The weather in W City was slightly warmer than that of D city. The air was also cleaner, with minimal smog.
However, when Clarissa woke up early in the morning, what greeted her was not the usual bright sunshine but the dark, misty sky. The gloomy weather only made her feel more depressed.
She stood on the balcony and looked into the distance for a long time before changing her clothes and leaving the room.
Unexpectedly, the old lady woke up much earlier. Clarissa came downstairs to find Jenny and Catherine having breakfast together.
“Ah, you’re up? Let’s eat. The weather has been bad these few days, and I’m unable to leave the house. Why don’t we bake something together?”
Clarissa smiled and sat down. She proceeded to have breakfast and said, “I’ll go shopping for ingredients then.”
“No need for that!”
For some reason, Catherine refused Clarissa’s offer.
Clarissa paused, feeling quite lost.
“I’m only going to the supermarket downstairs to buy some groceries. Do you think I’ll run off somewhere?”
Catherine snorted in denial. However, her intention was definitely to keep Clarissa indoors.
With a smile, Jenny looked at the pair. “It’s alright. Maybe I’ll go instead. By the way, Clarissa, it’s getting cold, and it’ll be the new year before we know it. I want to buy something new to wear, so can you help me look at some garments online? Just pick some that you think would suit me, and I’ll look it over later.”
Clarissa smiled and nodded.
If Jenny had not chimed in, it would have definitely turned into an awkward situation for both of them.
As Jenny was out shopping, Catherine made her way to the living room. She listened to some music and engaged in light exercise while chatting with her friends via video call.
Clarissa could only sit there and listen to their conservation.
“My word, it’s good that you and Clary have come back. Given how cold it is, maybe we should make a trip to somewhere more tropical! The few of us have decided on a location. Why don’t you bring Clary along? Besides, her wedding is only happening next year, so you needn’t worry about it.”
Catherine didn’t tell anyone that Clarissa would not be having a wedding.
Hence, her expression turned glum upon hearing them say that.
But nobody seemed to notice and only persuaded them to go on a trip.
Finally, Catherine gave in.
After she hung up, Catherine decided to inform Clarissa about it.
“We’re going on a trip. It’ll be with a tour group, which will last for two weeks. Let’s go and have some fun since there’s no rush to come home anyway. You can also tag along and keep us company!”
As if I can still turn her down…
“Okay, when are we leaving? I’ll prepare in advance.”
“This weekend.”
“So soon?”
It was currently Thursday, exactly a week after their trip to D City. For them to go on another trip on such short notice made Clarissa anxious.
Catherine then put her foot down. “Well, we’re all just moping around at home anyway, and they’ve already made plans since we came back on time. Besides, I’ve never been to H City. Just come along with me, Clary. You’ll also get to relax and enjoy yourself. A trip is what you need to forget the past.”
Forget?
She shook her head in her mind, but she was afraid that Catherine would be upset if she refused. With that, Clarissa nodded with a smile.
“Alright, then we should start packing. I have to get some summer clothes, sunscreen, and a few hats. There is quite a lot we need to buy.”
“Well, let’s go shopping together then. If Matilda says no, we’ll just get the stuff at the airport. It’s not like we can’t afford it.”
Clarissa burst out laughing. “Really, you old ladies are definitely swimming in cash!”
Two days later, Clarissa and Catherine boarded the plane to H City.
Upon landing, a few of them changed into attire that was more suited to the weather in the airport’s locker room. Coats and sweaters were exchanged for T-shirts and shorts instead.
As the bunch of them chatted throughout the ride to the hotel, Clarissa’s wedding was brought up. While she was showered with praises and congratulatory wishes, Catherine kept silent. Clarissa then quickly changed the subject.
Naturally, the objective of their vacation was to enjoy themselves, so they paid little heed to Clarissa. After a while, they arrived at the hotel and took a break before exploring the area. After all, the elderly simply did not have that much energy compared to youngsters. Rest was necessary so that they could go all out the next day.
But that did not apply to Catherine, who was in good shape, thanks to her light exercise routine.
After a bath and a nap, Clarissa followed Catherine out when she stumbled across a stall that sold fresh fruits. When she wanted to pay for them, she fumbled in her purse before taking out her wallet.
However, the vendor was not too happy. “I don’t have any change. Don’t you use an e-wallet? Just scan the code here.”
The corners of Clarissa’s mouth twitched. “I apologize, but my phone is missing.”
The man was very embarrassed. “I’m sorry, but I really don’t have any cash on me.”
Who uses cash anyway?
“Forget it.”
“Wait, just give me a moment. I’ll look for some change.”
The man then busied himself and brought some cash to complete the transaction.
