Page 33 of Falling for My Ex Next Door

“Mom.”

“We’ll continue with our discussion when you come home. For now, you are permitted to work as much as you want.” She cut me off.

She sounded as if she intended to hold me prisoner when I came home. She had done it in the past and could do it again.

“Ah, will you be in attendance at the Annual Shareholders’ meeting tomorrow?” I asked at the recollection of it.

“No, I’ll have Daisy represent me,” she responded.

“Great.”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll talk to you later.”

“I’ll be expecting your call.” She said.

The call ended, and I prepared to leave for work, but my legs had a mind of their own. They propelled me toward Clara’s house, my heart longing to see her. I couldn’t shake the regret from the previous evening, the nagging thought that we could have done something to change everything.

I wanted her back in my life. It was clear I couldn’t let her go without apologizing for my behavior.

Ringing the doorbell, I waited, but she never came. I rang again and again, but still no response. I could hear the TV murmuring inside. She wouldn’t leave it on and go to work. She had to be there, but she wasn’t answering.

A sinking feeling gripped me. I called her name, and pounded on the door, and still nothing. Desperation drove me to check the back door. It was unlocked.

Inside, the house was eerily quiet and spotless. Where could she be? Was she avoiding me? Embarrassed to face me?

“Clara!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the empty rooms. No sign of her in the living room or the hallway. Then it hit me—the kitchen!

I sprinted across the house and skidded to a halt at the kitchen door. There she was, sprawled on the floor, unconscious next to the counter.

“Clara! Wake up!” I gathered her cold, lifeless form into my arms, tapping her face frantically, but she didn’t stir. Panic surged, and a nightmare came to life.

I fumbled for my phone, hands shaking, and dialed 911.

As the operator’s voice crackled through the line, I couldn’t shake the dread gnawing at my gut. What had happened to Clara, and would I be too late?

Chapter Eleven

Clara

My eyes strained to open.

A while ago, I lost touch with life. I felt I would not be able to hold on to life anymore. I felt my consciousness slowly fade away. When I couldn’t endure anymore, I decided to let go.

I managed to open my eyes wider.

Where was I?

I studied my environment, breathing slowly. The room was quiet, save for the gentle wind that blew against the curtains and the low hum of the air conditioner. Looking up, I realized I was connected to a drip stand. I was in the hospital. How did I get here? My left arm hurts.

I was still weak, and I tried to move as slowly as possible, but then I realized I was held down by something else. A person’s firm grip wouldn’t allow me to move freely. I painstakingly looked at my side, and there he was, looking on with a glimpse of distance in his eyes.

“You are awake!” Jacob seemed to spring to life when my fingers shifted in his hand.

He touched my head, feeling my temperature. His touch was cold on my blazing forehead.

“How did I get here?” I managed to ask, but a petite nurse ambled in before he could reply.

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