Released from prison: My billionaire ex begs me back

Heh-

Seriously? Checking me out while accusing me of straying?

Clara awkwardly grabbed a tissue, dabbing her nose as she mumbled, "It's just the hormones. Pregnancy does that."

"You sure it's the heat? Not just. excitement?" Ethan didn't bother softening his words.

Clara: "."

The intensity of his stare made her snap. She crumpled the tissue and tossed it aside.

"I'm hungry. Weren't you the one who said you can't starve your kid? So what are we waiting for? Let's go eat," she said, her tone edged with annoyance.

With that, she turned and walked off without looking back.

Ethan let out an amused breath, as if her irritation had somehow brightened his mood.

In just a few strides, he caught up to her.

Clara glanced down at their joined hands but said nothing.

Soon they were in the car. As the engine hummed to life and they pulled away from the villa, Ethan finally looked over at Clara.

"If you're that into me, you could've just said so. No need for the nosebleed," he remarked, completely deadpan.

Clara: "."

What a damn perv.

Silence settled over the car once more.

Only now, Ethan's hand was fully wrapped around hers. He twisted their fingers together, resting them casually on the armrest as they drove smoothly toward their destination.

...

Inside the car,

Clara broke the silence. "Shouldn't I at least know who's going to be there tonight? That way I won't say anything stupid and accidentally offend your guests."

Clara was naturally cautious.

Especially since anyone dining with Ethan was bound to be someone influential.

She didn't want to embarrass herself-or worse, him. It only made sense to be prepared.

Ethan shot her a sidelong glance. "People you've met."

Clara frowned. "Huh?"

Who could she possibly know?

Before she could figure it out, Ethan added, "Graham and the others."

Oh-

That shut her up real quick.

Yeah, she definitely knew them.

Fiona had always been close to Ethan, so naturally, Clara had crossed paths with Graham and that circle.

But Clara had always known her place. She was well aware that Ethan's friends weren't exactly her biggest fans.

In their eyes, Fiona had come first-Clara was just the replacement.

Early on, Graham and the others had been politely distant.

But once Fiona left the country upset and Clara stepped into the "wife" role, their attitudes shifted subtly.

Things grew colder. That quiet disapproval settled in.

She hadn't seen any of them since marrying Ethan.

Now, suddenly being dragged along to meet them again-in this situation? It felt off.

"What's wrong?" Ethan glanced over briefly.

Clara turned to him. "You're meeting Graham and the guys-why should I come along?"

Ethan didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the road.

Clara kept trying to reason with him, "You all end up smoking or drinking. What's a pregnant woman supposed to do there? It doesn't make sense. Plus, I've been tired lately. I could totally fall asleep halfway through. Wouldn't that be embarrassing?"

Ethan still didn't reply. The car continued moving smoothly forward.

Clara bit her lip, going for the final point: "And let's be real-if things get even a little awkward, you'll be stuck in the middle. That's not fair to you either, is it?"

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became.

Finally, she said seriously, "So I really should sit this one out, right?"

"Done talking?" Ethan said lightly, his tone flat.

Clara replied casually, "Yeah, all done."

Still not looking at her, Ethan asked evenly, "And how exactly is this situation making my life harder?"

Clara blinked. "Huh?"

Did she really have to spell it out? Wasn't he supposed to be sharp?

"You were pretty committed to playing the good little Mrs. Blackwood earlier. Pulled off quite the performance. What's with the cold feet now?" He finally turned to look at her. "Clara, what are you so afraid of?"

"I'm not afraid of anything," Clara shot back without hesitation.

Honestly, there wasn't much point in being scared.

If Ethan wasn't worried, why should she be?

She was just window dressing, a prop-nothing more.

"If you're not afraid, then let's go," Ethan said, sounding like he was closing the subject.

Fine. Let's go.

Clara didn't respond again.

The car soon pulled up outside the club.

Ethan got out first, tossed the keys to the valet, then came around to open her door.

There were moments when Ethan could be so damn gentlemanly, it almost made you melt.

But when he was being a jerk. oh, it really made you want to punch something.

Clara didn't make a fuss, stepping out calmly.

But as they walked inside, she noticed something-Ethan wasn't holding her hand anymore.

Seriously? Was he trying to avoid suspicion?

This guy really knew how to put on a show.

She didn't say anything, silently following him to the private room.

As the door cracked open, the sound of lively chatter drifted out.

Figures.

Sounded all too familiar.

Clara glanced up at Ethan instinctively.

She had a strong feeling-he'd brought her here on purpose.

Especially with Fiona in the mix.

Yet even with those thoughts swirling, Clara kept her cool.

The moment Ethan pushed the door open, everyone turned to look-including Fiona.

But Clara acted like none of them existed. She just gently tugged on Ethan's hand.

Ethan looked down. "What is it?"

She put on a soft, pitiful face-the kind she rarely used. Maybe only once, back in the elevator.

It made Ethan's tone soften.

"The air in here's kinda stuffy. I'm feeling a bit lightheaded. Can I hold your hand?" she asked, eyes wide and innocent.

Truth be told, Clara wasn't sure how he'd react.

Ethan always made sure Fiona stayed comfortable. Would he really walk in hand-in-hand with Clara?

But before she could overthink it, Ethan's hand was already wrapping around hers-steady and warm.

She blinked, and just like that, he was leading her inside.

The room quieted instantly. All eyes zeroed in on their linked hands.

Graham didn't say a word.

Even when Ethan used to show up with Fiona, he'd never been this publicly affectionate.

Doing it now? With Clara?

Well damn.

Fiona, of course, noticed. Her expression shifted through a whirlwind of emotions-it was quite a sight.

She stared, laser-focused.

And in Fiona's eyes, Clara saw it-bitterness.

But Clara just lifted her chin, meeting Fiona's gaze with pure defiance.

She hadn't signed up to be anyone's prop, and she wasn't about to act ashamed now.

If Fiona wanted to play sweet and innocent, Clara could do that in her sleep.

With a small squeeze of Ethan's hand, Clara pulled him just a little closer.