derrick... three years and it all meant nothing to you?"

"It all means nothing compared to her." He steps forward. "Move Clara. I give you five minutes to get your trash and get out of my face before I do something you'll regret."

After talking to me like I was garbage, he walked back to Florida with a wide smile. My legs feel like jelly, my head is spinning, and my heart-it feels like it's been ripped out of my chest.

But I have to keep moving. I have to survive. For my baby.

For a moment, I just stood there watching them cuddle in a way that made my skin crawl.

Then I walked upstairs, my voice calling for my daughter. I was about to pull open one of the doors when sharp, manicured nails dug into mine.

I flinched and turned behind to find Florida with an evil grin on her face.

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

Rage, pure, blinded rage.

I hate her.

I hate her so much.

"It hurts, right? Watching me be all lovey-dovey with him?" She smirked. "I guess you'll never be good enough no matter how hard you try,"

"You home-wrecking bitch! How dare you destroy my marriage and try to manipulate my daughter and-!"

"Destroy your marriage?" she chuckled quietly, her eyes shining with mockery. "Don't fool yourself. Derrick and I are in love. We've always been in love,"

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.

"CLARA LAURENT!"

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.

No...!

There's no way in hell this is happening!