Chapter 5 Holding Secret Behind Lucas

CLARA'S POV.

The hotel ballroom was luxurious and filled with the hustle and bustle of the invited guests. Soft jazz music plays in the background, while the sound of clinking glasses can be heard amongst the conversations of the guests dressed in their finest.

This was the annual meeting of Ethan's major investors, an event that was always filled with glamor and ambition.

Lucas and I arrive a little late, as usual. He always made sure we made an entrance that left an impression. Dressed in a satin navy blue dress chosen by one of his personal assistants, I try to match his confident stride.

Lucas, in a classic black suit that made him look like the center of attention, clasped my waist casually, as if to make sure I didn't feel alone in the crowd.

"Take it easy," he said softly near my ear as we walked into the room. "We're just here to make sure Ethan knows he can't ignore us."

I gave him a quick glance. "Us? Isn't this supposed to be just a normal business event?"

He smiled a small smile, one that was hard to translate.

"Just wait."

We were approached by several investors who wanted to talk to Lucas. He introduced me as his wife, with a calm but authoritative voice that made people listen to every word he said.

I smiled politely, though my mind was drifting. It feels strange to be here, at an event organized by Ethan-my ex-husband, the man who once broke my heart and my reputation all at once.

But tonight, I was determined not to falter.

The event went as expected, full of boring speeches and presentations on successful investments. Ethan, with his always mesmerizing charisma, stood on the stage, talking about the future of his company with great confidence. He looked like his old self, the man who always knew how to charm others.

However, I knew better than anyone that underneath it all were lies and manipulation.

Lucas looked calm beside me, but I could feel the tension hidden behind his casual demeanor. His eyes were sharp, taking in every detail. I didn't know what he was planning, but I was sure he had something on his mind.

As Ethan finished his speech and moved on to the visual presentation, the room lights dimmed, and all eyes fell on the large screen at the front of the room.

On the screen, the first video was an advertisement for Ethan's company, showcasing his achievements and future vision.

Suddenly, however, the screen changed.

The image on the screen changed to another video-a recording that was clearly not part of the official agenda.

Ethan's face appears on the screen, but not on stage or at an official event. It was a video from a hidden camera, showing him in a fancy restaurant, laughing and talking intimately with a woman who was not his wife.

Gasps could be heard throughout the room.

I fell silent, my eyes glued to the screen. The video kept running, showing Ethan and the woman holding hands, talking in intimate tones.

Then, the next scene was even more devastating: they were seen leaving the restaurant together, getting into the same car.

Ethan's face on stage turns pale. He tried to say something, but the microphone in his hand didn't help save the situation.

"What is this? Turn it off!" he shouted, his voice sounding panicked.

However, the video continued to run, showing more evidence of Ethan's infidelity. Snide laughter could be heard from several corners of the room, while some of the guests started whispering to each other.

I turned to Lucas, who looked calm as ever, although there was a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"Lucas," I whispered, looking at him with suspicion. "You knew about this?"

He turned to me, his smile small but full of meaning.

"I was just making sure the truth finally surfaced."

"You did this?"

Lucas shrugged casually.

"I just provided the means. That video... well, it's a truth that can't be ignored. Ethan must take responsibility for his actions, Clara."

I could hardly believe it. Lucas had planned this, and he'd done it perfectly. Not only did he bring down Ethan's reputation, but he also made sure everyone in this room knew who Ethan really was.

Ethan finally managed to turn off the video, but the damage was already done. The guests started to leave the room, some of them throwing glares at him.

Lucas tugged gently on my arm. "Come on, let's go. There's nothing more we need to see here."

I followed him out of the room, mixed feelings filling my mind. I didn't know whether to be angry that Lucas was doing this without telling me, or relieved that Ethan was finally getting payback for everything he did.

As we walked to the car, Lucas stopped and looked at me.

"Clara, I know this may seem like a long way off, but I can't let him keep ruining other people's lives. He has hurt enough people, including you."

