In the early morning, the sky was overcast, and a faint mist lingered in the air.
Clara sat up from the bed, her expression somewhat dazed and bewildered.
The spot where her hand rested was still slightly warm. Her eyes cast a melancholic and hazy glance around the room, and in the large master bedroom, she could only hear her own breathing, with no trace of him from last night.
Clara got out of bed, went to the bathroom to wash up, then headed to the walk-in closet to change into a refreshing yet slightly mature purple plaid suit dress.
Walking through the hallway separated from the foyer, she saw a slightly plump middle-aged woman wearing an apron standing by the dining room.
"Madam, you're awake."
She was the housekeeper who usually took care of Sebastian Astor's daily needs at Astor Manor. Clara had already met her when she moved in the day before yesterday.
"Yes, morning, Sarah." Clara responded lightly, her gaze casually sweeping around.
"Breakfast is ready, Madam, please come and have some." Sarah smiled warmly, wiping her hands on her apron.
Clara nodded and walked to the dining room. Sarah thoughtfully pulled out a chair for her.
"Thank you." Clara bent down to sit, looked at the nutritious and plentiful breakfast on the table, took a sip of milk, and asked softly, "Where's Sebastian?"
"Sir just had breakfast and went to the company. He was unconscious for a long time, so surely there's a lot to catch up on at work. That's why he didn't wait for you to have breakfast together." Sarah smiled, answering respectfully.
Clara didn't say much after hearing this and, after finishing breakfast, drove to the TV station.
Upon entering the station, Clara noticed that many colleagues passing by were giving her odd looks—some appraising, some envious, and some... sarcastic.
Once inside the elevator, Clara's phone rang with a crisp notification.
It was a WeChat message from her friend Emily Taylor.
"Meet at our usual place tonight?"
Clara's red lips curled slightly as she simply replied with "OK".
"Mrs. Sutton sure is looking radiant. Just had a wedding yesterday, and today she's back at the station. In terms of dedication, we're still no match."
"Mrs. Hughes, our dear Mrs. Sutton has always been a role model here at the station. Even though her wedding was without the groom present, she still shows up to work."
Just as Clara put away her phone, two sharp and sneering voices sounded behind her.
"Ah, pity that Director Smith is such a romantic. But some people, to climb the social ladder and become a phoenix, will stop at nothing. As expected, illegitimate daughters don't make it to the stage," said one host, eyeing Clara's indifferent figure.
As the elevator arrived, Clara slightly turned, her cold gaze as sharp as ice blades sweeping over the two hosts' faces.
"No need for modesty, Mr. Mill and Mrs. Hughes. Despite being unpresentable, I'm still under the same roof as you both."
With such elegance, Clara left that remark and stepped out of the elevator, not caring how furious the two's expressions became.
As she turned the corner, a dignified figure in a pinstripe suit, engaged in a gentlemanly conversation with colleagues, came into view. His steps halted for two seconds, red lips pressed lightly, as he quietly moved his gaze away.
The man paused for a moment upon seeing her, realizing she had no intention of greeting him and simply walked past without a word, slightly furrowing his brow.
"Clara..."
Clara faintly frowned, turning to the gentlemanly man beside her: "Director Smith's way of addressing makes me a bit nauseous,"
She spoke without sparing any face, utterly cold, making Nathan Smith feel embarrassed. He gestured to his surrounding staff to leave first, adjusting his glasses as he gazed at her with deep affection.
"I know you're angry with me. I did attend your wedding yesterday, and you looked beautiful in your bridal gown, even more than I imagined. But seeing you stand there alone, my heart..."
"Does my sister know about this dramatic show of affection, Director Smith?" Clara impatiently cut him off, her eyes contemptuous.
Passing colleagues glanced curiously at them and left, whispering and nudging each other.
Nathan Smith looked pained, seeming hurt: "Clara, must we be so distant?"
"There's no need for such distance. Director Smith might soon become my brother-in-law. Once the wedding date is set, I as an elder sister will naturally prepare a valuable gift."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it was enough for passersby to hear clearly.
Nathan Smith, subjected to the scrutinizing stares, felt utterly humiliated. He was about to explain when a clear and light female voice interrupted.
"Evelyn, here's your coffee."
Assistant Evelyn Greene walked over with a cup of coffee, nodding slightly at Nathan Smith, and then looked at Clara: "The lunchtime news script is ready, Director Shawn and the others are already in the conference room."
"Thank you." Clara reached out to take it, handed her bag to Evelyn, and strutted away.
Evelyn glanced at Nathan Smith, blinking innocently and awkwardly smiling, then quickly hurried after Clara: "Wait for me, Clara."
Nathan Smith awkwardly adjusted his suit jacket, hastily scanning around, clenching his fist, with a flash of bitterness under his glasses.
——
"Today's news broadcast has concluded, thank you for watching, goodbye."
Clara's lips curved into a light arc as she nodded slightly at the camera, organizing the materials on the table. Seeing the director's OK gesture, she got down from the high stool, handing the microphone to Evelyn, and took a sip of the water she offered.
After finishing the final broadcast, Clara exchanged greetings with the director, declined his dinner invitation, took her bag and phone from Evelyn, and left work directly.
Waiting Music Bar.
The resident singer was on stage, singing a sorrowful and narrative folk song. The air, dimly lit and elegant, was filled with rich fragrances of wine.
"So, your husband woke up last night?" Emily Taylor swirled the brandy in her glass, her eyes, full of interested allure, slightly glimmering as she teased with a smile: "So, are you satisfied with your new hubby? Is he as handsome as the reports say?"
Clara held a glass of classic cocktail, sipping gently, pondering slightly, her brow coy: "Hmm, nice physique, six-pack abs."
"Tsk tsk, I see, your wedding night was quite fulfilling." Emily Taylor gave her a sly side-eye, winking like a fox.
"Oh, isn't this my sister? What a coincidence."
A refreshing, melodious voice, laced with obvious provocation, suddenly sounded.