The Secret Heiress

CLARISSA's POV

I lay on the clinic bed, my arm extended for the nurse to insert the needle. This was a familiar routine, one I had endured for years. My husband, Mark Blackwood, stood beside me, his eyes filled with concern.

"Clare, are you sure you're okay?" Mark asked, his voice low and calm.

"Yes, Mark. I'm fine," I said, trying to conceal my annoyance.

"Are you sure? You look pale," Mark said, his brow furrowed.

"I'm fine, just a little tired, that's all," I said, forcing a smile.

The nurse smiled kindly. "Do not worry, Mrs. Blackwood. This will be over soon."

As the donation process finished, Mark helped me off the bed. "Thanks, Clare. You're a lifesaver."

"I guess I am," I said, with mixed emotions.

Mark, can we talk?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Of course, Clare. What's on your mind?" Mark replied, his eyes worried.

"Do you love me?" I said, my voice shaking.

Mark's eyes narrowed. "Yes, Clare. Dont worry yourself with all these thoughts. The doctor said your hormones will heightened due to the pregnancy. We'll get through this together."

As we arrived home, I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen. I tried to remember if I took anything then I remembered Serena giving me a juice. But that was harmless, right?

I doubled over, gasping for breath. "Mark, I don't feel too good"

Mark's eyes widened in alarm. "Clare, what's wrong?"

"I don't know," I replied, my voice barely audible. "I feel like... my stomach, Mark, the baby." I looked at my gown and saw blood. "My baby, I'm loosing my baby"

Mark's face turned white. "No, Clare. You're not losing our baby. I'm here for you."

"Clare, Clare, keep your eyes open. We are almost at the hospital." I heard Mark say loudly. But it was too late. I felt myself falling, and everything went black.

I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. I was in a hospital bed, surrounded by machines beeping near me and white walls. My head was foggy but as I tried to sit up memories came flooding back. "What happened?" I asked, my voice shaking. Mark was beside me, his eyes worried.

"Is my baby okay?" I asked, my heart racing. The doctor's face was serious, his eyes full of compassion. "I'm so sorry, Mrs Blackwood. You've lost the baby Mrs Blackwood."

My world came crashing down around me. I felt like I'd lost everything that really mattered. "No, not my baby!" I screamed, my voice ringing through the hospital room.

Something inside me shifted. Serena poisoned me and caused me to lose my baby. I knew I had to take back control of my life, no matter what. But would Mark believe me?

"Mark, I need some space," I said, my voice steady.

Mark's eyes almost filled with tears. "Clare, please. Don't push me away. What if Serena needs your blood?"

I sat there, stunned and confused, my eyes fixed on Mark's face. I loved this man and I had come too far and given up too much. Our child had just died and he's worried about Serena who I suspect killed my baby.

"Mark, I get that you're trying to protect Serena, but I can't do this anymore," I said my voice firm. "I need space, I just lost our child, for crying out loud.

Mark's face went cold. "You're not thinking about the consequences, Clare. Serena needs your blood to survive."

I laughed, a harsh sound. "Survive? You mean control, don't you? She loves you and she's been using me for years, draining my veins dry. And you've been enabling her."

Mark's eyes narrowed. "That's not true. Serena is ill, Clare. She needs your help."

I shook my head, feeling my anger rise. "No, Mark. I don't believe there's anything wrong with her health."

Mark's face turned red with anger. "How dare you! Serena is my childhood best friend, she sacrificed herself to save me and I will protect her at all costs. Have some rest, the doctor said we would be able to leave in two hours"

I was still trying to wrap my head around my grief and anger when a nurse suddenly entered the room. "Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Blackwood, I need to inform you that Serena has just fainted and is in urgent need of blood," she said frantically

Mark's eyes locked onto mine, his face begging. "Clare, we have to help her."

I stared at him in disbelief, my anger and hurt boiling over. "Are you kidding me? I just lost our child and you want me to give blood to Serena? Now?"

Mark's face went cold. "Clare, this is no time for selfishness. Serena needs us. We can always make another child."

I laughed, a harsh sound. "Selfishness? You're the one who's being selfish, Mark."

Mark's face turned red with anger. "That's not true! You heard the nurse. She is ill, Clare. She needs your blood."

I shook my head, feeling my anger and disappointment rise. "No, Mark. I won't do it. I won't give blood to Serena. Not again."

Mark looked at me stunned. "Fine. Is it money? Do you need more money? How much?"

I looked at him shocked by his words. "I don't want your money," I said with tears rolling down my eyes.

