Faded Oaths

"As you probably can guess, Clara is using the master bedroom. You can take the guest room for tonight."

I shook my head, ready to turn him down, when I heard a voice as sweet as a nightingale's echoing from the stairs. "Darling, is Elena back?"

Lifting my gaze, I saw Clara Brown descending the stairs in a delicate white lace slip dress, looking as fragile and timid as a rabbit.

Liam immediately stepped forward, shrugging off his jacket to drape it over her shoulders. His expression softened completely, and his voice dropped to a gentle murmur as he leaned close to her ear.

"You're still not fully recovered yet. Didn't I tell you not to move around?"

"I really wanted to meet Elena," Clara mentioned, scurrying toward me and holding my hands. "I can't believe you're still alive, Elena! I'm so happy you're here!"

Her eyes suddenly reddened, and she lowered her head melancholically, as if reminded of something. "Now that you're back, I suppose I should leave."

Liam's brow furrowed immediately. "Don't be silly, babe. You're now my wife, the real Mrs. Waltz."

Clara's expression instantly brightened into a dazzling smile at Liam's words. Eerily, it bore an uncanny resemblance to mine.

I stayed silent, unmoved, watching the two of them wrapped up in their own world as though I were an outsider.

"Since you're staying the night, let me show you to your room, Elena!" Clara suggested sweetly, reaching for my hand.

Before I could respond, she gripped it firmly and pulled me up the stairs with her. Halfway up, she suddenly let out a startled cry. Her body lurched backward, and she tumbled down the stairs.

Liam's expression darkened as he rushed over to hold her. "Clara, are you alright?"

She winced in pain, tears rolling uncontrollably down her face. "I'm fine, Liam. I just don't know why Elena would want to push me. Did I… do something wrong?"

He cocked his head at me, coldly demanding, "Apologize to her, Elena."

I was speechless. "I didn't push her. She slipped."

Of course, Liam didn't believe in me. "For the last time, apologize to Clara."

His gaze was so piercing that I bit my lip hard and remained silent. How hurtful was that?

Clara tugged at his sleeve and meekly said, "Don't hold it against her, darling. Elena must've suffered greatly alone for the past four years. It's only natural that she resents me."

Soon, Liam's gaze toward me was replaced with unmistakable disappointment. "I can't believe you've turned out like this, Elena. Out of sheer jealousy, you pushed an innocent woman down the stairs?

"I don't think you should stay the night anymore. I'll find you a hotel instead."

I didn't plan on staying the night, anyway. My husband was still waiting for me at home.

Right then, the doors were pushed open, revealing a boy's silhouette. "Mommy, Daddy, I'm home."