I stared at him for a long time, trying to read the expression on his face. There was sincerity there, even though his way of helping might be unusual.

"Thank you," I said finally, though my voice was low.

Lucas smiled, a small but triumphant smile.

"Trust me, Clara. This is just the beginning."

And with that, we get into the car, leaving the chaos behind us. I knew tonight would be the talk of the town, but for the first time, I felt like Ethan no longer had power over my life.

***

I was sitting in the living room of Lucas's palatial home, enjoying a glass of green tea that had just been served by one of his staff.

Lucas was sitting on the sofa opposite me, holding a tablet and looking busy checking something. When he was like this-calm but focused-he always seemed unflappable.

"I know you're thinking about something," I said finally, trying to break the silence.

He gave me a quick glance, the corners of his lips curling up slightly. "I'm always thinking about something, Clara. But this time, I'm just making sure everything goes according to plan."

I was about to ask further when the main door suddenly opened with a bang, pounding on the wall behind it. The sound made me almost drop my teacup.

Ethan's figure appeared in the doorway, his face flushed with anger. His piercing eyes stared straight at Lucas and me, filled with an almost uncontrollable rage.

"Lucas! Clara!" he exclaimed, his voice rumbling through the previously quiet room. "What were you thinking, huh?!"

Lucas calmly set his tablet down, staring at Ethan as if his presence was just a small, meaningless distraction. "Ethan," he said slowly, his tone flat. "What brings you here? Lost your way?"

Ethan stepped further into the room, his fists clenched. "You think this is funny, huh? You think you can embarrass me in front of all my investors and get out with no consequences?"

I swallowed, my body stiffening. But Lucas remained seated calmly, even crossing his legs casually, as if Ethan was nothing more than an uninvited guest.

"I think you should be more specific," Lucas said, his calm voice like oil poured on Ethan's fire. "What incident are you referring to?"

Ethan pointed his finger at Lucas. "That video! You know what I mean! You deliberately spread it to destroy my reputation. And you," he turned to me with a piercing gaze, "you must have been in cahoots with him. You're both the same-cunning and manipulative!"

I was surprised by his accusation, but before I could say anything, Lucas was already on his feet. His taller body made Ethan seem smaller, although it was clear Ethan wasn't intimidated.

"Be careful with your accusations," Lucas said quietly, but there was a cold tone in his voice that made the air in the room feel heavier. "I didn't spread anything. If that video appeared, it's because the truth always comes out eventually, Ethan. And that truth, apparently, is very unfavorable to you."

Ethan laughed sarcastically, his voice full of bitterness. "Oh, you think you can play the moral hero, huh? Don't play innocent, Lucas. You've got power, connections, and I know you're cunning enough to use both."

Lucas just shrugged. "Maybe I have power. But I don't need cunning to reveal who you really are. You do that yourself, very well, if I may add."

Ethan stepped closer, now standing only inches from Lucas. The tension between them was palpable, like a rope that could snap at any moment.

"Don't think you can get away with it," Ethan threatened. "I'll find a way to avenge this. I'll make your life and Clara's life a living hell."

I finally stood up, feeling I could no longer keep quiet. "Enough, Ethan!" I exclaimed, though my voice trembled slightly. "Don't try to blame others for your own mistakes. That video wouldn't exist if you hadn't done what you did. You're just angry that the world finally knows who you really are."

She looked at me with a hateful gaze, but I didn't back down. For the first time, I didn't feel afraid of him.

"I expected better from you, Clara," he said in a mocking tone. "But it turns out you're nothing more than Lucas's puppet. You let him use you for revenge."

I opened my mouth to retort, but Lucas had already stepped in front of me, shielding me from Ethan's gaze.

"If you have a problem, you talk to me," Lucas said, his voice sharp as a knife. "But I won't let you attack Clara. You've hurt her enough in the past, and it won't happen again."

Ethan looked like he wanted to say something, but Lucas stared at him with an intensity that cut through his bravado. After a moment, he finally backed off, although his anger was still evident.

