Chapter 216

Chapter 216
Clara: POV

After a week had passed, I stared at my reflection in the taxi's window, barely recognizing myself beneath the large sunglasses and scarf wrapped around my head.

Daniel's persistent harassment had reached a breaking point, and I was determined to end it once and for all.

My heart pounded against my ribs as the taxi pulled up to his apartment building.

I'd been avoiding this confrontation for weeks, but his incessant calls and messages left me no choice.

The thought of seeing him again made my stomach turn, but I needed to make it clear – whatever we had was over, and he needed to stay out of my life.

As I approached his door, my hand trembled slightly when I raised it to press the doorbell.

The sound echoed ominously, matching the anxious rhythm of my heartbeat.

A few seconds later, Daniel appeared, a smug smile spreading across his face that instantly made my skin crawl.

"I knew you'd come," he said, stepping aside to let me in.

I took a deep breath and walked into his apartment, removing my scarf and sunglasses once the door closed behind me. My expression hardened as I turned to face him.

"Daniel," I said, my voice sharper than I'd intended. "I don't have time for your games. We need to settle this once and for all. I don't owe you money, so stop harassing me."

He approached with that artificial charm that once fooled me, his voice dripping with false sweetness. "Darling, would you like something to drink?"

"Daniel," I snapped, trying to contain the anger bubbling up inside me. "I don't have time for this. Let's get this over with. I don't owe you money, so stop bothering me."

He looked at me for a long moment, his expression unnervingly calm. "Clara, I don't want your money," he said. "I asked you here because I wanted to see you one last time before I leave your life for good. After today, I promise I'll never bother you again."

I froze, stunned by his words. I studied his face, searching for signs of deception. This seemed too easy, too convenient.

"You're serious?" I asked, raising an eyebrow cautiously.

"Yes, Clara. I've realized my mistakes," Daniel said, his voice gentle, filled with what sounded like genuine remorse. "I'll let you go. Can I have one last hug?"

I hesitated, my instincts screaming at me not to trust him.

Everything about this felt wrong. I stood motionless, unsure how to respond.

"Please," he almost begged. "Just one hug."

"Fine," I reluctantly agreed, my voice barely above a whisper.

I had barely stepped into his embrace when the apartment door suddenly burst open.

A flood of reporters poured in, cameras flashing blindingly, voices shouting questions over one another.

"Clara, over here!"

"Is this why you married Andrei Wilson?"

"How long has the affair been going on?"

I was paralyzed with shock. I pushed away from Daniel, but it was too late.

The photographers captured everything – my presence in Daniel's apartment, his arms around me.

I realized with horror what had happened. This was a setup. Daniel had planned this all along.

"You set me up?" I gasped, betrayal and anger washing over me like a tidal wave.

Daniel's smug smile returned as he turned to the cameras. "No, baby! Please don't take pictures of my girlfriend. Get out of my home!" he proclaimed with theatrical concern, trying to pull me closer.

My stomach heaved with disgust. Girlfriend? The audacity of his lies made me sick. I pushed him away with all my strength, desperate to escape this nightmare.

"Let me go!" I shouted desperately, trying to make my way to the door, but the reporters formed a wall, blocking my exit.

Microphones and cameras were thrust into my face.

"Is Andrei Wilson's wife having an affair?"

"Is this man her boyfriend? Then what about Andrei？”

"How could you betray Andrei Wilson and your marriage like this?"

Tears sprang to my eyes, humiliation burning through me.

No one was listening. No one cared about the truth. I was being publicly crucified, and there was nothing I could do about it.

The flashes continued relentlessly as tears streamed down my face.

I couldn't escape.

All I could think about was Andrei – what would he think when he saw this?

Our contract marriage, exposed in the worst possible way. My heart raced with fear, not for myself, but for how this would affect him.

---

The slam of the door echoed through Amelia's apartment as she stormed in, her face contorted with anger and frustration.

"Clara," she snapped, her voice sharp with disappointment. "I don't have time to deal with this. I have enough on my plate without cleaning up your mess."

I sat on the couch, defeated, my voice hoarse from hours of crying.

The world felt like it was crashing down around me.

Every news outlet was running the story. Social media was exploding with hatred directed at me – the cheating wife of beloved Andrei Wilson.

"Amelia..." I whispered, desperation in my voice. "I have nowhere else to go. Please, I need your help."

Amelia stood there, frustration evident in her expression.

I could see the conflict in her eyes – anger at the situation, but also concern for me, her friend.

She'd always idolized Andrei, and now I'd dragged his name through the mud.

"Clara..." she started, her tone softening slightly. "How could you do this to Andrei? After everything he's done for you?"

I looked up at her, my eyes raw from crying. "Amelia, if I told you I was a victim too, that Daniel set me up to get revenge... would you believe me?"

Amelia's stern expression faltered slightly as she searched my face.

I could see the internal struggle – her loyalty to Andrei versus her friendship with me.

"Clara," she said, her voice gentler now, "even if I believe you, the damage to Andrei's image is already done. We need to figure out how to fix this."

I nodded slowly, a plan forming in my mind. It was drastic, but it was the only way.

"What if I take full responsibility?" I suggested, my voice gaining strength for the first time. "What if I confess to being unfaithful and file for divorce? Would that be enough to save Andrei from this mess?"

Amelia looked surprised, her eyebrows rising in shock. She seemed caught between admiration and concern.

"Yes, it would," she admitted. "Your confession would shift public sympathy to Andrei, making him look like the wronged hero...“

“But t Clara, are you sure? You know what will happen, right? Andrei's fans, the media – they'll vilify you. This scandal will tarnish your reputation forever."

I gave her a sad smile, tears welling up again. I'd already made my decision.

The thought of talking to Andrei, seeing disappointment in his eyes – I couldn't bear it even if it was a lie.

"I don't care," I said with resolve, my voice steady despite the tears threatening to fall.

"The most important thing right now is to get Andrei out of this mess. It started because of me, so I'll take responsibility. I'll face the consequences. I'll do whatever it takes."

"Talk to Andrei," Amelia suggested. "I'm sure you two can work this out together."

I shook my head firmly. "No, Amelia. It's too late for that. I don't have the courage to face him now. It's better this way."

I took a deep breath, my decision final. "Set up a press conference."