Deceitful Hearts

Chapter 9

Hidden Secret

Mr. Desmond’s heart brimmed with grief and bitterness, and in that moment, he felt compelled to share a hidden secret with me. “My daughter,” he called me. “I am going to tell you something you don’t know about this family.”

"Six years ago, our home was steeped in agony and mourning. I had a daughter, Clara, my oldest. She was beautiful, intelligent, and hardworking. Losing her to the cruel hands of death was unbearable," he spoke somberly.

Hearing this, a wave of sympathy washed over me. “I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. May her soul find rest in the afterlife,” I said in a somber tone.

“Thank you, dear,” he replied. “Do you know the cause of her death?”

He searched my eyes for an answer.

I wondered if I truly knew Clara or the circumstances of her demise.

Finally, I sighed in relief and responded, “No.”

“She died. She was just like you.”

Surprised and intrigued, I questioned silently in what way Clara's fate paralleled her own.

“She died of desperation. She was so eager to marry because time was against her. Her mother pressured her relentlessly, insisting she find a husband as she grew older,” he chuckled lightly. “Fortunately, she met a man named Titus. They married and lived together, although I never approved of their union,” he said, his gaze probing my reaction.

“Why not?”

"Her mother's influence outweighed mine. Unfortunately, Titus proved to be unfaithful and abusive," he continued, his words heavy with regret.

Tears welled in my eyes. Despite her struggles, I couldn’t help but feel sorry.

After five years of marriage, Clara had fallen in love with a monster.

I had hoped Titus would change, that they would find happiness as a family, but it never happened.

I fought against their relationship, but could a woman like resist a man like Titus? “He was smart, handsome, tall and wealthy. He always had the final say, just like my daughter. His decisions were final,” he said, almost crying, holding back tears.

“What led to her death, sir?” she asked, curious.

“Her husband.”

“What?”

“Yes. He... he beat her to death after she discovered his affair with her best friend, Emily. They argued, and tragedy struck.”

“Wow! How could he?” she exclaimed, my emotions overcoming me.

Originally, I thought Titus was betraying her love. In my anger, I blamed her friend for making her miserable, hastening her death. But it turned out that not only had Titus betrayed her, but he had also betrayed her with her best friend.

What a nightmare!

“What happened to him? Was he arrested? Jailed?”

I asked, my emotions clouding my judgment.

Mr. Desmond was speechless. He paused before saying, his voice tinged with anger, “I had him arrested.”

She shook her head. “That’s good. Is he still in jail?”

He stared at me as he explained, “My daughter, you speak as if you don’t understand these wealthy individuals. Money can buy anything, including freedom.”

My heart sank. “So you didn’t get justice for your daughter?”

“I tried. I sold almost all of her belongings to fund the case, but to no avail.”

“What about her treacherous friend?”

She glared at him.

“They are now married,” I replied coldly.

“What!” She exclaimed, my voice like thunder, eyes wide in shock.

“Yes, they have children.”

She frowned, suspicion creeping in. “Are you serious?”

I sighed. “Very serious. The Wilson family is the epitome of evil.”

“This is despicable! How could he betray her like that, with her best friend?” I asked, my disbelief evident.

He was taken aback by my response. Mr. Desmond approached me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. We exchanged a meaningful look before he spoke again, “My dear daughter, if Clara had listened to me, she wouldn’t have met such an early demise. It’s crucial to choose the right person to love. The ball is in your court now. I hope you make the best decision for yourself, okay?”

I nodded, smiling weakly. “Okay, sir.”

“Alright. I’ll leave you now. See you later,” he said, exiting the room.

I sighed deeply, sinking onto the bed. I covered my face with my hands, closing my eyes. My mind swirled with thoughts of Clinton.

I questioned myself, feeling as though a dagger had pierced my heart.

Time passed, and I began preparing dinner. I pushed aside my thoughts, focusing solely on making Clinton happy with his favorite meal. After finishing dinner, I hurriedly showered, changed into fresh clothes, and checked the time.