Mark's eyes narrowed. "If you won't do it willingly, then I'll make sure you're forced to. I am not going to let Serena die, Clare. Not when you have the power to save her."

I looked at him, horrified. "You wouldn't dare."

Mark's smile was cold. "Watch me."

Mark's words sent a chill down my spine. I shivered. Would he do whatever it took to save Serena, even if it meant making me give blood against my will?

CLARISSA's POV

"You can't do this, Mark" I snarled trying to keep the anger in check.

Mark smirked at me. "Oh, but I can. See Clare, you signed a contract so I have the power here."

I felt a rush of adrenaline as I realized how far Mark had manipulated me. He had been playing me all along, using my love and loyalty against me.

But I wouldn't back down. "I won't give her my blood, Mark," I said my voice firm. "I won't let you use me again."

Mark's eyes narrowed, his face twisting with anger. "We'll see about that," he snarled, before turning and storming out of the room.

I was alone my heart racing with fear and anger. I had to get out of there, and get as far away from Mark and Serena as possible.

Mark came back with a different nurse as I was trying to leave. His eyes glinted with a malevolent intensity as he grabbed my arm his grip like a vice. "You will donate the blood, Clare" he hissed his voice low and menacing. "You will do it or suffer the consequences."

I struggled against his grip but he was too strong. The nurse stood nearby her eyes downcast as if she was too afraid to intervene.

"No Mark please" I begged my voice shaking with fear. "I've just lost our child I can't...I won't do it!"

Mark looked at me seriously. "You have no choice, Clare."

He pulled my hands out and the nurse scurried to get the equipment ready. I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead as the needle pierced my skin, and my blood began to flow into the waiting bag.

I closed my eyes and tears streamed down my face. I had agreed to be a blood bank for Serena because we have the same rare blood group so I could marry Mark.

I felt a surge of protests rising but my body was too weak to resist. I looked at Mark confused.

"Was this the same man I married three years ago?" I internally asked myself.

No, he wasn't the same I married three years ago.

Three years ago, we were so much in love even before we got married, talking and telling everything about ourselves to each other as we were newly engaged. Suddenly his family including Serena, his childhood friend returned from overseas and within six months of Serena's arrival, she was diagnosed to be anemic and in need of a special rare type of blood which luckily for her I have. His family agreed we could get married under the condition I donate blood to Serena anytime and I agreed since we were in love.

He had told me how Serena saved him from dying. He still trusted me so much and still cared for me but now I can't even tell him I suspect Serena to be our child's killer because of his loyalty to her.

"You're making a big mistake Mark" I whispered my vision blurring.

Mark's smile grew wider. "No Clare I'm making a necessary choice. Serena needs your blood to live."

I shook my head feeling a sense of hopelessness wash over me. "She's using you Mark. Can't you see that?"

Mark's face turned cold. "I won't let you poison my mind against Serena. She saved my life, and I'll do whatever it takes to help her."

I lay in the hospital bed, my eyes closed, my body weak from the blood donation, my heart heavy with emotion. I couldn't believe Mark had forced me to donate my blood, couldn't believe I had let him.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Mark standing beside me, his eyes filled with concern. But I knew it was just an act. He didn't care about me, only about keeping me trapped in our loveless marriage for Serena.

"Mark, I need some space," I said, my voice steady.

Mark's eyes narrowed. "You're not going anywhere, Clare. You're still weak from the donation."

I sat up, my heart racing. "I don't care. I need to get away, away from you and Serena."

Mark's face turned cold. "You're not going anywhere. You're my wife, Clare. And you'll do as I say."

I laughed, a harsh sound. "No, I'm your prisoner not your wife, Mark. And this manipulation and control ends now."

Mark's eyes flashed with anger. "You're being unreasonable, Clare. I'm only trying to protect you. What are you trying to say?"

I shook my head, feeling a surge of determination. "No, Mark. You're trying to control me. And I am done with it."

"Mark, I want a divorce," I said, my voice firm and resolute.

"What? No, Clare, don't be ridiculous," Mark replied, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"I'm not being ridiculous, Mark. I'm done with this marriage, with you and your family. And you and Serena can live happily ever after with yourselves," I said, my eyes flashing with determination.

"Serena is just a friend, Clare. Like a sister. You're being paranoid," Mark said, his voice pleading.

With that, I threw off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed. Mark tried to stop me, but I pushed him away. I stood up, my legs shaking, but I didn't care. I had to get out of there.