With her purchases in tow, Clarissa returned to the hotel. She peeled the mango and put a slice in her mouth, savoring its phenomenal taste.
She then sighed inwardly, still unhappy. Catherine had confiscated her phone, so she couldn’t carry it around anymore. Moreover, she was not sure whether it was for good.
Of course, Clarissa could secretly buy a new phone if she wanted to. But she did not want to upset Catherine since the latter had made up her mind when she came back from D City.
While Catherine was resting in bed, Clarissa had her meal. After washing her hands, she walked toward the large French windows and opened them. A cool and temperate sea breeze was blowing outside, which made the air feel more comfortable. Despite this, Clarissa was still not at ease.
Initially, she assumed that she would be able to persevere with Matthew and soldier on. She had even anticipated the struggles she would face, including the humiliation, the bullying, and the difficulties in their relationship. She thought both of them could overcome these challenges together.
However, there was one thing she had not expected—her grandma’s involvement.
That birthday celebration had to be one of the most unforgettable events she had experienced.
Catherine made her swear upon the crucifix, of all things. Although Clarissa was reluctant, the resolute in Catherine’s eyes gave her no choice.
She had made an oath and could not break it as her grandmother’s life was at stake. Catherine knew that she was the most important person to Clarissa, so she leveraged that fact to her advantage and coerced Clarissa into obedience.
After that very public display, Catherine dragged Clarissa away from the venue, went back to Zen Highlands to pack their belongings before they went straight to the airport.
Even Matthew was powerless to stop her.
Seeing Catherine’s determination, he knew that attempts to stop her would only worsen the situation
After that, Matthew took a flight with them to W City. Three days later, he returned to D City.
The fact was, Matthew had intended to stay in W City and ask for Catherine’s forgiveness, but for some reason, he left after speaking with her.
Clarissa did not even know what her grandmother told him. A threat, perhaps?
However, given her current situation, she could not contact Matthew. Since Catherine was insistent on keeping her here, Clarissa could only acquiesce.
Clarissa let out another long sigh.
She thinks that she can just put an end to everything like this, but it’s really not that simple.
What can I even say to convince her?
Clarissa knew that some things could not be disclosed yet. Catherine would likely be unable to bear it, for starters. On top of that, she had already made that vow, which was all the more reason she couldn’t come clean with Catherine.
She shook her head to clear her mind and gazed at the sea, her arms spread wide. If only she could be as vast as the sea and drown her troubles, which seemed impossible to get over.
Clarissa lowered his arms, her shoulders drooping. She looked as helpless as she felt.
Just as she was about to go back to the room, she spotted someone standing on the balcony of the room next to hers. She turned to look at the person but froze, wide-eyed. Instinctively, she looked into her room again, feeling guilty.
Fortunately, Catherine was still asleep, so she quietly hurried toward the balcony, fearing that the old woman would spot her. She could only hide behind the curtains as she finally gazed upon the man standing there.
It had only been a few days, but it felt like a lifetime to her.
While Clarissa was initially happy, she suddenly felt a sharp pang of sadness. She pouted as tears welled up in her eyes. Although Matthew was right there, she dared not speak for fear of being heard. Instead, she could only express her longing for him through her gaze.
Matthew also approached her. He stretched out his hand but could not reach her from where he stood, so he set it down in disappointment. His dark eyes looked at her with tenderness and affection.
Matthew spoke, his baritone voice hoarse.
“I’m always here with you.”
Catherine thought that Matthew had left W City, but the fact that he was right before Clarissa proved otherwise.
He wanted Clarissa to know that he would never give up on her.
Clarissa nodded and murmured in her heart, “I know, I know.”
She held up her finger, which still bore Matthew’s ring on it so that he could see that she had not given up either.
Matthew’s thin lips wore the ghost of a smile as he focused his gaze on his partner’s face.
The pair spent some time looking at each other longingly, thus.
In the room, Catherine suddenly coughed, and Clarissa stiffened in fright.
“Clarissa?”
“I’m here, on the balcony.”
Despite saying this, she was reluctant to leave, looking at Matthew greedily.
Catherine was still urging her from afar, “The tour guide said dinner is at six, and it’s almost time! Let’s go downstairs.”
“Huh? Well, alright.”
“Clare? What is it?”
Upon hearing that, Clarissa started making her way back slowly, but her eyes seemed distant. It was only when Catherine stood up and walked over that Clarissa hurried back into the room in fright.
“I’m coming! It’s nothing. I’ll get dressed now.”
Catherine glanced at her granddaughter and walked to the balcony herself. Sensing nothing unusual, she then walked back inside.
