Clara noticed Franklin's restlessness. He kept checking his vibrating phone on the dining table. Clara only spoke up after dinner was over and the conversation with Mrs. Smith ended when Franklin asked his mother to rest.Tonight, Franklin was taking her around the city. The still-vibrating phone showed a notification of a call that bothered Clara. She glanced cynically at Franklin's phone, its vibration making noise against the car's dashboard."Why don't you answer that call, Franklin?"Franklin, who was initially ignoring it and focusing on the road ahead, immediately turned to Clara and glanced at his phone still showing Reyna's unknown number."It's not important."Clara crossed her arms, her cynical face immediately commenting on Franklin's indifference. She said, "How can you say that call isn't important? The same number has been calling you repeatedly, hasn't it?"Franklin nodded, but he was really honest about the unimportant call. Besides, Franklin was sure Reyna just wante
Clara listened as Franklin explained in detail about his relationship with Reyna. A relationship based on love. However, Franklin also didn't know why, after he put in all his efforts for Reyna, she ended up betraying their love.Franklin sacrificed a lot of money and energy to help Reyna, who wanted to become a famous model. He drove Reyna to interviews, even having to sacrifice his work hours to take her to her destinations.Not only that, Franklin also had to set aside his wages to buy suitable clothes for Reyna to hang out with her fellow model friends. Franklin spent a lot of his money to maintain the prestige in his girlfriend's life.Hearing all of Franklin's explanation, Clara wondered. She didn't expect Franklin to have such a bitter and suffocating love story."Didn't you ask why that slut cheated?""She told me in front of many people that I couldn't give her anything, so she chose Steven."Clara was stunned to hear Franklin's answer. "Didn't she see all your sacrifices? I'
Franklin entered a room filled with fitness equipment. In his house, there were many facilities that could be used by all residents without exception. However, this was the first time Franklin could enjoy a room typically used for muscle training.The man faced the long mirror in front of him. He took off the short-sleeved shirt that had been covering half of his body. Franklin examined his physique, which only needed a little more work to achieve the desired shape."Looking at the bodies of the Silver Clack members, I guess I should be like them too."Franklin knew a little about how to use the various types of fitness equipment. He started with easy movements, but his body could feel the effects. Franklin might make exercise a routine now that his current life could meet all his needs.The man trained his muscles well for two hours in that room. Although it was his first time exercising after a long break, Franklin was still strong enough for an extended workout. His main purpose fo
Hearing his sister Vina's story, Franklin struggled to contain his anger. He couldn't believe Reyna had returned everything he'd given her while they were dating. All his efforts to obtain those valuable items had been quietly returned by Reyna.Franklin felt deeply insulted. It was like facing the greatest humiliation Reyna could give. Not just betrayal, but his efforts now felt wasted. Now, Franklin had no reason to give Reyna another chance. His decision was final."Maybe your career needs to be destroyed so you'll hate me and our relationship will truly be over."Franklin opened his social media and saw his ex-girlfriend's account, which was very good at introducing her to the public. She appeared like an ordinary woman, when in fact she was nothing but unfaithful and obsessed with wealth."You're very good at building a personal brand on social media, Rey."Reyna seemed like a fairy or even an angel, with people praising her as a talented model. It could be said that Reyna was fa
"Have you lost your mind?"Franklin stared into Clara's eyes as she glared at him. Slowly, her eyes widened and her grip on Franklin's shoulders tightened. Franklin doubted his shoulders could withstand much more pressure before his bones would crack."I won't look at you, Clara. You just need to act like we're together. I know this seems childish at our age. But this juvenile tactic is perfect for igniting Reyna's anger," Franklin persuaded. "I still remember what she said - Reyna won't let me be with anyone else."Clara's eyes narrowed, and she loosened her grip on Franklin's shoulders. She took a deep breath and exhaled as if expelling all of life's burdens."Should the messages I type also contain annoying talk? Like what girls do when fighting over a guy?"Franklin nodded, the smile on his face indicating Clara had guessed correctly. "Disgusting," Clara muttered with a shudder."But if you object, that's fine. I'm causing you too much trouble anyway, right?"Franklin's expressio
Reyna never imagined her career would be ruined by a screenshot of thousands of messages sent to Franklin. The man who was once her lover used his opportunity as part of the Cendana Family. After Reyna's visit to Franklin's house, surveillance camera footage showing her anger was spread to the media by Franklin.The man wrote messages that swayed public opinion, saying that Reyna was a stalker who was disturbing him because of her brutal behavior in coming to Franklin's residence. All media naturally focused on Reyna, who was also known as a talented model. Although her modeling career was still new, the woman had already stood out when she joined a major agency that recruited her.News portals were buzzing with Reyna's name, which was now labeled as "Woman Obsessed with Cendana Family Heir." Published articles also mentioned that Reyna was too bold for messing with the Cendana family. The news written in a style that cornered one side made Reyna even more furious."What the hell is t