"Clare, please," Mark said, his voice begging. "Don't do this."

The nurse burst into the room, her eyes scanning the space until they landed on Mark. "Mr. Blackwood, Serena is asking for you," she said, her voice urgent.

Mark's eyes flicked to Clare, his face twisted in a pleading expression. "I have to go," he said, his voice soft. "Please, Clare, don't do this."

My eyes filled with tears, but I shook her head. "Go to Serena, Mark," I said, my voice firm.

Mark's face fell, and he turned to follow the nurse out of the room. "I'll be back," he called over his shoulder, but Clare just shook her head.

Immediately he left, Clare felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She realized that she had been holding onto the hope that Mark would change, that he would finally prioritize her needs over Serena's.

But now she saw that was never going to happen.

She was going to end this now. She picked up her phone and dialed a number. "Hey Rachel"

"Hey, girl," my friend answered, her voice cheerful. "Hey," I said, her voice flat. "I need divorce papers. I can't take it anymore Rach."

Rachel was one of my good friends and lawyer I met in school. I helped her with some bills and she promised to help me back any way she could even when I disagreed. She knew of my predicament with the Blackwoods but not entirely everything because I had kept it a secret from her.

"Oh, Clare" she said, her voice turning somber. "I am so sorry. But I'll get them ready for you. You deserve so much better." She said in a serious tone turned serious.

Clare nodded, even though her friend couldn't see her. "Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll come by your office in an hour to get them."

"Okay," Rachel said. "I'll see you then."

Clare hung up the phone and lay back in bed, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. She was going to take control of her life, and she was going to start by getting a divorce.

She pressed a button on her bed, and a nurse came in immediately. "Yes, Mrs. Blackwood?"

Clare smiled, her eyes flashing with determination. "I need a taxi to take me to Sky Firm and then the Blackwood Residence."

The nurse nodded, her eyes wide with surprise. "Should I inform your husband of your departure right away, Mrs. Blackwood."

"No, you don't need to bother him," I replied.

The nurse hurried to leave to do what I asked of her.

As I waited for the taxi, I felt a sense of freedom wash over me. I was finally standing up for herself.

"Where to, miss?" the taxi driver asked, his eyes glancing at her in the rearview mirror.

"First, Sky Firm then The Blackwood Residence," Clare replied, her voice firm.

Clare leaned back in her seat, her mind racing with thoughts of what was to come. She knew Mark would resist, that he would try to keep her trapped in their loveless marriage. For Serena, not for love or children but for his precious childhood friend who he owes his life and can see no wrong in her.

I walked into my best friend's office, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was finally taking control of my life, and I was grateful to have her support.

"Hey, girl," she said, as she stood up to greet me. "I'm so proud of you for taking this step."

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. "Thanks, I couldn't have done it without you."

We sat down, and she handed me a folder filled with papers. "Here are the divorce papers," she said. "I've gone over them with you before, but I want to make sure you're comfortable with everything."

I nodded, as I began to flip through the papers. "Yeah, I remember. You've been a great help through this whole process."

My friend smiled, her eyes filled with compassion. "That's what friends are for. Now, let's go over a few things. First, we need to discuss the grounds for divorce."

I nodded, my mind racing with thoughts of Mark and his loyalty to Serena. "I remember. We're going with irreconcilable differences."

My friend nodded her pen scribbling notes on a legal pad. "Okay, and what about the division of assets?"

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination. "I want a clean break. I don't want anything from him, and I don't want to give him anything either. I just want to be free of him, and move on with my life Rach."

My friend nodded, a small smile on her face. "Okay, I understand. And what about custody of the...ah...blood?"

I laughed, a harsh sound. "There is no blood, remember? Serena's been using me for years, draining my veins dry. And Mark's been enabling her. When I lost my baby, Rach, that was the last straw"

Rachel's face turned red with anger. "I'm so sorry, Clare. You deserve so much better than that."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. "Thanks, I know I do."

And with that I asked myself internally, I still love Mark, can I carry out this divorce?

CLARE's POV

I left Sky High after resting a bit and took the taxi back to the Blackwood Residence. Once we got there my heart began to race. I could feel my palms sweating, and my mouth drying up.

"Here we are, miss," the driver said, his voice soft.

I nodded, my eyes fixed on the mansion in front of her. "Thank you," I said in a firm voice.

And with that, I stepped out of the taxi. I got inside, the divorce papers in my hands.

I entered my room, packed my bags, my heart heavy with emotion. Just as I was finishing up, I heard someone come in - Mark. I took a deep breath and went to meet him.

