"Are you done talking on the phone?" Wren's voice rang out behind Ivy. 

Still holding the phone, she trembled a little with guilt. She quickly regained her composure as she turned around, returning the phone to him with a smile. "My mother and Carlisle are still outside having their meal. Where shall we eat later?"

"Let's just eat something nearby," Wren answered plainly. He took the phone from Ivy and glanced at it. There were no notifications, which was unusual.

After all, he had stood Clara up. It was odd that Clara did not even send him a text. 

Gripping the phone tightly, Wren felt a strange sense of uneasiness bubble in his heart. "Did someone call my number just now?" he asked.

Ivy tensed, and her smile froze. "Clara called earlier. I answered it because it was ringing for a long time."

Wren's face stiffened, and he went through the call history. Just as he was about to retu

Clenching his fist, Wren turned around calmly to greet Carlisle and Shirley.

Only then did Carlisle feel better. While removing his coat, he glanced around the quiet villa. "Where's Katrina and Clara? Wasn't Clara discharged from the hospital this morning?"

"I'm not sure," answered Wren. 

Carlisle eyed Wren before turning to the housekeeper beside them. "Are they not back yet?"

The housekeeper responded carefully, "Before leaving this morning, Mrs. Zachman went to Ms. Salford's room to take a few things. She never came back after that."

Wren furrowed his brows.

Carlisle stopped removing his tie, his expression filled with displeasure and anger. "The older Katrina gets, the more trouble she causes.

"She's still harping on such trivial matters, isn't she? And now, she's leaving the house with her niece as an act of protest to me?"

As someone who was involved in the matter, Shirley 

Clara stared at Wren in astonishment, as if getting to know him for the first time. 

She never expected the same person who decorated the studio and hired a famous teacher as an encouragement to pursue her dreams would think that way.

Clara could not help but laugh, but tears rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably. "So, everything you said and did in the past was all for show? Sure, you can choose not to save me and pick Ivy over me. 

"But you don't have to patronize me and my dreams like that! Or am I that unbearable to you?"

The tears blurred her vision, making it hard for her to see Wren properly. In fact, she had never seen Wren for who he was. She could not tell which version of Wren was his actual self.

Wren's expression gradually turned cold, and his gaze was filled with disappointment.

He got to his feet with half his face against the light, making his expression exceptionally cold. "Let's talk after you've calmed down. 

"But Clara, I'm not obliged to save you, am I? You shouldn't vent your anger on anyone."

Clara looked up at Wren with a sarcastic smile. "So, that's what you really think." 

Wren's visit was solely motivated by the concern that Clara would get mad at Ivy about what happened that night.

At that moment, Clara felt as if there was a huge hole in her heart. She observed Wren, unable to find the affection she used to have for him. Instead, he seemed like a stranger.

"You should leave," was all Clara said before she closed her eyes and turned to her side. With an incomprehensible expression, Wren stared at her back for some time before turning around to leave.

Katrina thought there was something fishy about the incident, but she did not tell anyone about it. She secretly investigated the matter only to find out someone had messed with the chandelier that night.

Katrina trembled when she got the evidence. She was so nervous that she skipped the meeting that night and drove back to the villa.

As soon as Katrina stepped into the villa, she saw Carlisle and Shirley so close to each other that they were almost kissing.

Katrina banged the door open, startling the duo. Immediately, they pulled away from each other awkwardly.

"Why are you back?" Carlisle looked flustered, but his displeasure for Katrina's interruption was greater.

Getting up, Shirley explained unnecessarily, "Please don't get the wrong idea, Katrina. My eyes felt uncomfortable, so Carlisle was taking a look at them for me." 

"Shut up!" Katrina threw her a glare.

It was Shirley's first time hearing Katrina speak so harshly. The former was momentarily stunned, but she instantly felt wronged. "I'm sorry, Katrina. Carlisle and I really aren't in that sort of relationship. Please don't get the wrong idea."

Carlisle shot to his feet and glared at Katrina with displeasure. "Don't be so narrow-minded, Katrina! Do you really want to turn this into an ugly situation?" 

He then turned around to assure Shirley, "Don't worry. You can go upstairs first. I'll talk to her."

"She's not allowed to leave!" Katrina bellowed, throwing the evidence at Shirley's face with a smack. "Were you behind the accident at the hotel? 

"I've put up with everything you've done to me. Why do you have to involve Clara as well?"

Panic flashed in Shirley's eyes, and she hurriedly put on an act of pity. "What are you talking about? I don't know anything about the hotel accident you mentioned."

"Stop making excuses! I have all the evidence here."

Without glancing at the evidence, Carlisle pulled Shirley into his arms and shot Katrina a warning glare. "That's enough, Katrina! This matter ends here, and no one is allowed to bring it up again."