"It's not over yet," Ethan said before turning and walking out, the large door closing loudly behind him.

I let out a long breath, trying to calm my still racing heartbeat. Lucas turned to me, his expression softening.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly.

I nodded, though still feeling shaken. "Yeah, I just... didn't expect him to come like that."

Lucas looked at me deeply, then touched my arm gently. "Don't worry. He can't touch us. I won't let that happen."

I looked up at him, and for the first time since Ethan showed up, I felt completely safe. Lucas had a way of making me feel that way, even in the middle of a storm.

"Thank you," I whispered, though the words felt insufficient.

He just smiled a little, his gaze full of conviction. "Ethan is already playing in the wrong territory. And Clara, believe me, I never lose at this game."

***

The symptoms came again. Morning sickness, sudden fatigue, and a change in appetite that I couldn't ignore. All these signs felt familiar, and I knew exactly what they meant.

I clutched my stomach gently, feeling a little bitter. I had taken a test a few weeks ago, and it came back positive. I thought that maybe I could ignore it, that maybe it was all just a mistake. But my body kept signaling, and I couldn't lie to myself any longer.

Lucas doesn't know yet.

I stare at my own reflection in the mirror, trying to read the mind of someone I seem to recognize less and less. Could I really hide this from Lucas? The man was too smart, too observant. He always knew if something was bothering me, even if I tried hard to cover it up.

A soft knock on the door broke my reverie. "Clara?" Lucas' voice came from behind the door, calm yet attentive as always.

I panicked for a moment, hurriedly smoothing my hair and putting on a smile. "Yes, just come in," I replied, my voice trembling slightly.

Lucas entered gracefully, wearing a white shirt with the long sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He held a cup of coffee in one hand, while the other carried a file. He looked calm, but I could see his eyes scanning my face carefully, as they always did.

"Are you okay?" he asked, placing the coffee on the table near me. "You look a little pale."

I smiled a little, trying to look convincing. "I'm just a little tired. Probably needed more sleep last night."

He didn't answer right away, just looked at me with a gaze that made me feel naked-as if he could see all the secrets I was trying to hide. I tried not to fidget, but my body felt tense under his gaze.

"Are you sure I have nothing to worry about?" he asked finally, his tone soft but meaningful.

I nodded quickly, too quickly. "Of course. I'm fine, Lucas."

He still stared at me for a few more seconds before finally giving up and walking towards the large window overlooking the back garden. I felt relieved, even if only a little.

When she turned around, she already had a small smile on her face, as if trying to break the ice. "Then, you should eat something. I don't want you to miss breakfast."

I nodded again, though my mind was already drifting away. How could I eat when this nausea kept coming and going? How could I pretend everything was fine when this secret kept haunting me?

When Lucas walked out to make room for me to get ready, I reached for the small mirror on the table. I stare at my reflection again, trying to find answers.

Would I be able to hide this from him?

Lucas is a controlling man. He knows everything about me, even the things I don't say. If he knew I was pregnant, he would definitely take charge of the situation, like he always does. He would have made sure I didn't feel alone, that I was well cared for, that everything I needed was prepared without any gaps.

But I was scared.

Not just about Lucas' reaction, but also about what this pregnancy meant for us. Our marriage began with a contract, a cold agreement that involved no feelings. But the longer I was with him, the harder it was for me to see this marriage as just a contract.

I was afraid that the presence of a child would change everything-and not in a good way.

I clutched the test pack I kept in the dresser drawer, looking at it with mixed feelings. The two lines were still clearly visible, like a reminder of a reality I couldn't escape.

"Clara, what are you doing?" I whispered to myself, trying to find the courage.

I knew in the end I couldn't hide this forever. But for now, I chose to delay, to enjoy the remaining time where everything still felt normal.

Deep inside, though, I know Lucas will find out soon enough. And when that time comes, I can only hope that everything will be okay.