Mark stood in the hallway, his eyes pleading. "Clare, please," he said, his voice soft. "Don't do this. Let's talk about it."

I shook my head, my eyes filling with tears. "There's nothing to talk about, Mark. I've made up my mind. I have signed the divorce papers."

Mark's face fell, and he stepped forward. "But why? What did I do wrong or Is it because of money?"

I sighed, my heart aching. "You didn't do anything wrong, Mark. You just didn't do anything right. You never put me first and never prioritized my needs over Serena's. And I'm tired of it. Besides, I'm not collecting any thing from the divorce settlement."

Mark's eyes narrowed, "So this is about Serena, then? You're not thinking about the consequences, Clare. Serena needs your blood to survive."

I laughed, a harsh sound. "Survive? You mean control, don't you? "

"What? No, Clare, don't be ridiculous. That's not true. Serena is ill, Clare." Mark replied, his eyes wide with disbelief. "She's practically family and you are being paranoid," Mark said, his voice pleading.

"Paranoid? You're the one who's been using my blood for Serena's gain, who loves you more than a brother but you're too blind to see it" I shot back, her voice rising.

Mark's mother and sister arrived at the mansion from their weekly body reset, their faces twisted with scorn to see Clare's belongings all packed up. "I always knew you were a gold digger, Clare. You're just after my son's money," his mother, Mrs Mellisa sneered.

"Yeah, and a woman who can't even carry a child to full term. What's wrong with you, Clare?" Mark's sister, Rose snickered.

Clare's eyes narrowed. "That's it, I've had enough of your insults. I'm leaving."

Why can't Mark stand up for Clare? Why is he allowing his mother and sister talk rudely to her?

I stepped out of the Mansion feeling a sense of liberation wash over me. I took a deep breath, feeling the warm sun on my skin and the fresh air filling my lungs. I looked down at my bag, packed with the few belongings I had.

Just as I was about to move, I heard Mark's voice behind me. "Clare, wait!" he called out, his footsteps echoing on the pavement.

I turned to see him walking towards me, a check in his hand. "Clare, please take this," he said, his eyes pleading. "You have nothing, and I feel bad that you didn't get anything from the settlement. I can't let you leave like this."

I couldn't help but think to myself, "He doesn't know, does he? I'm the secret heiress everyone talks about. I have more wealth and power than he could ever imagine."

Because of the agreement between her and her grandfather, her bank card account was frozen, and she had to hide her true identity, otherwise it would be considered a violation of the agreement.

Blackwood family doesn't look at her as rich, including the maid. If they knew she was the only daughter of Sterling family - Clare Sterling - one of the richest families in the country - a female billionaire worth hundreds of billions, what would they think?

She still remembers the days at Blackwood's house, one time she knelt and begged her mother-in-law to lend her money to treat a friend of hers.

Mark's mother arrogantly took out a platinum card, not to give it to her but to show off, "Guess how much money is in here? One hundred million dollars, you probably haven't seen that much money in your whole life."

"I would rather use this money to buy dog food than lend you money. Because in my eyes, your friend is not even as good as a dog."

I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of satisfaction. I took the check from him, and with a look, I tore it in half. "I don't need your money, Mark," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Who is that?" Max's sister asked spotting two cars - a sleek black Ford and a Highlander - pulling up to the curb while coming out of the mansion. "What's happening?" Max asked looking at me.

My brother's bodyguard, Tate, stepped out of the car, flanked by two burly bodyguards. "Good day ma'am ," he said, with a nod. "Time to go."

I smiled, relief washing over me. "Thank you."

Mark's face turned red with anger. "Were you cheating on me, Clare? Is that the real reason you're leaving me? You'll regret this."

Jake just laughed. "You don't know who you're dealing with, Mark. She is not just any ordinary woman."

Mark and his sister looked at each other in confusion, trying to understand what the strange man had said.

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I handed my bag to one of the bodyguards, and he ushered me into the car.

As I settled into the plush leather seat, I looked back at Mark and his family, still standing on the sidewalk, looking confused and concerned.

"Goodbye, Mark," I said, with a wave before turning to meet my brother, Joshua Sterling.

End of POV

Clare had barely left by the time Serena walked in. "I don't think it's a good idea for me to stay here," Serena said, "Clare wouldn't like it." her voice laced with false concern.

Mark's mother waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, don't worry about Clare. Mark kicked her out and divorced her. She's likely being pitiful at some place".

