Chapter 9 - THE FATHER OF CLARA'S BABY
Ethan opened the passenger door.
Clara didn't move.
"Tell me everything."
He closed it.
So he did.
He admitted learning about their families shortly after they started dating.
His father had recognized Clara's surname.
Ethan wanted to tell her immediately, but Richard convinced him to wait until they understood the legal situation.
"You should've trusted me."
"I know."
"Everyone says they lied to protect me."
"I know."
"I'm tired of being protected."
Ethan nodded.
"I was wrong."
No excuse.
No argument.
That mattered.
"Do you still want this baby?" Clara asked.
Ethan looked stunned.
"I've never stopped."
"And me?"
"Especially you."
Clara cried.
But she didn't forgive him instantly.
Trust would take time.
Ethan drove her to a small apartment Richard had arranged temporarily.
For the first time in months, Clara had a clean room, food in the refrigerator and a door she could lock without fear.
That night, she ate slowly.
Halfway through the meal, she began crying.
Ethan panicked.
"What's wrong?"
Clara laughed through her tears.
"Nobody told me I had to finish cleaning before I could eat."
Ethan's expression broke.
He moved closer but waited.
Clara reached for his hand.
That small gesture became the beginning of their reconciliation.
But the next morning brought another shock.
Attorney Daniel Cole called.
"Clara, we found additional transactions."
"What transactions?"
"Money was withdrawn after your father's death."
"By Mrs. Adamu?"
"Some."
"Some?"
Daniel hesitated.
"Another signature appears on several documents."
Clara's stomach tightened.
"Whose?"
"Your uncle's."
Clara closed her eyes.
May you like
Mr. Adamu had claimed ignorance.
Now she had to decide whether he had lied again—or whether someone had forged his name too.
