Chapter 9 - The One Thing Clara Still HidYears later, Clara discovered she was pregnant.
She was terrified.
Not because she didn't want the baby.
Because she had experienced complications before.
She didn't tell Damian immediately.
When he found out, he was hurt.
“You hid this.”
“I was afraid.”
“Of me?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
“Of losing it.”
He softened.
“I understand.”
She cried.
“I don't want you to be afraid alone.”
“I know.”
He took her hand.
“Then don't.”
The pregnancy was difficult.
Damian became unbearable.
He followed her everywhere.
She mocked him.
“You're acting like a bodyguard.”
“I am one.”
“You're my husband.”
“Same thing.”
Their baby was born healthy.
A daughter.
They named her Isabella.
After Clara's mother.
Lily became a fiercely protective older sister.
Damian cried when he held Isabella.
Clara laughed.
“You're emotional.”
“I've earned it.”
“Yes.”
He kissed her.
May you like
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