"No wonder Clara has been avoiding me lately. Turns out she was caught by Vina."Franklin wiped his sweaty forehead. Last night, Vina had interrogated him as if she were the eldest and fit to advise Franklin. The misunderstanding occurred because Franklin had left the area in front of his room and gone to another room.So, there was nothing to prevent Vina from coming to Franklin's room. And finally, a very embarrassing moment happened for Clara. Vina entered without knocking and saw Clara's condition, which briefly looked like she wasn't wearing clothes.Clara and Vina screamed instantly. In that very large house, Franklin certainly didn't hear the shrill sound coming from his room. There were only two servants who approached Vina because they were surprised to hear the scream of their employer's child.The atmosphere became awkward, and Clara immediately spoke to explain the misunderstanding that Vina was thinking about.She said that night, "Wait, wait, this isn't what you think, V
Without asking permission, Franklin took one of Clara's cigarettes that was placed on the building ledge. He lit it with a match and inhaled deeply, exhaling white smoke that was carried away by the wind. The woman beside him didn't say a word; she had only smoked three of her own cigarettes since they'd been there."Clara—""Honestly, I don't have the face to confront your family anymore!"Franklin turned quickly, confused by Clara's sudden outburst. Although he had come to discuss the same thing, Franklin had intended to bring it up after their conversation warmed up."Vina... must have told your mother. There's clearly a misunderstanding here, Franklin." Clara's face looked sour. "Why did you let her in?"Franklin shook his head, took another drag of his cigarette, and replied, "I didn't know Vina had come in."Franklin was telling the truth. Clara didn't argue because the honesty on Franklin's face was clear. Besides, Clara wouldn't believe it if Franklin lied about something."I'
Franklin was finally allowed to go home after a few weeks in the hospital. His condition was improving, and although he was still tired, Franklin was relieved to be back home. Clara, who faithfully accompanied him during his recovery, prepared to take Franklin home.Just as Franklin was ready to be discharged, the hospital room door suddenly opened and Selena appeared. She was carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers in her hand. She smiled when she saw Franklin, "Hi, Franklin. I'm glad to see you're better. I came to see you."Franklin smiled slightly and nodded, "Thank you, Selena. I'm glad to be home too."Clara, who was standing beside Franklin, felt something strange when she saw Selena. Although she tried hard not to show her feelings, her heart was filled with jealousy. Selena always seemed to be close to Franklin, and even though they were just friends, Clara couldn't help but feel uncomfortable every time she saw their closeness.Seeing the change in Clara's expression, Sarah, who
Charles felt increasingly desperate. Despite all his efforts to separate Clara and Franklin, he couldn't accept the reality that Franklin would remain in Clara's life. The long-suppressed jealousy and hatred in his heart reached a boiling point, finally pushing him to take more drastic action.That night, Charles entered the hospital with cautious steps. He hid his evil intentions behind a calm facade. After ensuring the hallway where Franklin was being treated was empty of nurses or visitors, he approached Franklin's room door.With trembling hands, Charles opened the door and saw Franklin lying weakly in the hospital bed. His face looked peaceful, seemingly unaware of the deadly threat approaching him. Charles walked slowly to the bedside, trying to calm his mind filled with various considerations. However, one thought kept dominating him—that Franklin must be eliminated so Clara would no longer be bound to him.Charles reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pillow. He was c
After waking up, Sarah felt dizzy and confused. The world seemed to be spinning around her, and it took a while for her to realize where she was. Slowly, the memory of Franklin's accident hit her again. Suddenly, her heart was filled with deep worry, and she immediately asked to be escorted to the hospital, where Franklin was being treated.When Sarah arrived at the hospital, she found it very quiet. Family and neighbors sat anxiously in the waiting room. As her eyes fell on Clara, who sat quietly by Franklin's bedside with eyes puffy with tears, Sarah felt something different in her heart.All this time, Sarah had always objected to Franklin and Clara's relationship. Not because of Clara, but because of the dark past, where Clara's brother Charles was allegedly involved in the death of her husband, Franklin's father. The wound was still too deep for Sarah to heal, and it made it difficult for her to fully accept Clara.However, now, seeing Clara faithfully stand by Franklin's side, h
