Chapter 2 I'm here for my daughter

(Clara's POV)

The loud cries of my baby echoed in my ears like a haunting melody. My heart ached for her,to caress her, hold her, and care for her like a mother should,but I just couldn't.

I couldn't take care of my baby all alone. And I couldn't fall in love with a man. Love wasn't my thing, and I don't think it ever will be.

But I'll make it up to my little Jewel,once I gather myself and become responsible. Like my younger sister always says:

"The day you take your life seriously, everything will go smoothly for you."

I sniffed back my tears, gripping the steering wheel tightly as they streamed down my cheeks. My daughter's beautiful face, her smile when I held her, her eyes,those same eyes as mine,flashed in my mind.

I wiped my tears. Now wasn't the time to break down. I needed to start over. In three months, I'll come back for my daughter. No matter what,she's mine, and I'll claim her.

"Clara, pull yourself together," my friend said, holding my hand. Warren had never left my side, especially during the hardest times.

"By this time tomorrow, Mara will know I was pregnant with her boss's child..." I smiled through the tears.

"She'll protect her, trust me," Warren assured, holding my hand tighter.

"You support me, even when you know I'm wrong..."

"You've always been wrong. Should I abandon you just because you never listen to anyone but your stubborn mind?" Warren replied, wiping a tear off my cheek with his thumb.

"If I jumped into hell, would you save me?" I asked, trying to smile.

"That's only if it was by accident," he said bluntly. I hit him playfully.

"Jerk," I muttered, making him laugh.

"Drive. We need to be at the airport before ten," he said, handing me the keys.

"I can't drive," I sighed.

"Knew it," he teased, switching seats with me.

"Thank you," I whispered with a small smile, tears still lingering.

I looked out the window, recalling my time in this city. My obsession with men, my reckless lifestyle... I had loved every second of it. But now, it was over,for the sake of my daughter.

That billionaire better take care of her. If not, I'll have his head delivered to me.

With one final glance at the city, I looked at Warren, who only smiled as he focused on the road. Then I whispered a final goodbye.

(Mara's POV)

I groaned tiredly, desperate for sleep with the weight of truth crushing my chest.

My sister had slept with my boss. She kept it all to herself. How was I supposed to face that grumpy, arrogant man now?

How did she even meet Zayn Norman? Where? When? Why?

Despite me warning her over and over that he was a cold-hearted bastard, she still went for him. Every time I complained about him, she would smirk.

I should've known she had something planned. Damn her arousal. Damn her selfish desires. Damn my sister.

"You're still thinking about it?" Naomi asked.

"Isn't it worth thinking about? How am I supposed to convince Mr. Norman that I'm the one he slept with? He knows I'd rather die than let him touch me, let alone have sex with him!" I sobbed.

"It's simple," Naomi shrugged. "Make him believe you left for nine months because you were pregnant. Say you were scared and unprepared..."

"Naomi, he's not stupid. He's hard to deceive!" I groaned.

She sneered, always so confident-even when she shouldn't be.

"Naomi, I beg you..."

"Girl, worry less about him and do something for me," she said, tugging my cheek.

"Hey!"

"Break up with Shawn," she said casually.

I slapped her hand away.

Shawn was my boyfriend-the man I loved, the only one my heart had chosen. I was sure he loved me back.

"Yes, he's cheating on you," Naomi said firmly. "Have you seen him today? Does he even care?"

"Are you jealous?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Jealous? Of that asshole? Never!" she scoffed.

"Then stop telling me to leave him. I won't," I snapped.

I was sleepy, but her bringing up Shawn cleared all the sleep from my eyes.

"I've never been against your relationship, but I know what I saw-"

"You act like a detective. Where did you even find out about Zayn being Jewel's father? You haven't told me that either!" I accused, raising my brows.

Naomi scratched her ear, clearly stalling.

"If I find out you're a detective, you're dead!" I snapped, grabbing my charger and phone.

Naomi grabbed my hand.

"Hey..."

"I'm fine. Don't tell me anything if you don't want to," I said, stuffing my things in my bag.

She didn't even try to stop me from leaving. That hurt more than anything.

If my sister could lie to me, Naomi could too.I had to prepare for tomorrow,to face my boss and get my niece back, no matter the cost.

"Sam..."

"Goodnight," I muttered without looking back. Then I walked out.

"Sam, I'll see you tomorrow," her voice called faintly from behind the door. I didn't respond.

The Next Morning.

Dressed in a tight denim gown that barely reached my thighs, I tied my hair into a bun and dusted powder across my face to resemble my sister as much as possible.

"Jewel, your new mommy is coming," I said to my reflection in the mirror.

I put on my heels, picked up my bag, and walked out with confidence, my hips swaying with each step.

The taxi I'd called was waiting. I got in, and we drove off.

When we arrived at the mansion, I paid the cabbie and stepped out, my heart pounding in my chest.

I hope I'm doing the right thing. Jewel didn't deserve to suffer because of her mother's selfishness.

Recognized as Zayn's secretary, the guards let me in. Some greeted me happily, others glared as usual.

"Is Mr. Norman in?" I asked as the fresh morning air cooled my nerves.

"Yes. Seems like he gave birth last night," one of them joked.

"Nice," I smiled. Naomi's intel was always spot-on.

"But last night, a woman was here too-"

Before the guard could finish, I heard the baby's loud scream and rushed inside.

Zayn was holding tiny Jewel in his arms, glaring at her. She screamed, clearly terrified.

"You'll only scare her more doing that!" I yelled angrily. How could he be so cold?

Jack, overwhelmed to see me, smiled.

"I called you last night, and here you are this morning!" he exclaimed.

"Zayn-"

"You're fired. Get out!" Zayn barked, handing the baby to a maid.

The room tensed instantly.

I smiled coolly. "I'm not here as your secretary."

"Whatever you're here for, get out!" he snapped.

"Zayn, calm down. You're being too harsh," Jack intervened.

"I'm here for my daughter. Jewel," I declared,my voice firm.

I hope he makes things easy for me but with his glare said something else.