"What is the meaning of this, Carlisle?" Katrina felt a chill run through her body. She never imagined Carlisle would defend Shirley to the extent of disregarding all morality.

Carlisle was completely unconcerned. "Clara only injured her hand, and it's nothing serious. My family brought her up, and I can continue providing for her in the future if needed.

"Besides, that company of yours would've shut down years ago if not for me. You'd better keep that in mind. I will take serious action if you cause another ruckus."

After saying those harsh words, Carlisle took Shirley away and slammed the door behind him.

Left alone in the living room, Katrina felt her heart sink with disappointment. For the first time, she had the notion of getting a divorce.

Katrina figured Clara might have been correct—it was time for her to leave the Zachmans.

…

Since that unpleasant conversation, Wren never went to the hospital again. However, Ivy visited Clara a few times, happily boasting about her preparations for the wedding.

Although the wedding was postponed due to Clara's hospitalization, Wren regarded the event with great importance. He was involved in everything from the beginning to the end.

Meanwhile, Clara was rather unfazed by the matter. In fact, she was busy with her applications as a teacher.

A few days ago, Clara stumbled upon an online documentary. It explained how difficult it was for children living in mountainous areas to get an education. 

Poverty and outdated knowledge caused the lack of systematic training among local teachers. At the same time, teachers from modern society were unwilling to teach there because of the tough lifestyle.

The purpose of the documentary was to encourage the audience to volunteer as teachers and bring hope to the children.

After watching the documentary, Clara decided to volunteer herself in hopes of finding a new sense of direction.

Without informing anyone, Clara applied for the position. A reply came almost instantly, informing her she was accepted. She could report for work as soon as she was discharged from the hospital.

Clara did not hide that matter from Katrina. Once Clara's application was accepted, she told Katrina the truth.

Katrina could not bear to let Clara endure the hardships in the mountainous area. But after seeing how determined Clara was despite losing so much weight, Katrina did not object.

She quietly helped Clara pack her things, book the flight ticket, and make other necessary arrangements. 

Before getting discharged from the hospital, Clara gave Wren a call. It rang for some time before it was answered.

"Wren, I'm getting discharged tomorrow. I've booked a table at a restaurant. Can you have a meal with me? I have something to tell you."

After all, Clara and Wren had lived together for 15 years. She wanted to say goodbye to Wren before leaving.

Alas, Wren misunderstood her words. He even recalled Clara's confession, thinking she had not given up. "Clara, I warned you, didn't I? Why are you still harboring such thoughts?" he warned.

Taken aback, Clara hurriedly explained, "That's not what I mean. I just want to have a meal with you and…" 

Alas, she swallowed the words "to say goodbye".

Wren did not probe further. He finally agreed to her wishes, which seemed to be because she did not pester him while hospitalized.

…

The next day, Clara waited at the restaurant for almost the whole day. Yet, Wren did not show up.

Seeing it was almost time for the flight, Clara left for the airport with Katrina. On the way there, she gave in and dialed Wren's number.

When the call connected, Ivy's voice came through. "Clara, don't tell me you're still waiting for Wren at the restaurant. He's going to be with me for the whole day. 

"He doesn't want to see you at all. So, have some dignity and stop pestering him in the future. Wren says we will need to move out if you don't give up.

"Are you going to force him to move out of his own house?"

Clara's heart sank. She bit her lips hard, but tears still came falling from the corner of her eyes.

Ivy did not stop mocking Clara. Unable to take it anymore, Clara hung up.

She heaved a sigh of relief before sending out a text with her trembling fingers. She wrote, "Wren, I wish you happiness. From today onward, I will disappear from your life."

Clara felt a wave of relief wash over her at that moment. As they crossed the bridge, she tossed her phone into the river, cutting all connections with her past.

Before boarding the plane, Clara gave Katrina her new number and bade farewell. Carrying her suitcase, she walked toward the gate without turning back.

"Are you done talking on the phone?" Wren's voice rang out behind Ivy. 

Still holding the phone, she trembled a little with guilt. She quickly regained her composure as she turned around, returning the phone to him with a smile. "My mother and Carlisle are still outside having their meal. Where shall we eat later?"

"Let's just eat something nearby," Wren answered plainly. He took the phone from Ivy and glanced at it. There were no notifications, which was unusual.

After all, he had stood Clara up. It was odd that Clara did not even send him a text. 

Gripping the phone tightly, Wren felt a strange sense of uneasiness bubble in his heart. "Did someone call my number just now?" he asked.

Ivy tensed, and her smile froze. "Clara called earlier. I answered it because it was ringing for a long time."

Wren's face stiffened, and he went through the call history. Just as he was about to return Clara's call, Ivy stopped him. "Wren, I think I said something to upset Clara.

"I didn't know yo

Chapter 8