She was happy when she saw Clare's bag all packed up when she returned from the spa and was delighted to hear that her son divorced her. She thought that Clare didn't know her status, like a poor orphan with low social class, how could she be suitable for her outstanding son.

Serena widened her eyes in surprise. But Mark did not say anything instead he pursued his lips, his mood a complete contrast to his mother's excitement.

He even felt a little uncomfortable and had an inexplicable sense of guilt.

Previously, he thought that Clare would not easily go through with her threat of a divorce because he knows how much she loves him, but this time around she proactively proposed a divorce and went through with it, she didn't even collect a penny as a compensation even after he somewhat begged her to.

After the divorce, she will become a person with neither money nor relatives. How will she live? How will she survive in the future?

Although Mark had never asked, he simply assumed she was an orphan because she never mentioned her relatives throughout their dating phase even in their marriage.

He sadly looked outside, and remehmbered how Clare looked at him before leaving.

Those eyes were cold as ice.

Many times he and his family treated her poorly, but she still gritted her teeth and endured it. But this time...why is she so...determined to divorce?

She even pretended to be resilient, not needing a single penny.

Does she think she can survive without money?

He didn't want to care about her life, but he felt a choking feeling in his chethe beginning of when she had made that threat to when she left Blackwood Residence with that man, there was an unknown anger, making him feel uncomfortable.

Serena's gaze flickered with jealousy, but she maintained her innocent facade. "I'm not a little girl anymore, Mrs. Blackwood," she said, her tone sweet. "I don't want to be a bother since you have already done enough in my favor."

Mark's softened countenance showed that he was unaware of Serena's ill motives. "You are not inconveniencing me at all Serena. You saved my life by giving me one of your kidneys. I have to return the favor in one way or another because you are my best friend.."

Mrs. Blackwood nodded in agreement. "Yes, you're always welcome here, Serena. You're part of this family."

Serena's eyes locked onto Mark, her heart burning with passion. She had been waiting for just the right time to make her move; Clare's leaving provided that chance.

"Should I stay in Clare's room then?" Serena asked, her innocently.

Mrs. Blackwood smiled, "Of course, dear. Make yourself at home."

Serena settled into Clare's old room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. She would go to any lengths to win Mark over, even if it meant destroying Clare's reputation in the process.

CLARISSA POV

I walked into the grand foyer of the Sterling Estate, feeling a mix of emotions but mostly pain. It had been a while since I'd been back home, and the familiar surroundings brought back a flood of memories. Joshua, followed me closely behind as we proceeded into the mansion. Our grandfather, Henry Sterling, sat waiting for us, a warm smile on his face, his eyes shining with a deep affection that puts me at ease.

"Grandpa!" I burst into the parlor, sobbing.

"Ah, Clare, my dear," a man in his 50s said, opening his arms for a hug. "You're crying. What's wrong?"

Josh said from the chair. "She's been crying since we left the Blackwoods, Grandpa."

My grandfather's eyes crinkled with warmth. "Clare, it's so good to have you home. We've missed you."

I tried to stop crying as I hugged him. "I've missed you too, Grandfather."

I took a deep breath. "I was wrong to marry Mark. I thought he loved me but...it was all a lie."

My grandfather's face turned serious. "Are you okay, Clare?

I hesitated but grandfather's concerned eyes made me open up. "They used me as a blood bank for years."

Josh's eyes went wide. "What? That's crazy!"

I nodded. "I know. But I'm free now. I got divorced."

"We'll keep you safe from those bastards, Clare. You're safe now. Divorce is good and we have more than enough to take care of you" Grandpa said in a serious tone

I smiled as I felt a wave of relief. "Thank you, Grandpa. But I want to be my person."

"Are you saying you're ready to run Sterling Industries, Clare?" her grandfather asked, his eyes piercing as he studied her face. "Are you ready to take on the responsibilities that come with our family's legacy?"

I nodded, my heart pounding. "I'm ready, Grandfather. I want to learn everything and take on more of the company."

Josh yawned and stretched his arms above his head. "Finally I'll be free of all this and if you need my help I'll be happy to show you the ropes...from my home office, that is."

I smiled. "Thanks, Josh."

Grandfather chuckled and patted my hand. "We'll start making plans for you to start at the office soon Clare. But for now, let's just enjoy being a family."

We chatted for a few minutes about our personal lives, enjoying each other's company and making plans for the future. It was good to be home with the people I loved.

"I hear your former fiance from 2 years ago is still around" Grandfather said with a smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief.. "