That morning, the atmosphere in Franklin's house was calm and peaceful. After going through the trials that almost separated him from Clara, Franklin was feeling more optimistic about his future. Although there was still a lot to sort out, especially in his relationship with his family, Franklin was confident that he could get through this with Clara.He got ready to go to the office as usual. As he left the house, Clara walked him to his car with a gentle smile. "Be careful on the road, Franklin. I'll be waiting for you at home," Clara said as she kissed his cheek.Franklin smiled back and closed the car door. No bad thoughts crossed his mind as he started the engine of his car and started driving down the highway. However, what Franklin didn't know was that Charles and Ronald had executed their latest plan to ruin Franklin's car.Somewhere hidden, Charles and Ronald were watching from a distance. They had sabotaged the brakes of Franklin's car, ensuring that the accident would happe
Charles sat in his magnificent study, with a large window overlooking his back garden. However, the beautiful view outside the window could not ease his anger. His face was tense, and his mind was filled with plans on how to separate Franklin from Clara. To Charles, Franklin was a threat he couldn't ignore, especially since Clara loved the man so much.Just then, the door to his study opened slowly. Ronald, his best friend and ally, entered with steady steps. Charles looked at him with eyes that implied tension, then invited him to sit down."Ronald, I can no longer allow Clara to be with Franklin," Charles began in a flat, but firm tone. "We have to separate them, no matter what we have to do."Ronald nodded slowly, although in his heart there was hesitation. He understood that Charles had personal reasons to hate Franklin, but Ronald also knew that Clara was a strong woman and not easy to manipulate. However, his feelings of love for Clara made him willing to do whatever it took to
A few days had passed since the last conversation between Franklin and Clara. Although they had decided to distance themselves from each other, their feelings still bubbled beneath the surface. Franklin felt lonely and restless. Every night, his mind was filled with images of Clara, wondering if the decision to stay away was the right one. However, doubts and insecurities continue to plague his mind, the result of Charles' manipulations poisoning his mind more and more.Meanwhile, Clara cannot fully accept the fact that her relationship with Franklin has been fractured. In the midst of her turmoil, she realizes that there are many things that Franklin doesn't know, and that makes her feel even more guilty. However, she knew that she was not guilty in any way. Clara tried to focus on her work, but the feeling of missing Franklin always loomed over her.One afternoon, Clara received a call from one of her men, Toni. Toni was the person she trusted to investigate more about what happened
Charles and Ronald were both upset to hear the news that Franklin was back. For Charles, Franklin's return was a nightmare that shouldn't have happened. He feels that Franklin is an obstacle in his quest to control everything, including Clara's relationship. Meanwhile, Ronald, who has long harbored feelings for Clara, is now burning with jealousy. Franklin's return means Clara will refocus on her lover, making Ronald feel even more distant from her expectations.At a café, Charles and Ronald meet to discuss their next plans. Charles sipped his coffee with a serious face, his eyes staring straight ahead, trying to devise a strategy."We can't let this continue," Charles said, his voice low but determined. "Franklin needs to get out of Clara's life, or at the very least, Clara needs to get out of Franklin's life."Ronald nodded, though inwardly he felt anxious. "But how? They seem so close now, especially after this incident."Charles furrowed his brow, thinking hard. "We'll have to sep
After a long and tense journey, Clara finally arrived in front of the Franklin family home. She glanced at Franklin in the passenger seat, who still looked tired and shaken by all the events they had just gone through. Although Franklin was trying to remain calm, there was obvious worry in his eyes. They had just escaped Amanda's clutches, but what awaited at home might be no less nerve-wracking."Franklin, we're here," Clara said softly, breaking the silence. Franklin nodded, trying to compose himself for a moment before getting out of the car.When Franklin and Clara got out of the car, the front door of the house was wide open. Sarah, Franklin's mother, and Vina, his younger sister, stood in the doorway. Their faces instantly changed from shocked to full of emotion when they saw Franklin. Vina immediately ran to her brother, hugging him tightly."Brother Franklin! You're alive! We thought you were...," Vina's voice was cut off by the sobs she couldn't contain. She had been devastat
Franklin stood still when he saw Clara in front of him. His face was filled with shock, as if he couldn't believe that Clara was really here, in this remote village. After everything that had happened, this meeting felt like a miracle. Meanwhile, Clara looked at Franklin with a mixture of relief, anger, and anxiety. The tears she had been holding back now began to well up in her eyes."Franklin... Are you okay?" Clara's voice sounded hoarse, full of emotion. She came closer, almost wanting to hug Franklin, but something held her back. Maybe it was the feeling that this was too surreal, or maybe it was the haunting sense of dread.Franklin nodded slowly, still rooted to the spot. "I... I didn't expect us to meet here. Clara, I really don't know how to explain everything. It's like a nightmare."Clara reached out and took Franklin's arm. "We'll get through this together, Franklin. I won't let anyone hurt you again."However, the moment was suddenly interrupted by a rustling sound around