CLOVER
Howard’s warning lingered in my mind: “Brace yourself, Clover. This is just the tip of the iceberg.” Yet after Tanya’s dramatic departure, he withdrew from me entirely. The distance between us grew, his cool and unreadable demeanor leaving me with more questions than answers. Was he avoiding me because of the kiss—or was there something more?
Howard’s absence, however, gave me time to bond with Blaire. She was the light in the mansion’s ever-present shadows. Her resilience and curiosity captivated me, and I found myself wanting to bridge the gap between us.
One quiet morning, I took the leap. As Blaire stacked her blocks, I softly said, “Hello.”
Her wide-eyed shock froze her in place, but as I smiled and signed, her delight was contagious. I told her my voice was a secret, one she had to keep. She promised with a vigorous nod, and for the first time in years, I felt a connection that eased the ache in my chest.
That connection was tested one afternoon when Blaire slipped on a block. I lunged, catching her just in time, a cry of her name escaping my lips. Relief flooded me—until I looked up and saw Howard in the doorway, his face a mask of shock.
“You can talk,” he said, his voice low and sharp.
Blaire’s small hands clung to me, her wide eyes darting between us as Howard rolled closer. His gaze was like a blade, cutting through every excuse I wanted to make.
“How long?” he demanded.
I swallowed hard. “Always.”
His expression darkened. “Your father made you stay silent, didn’t he?”
I nodded, unable to meet his piercing gaze.
“And you never thought to trust me with this?” His tone softened, but the disappointment in his voice hit harder than anger ever could.
Blaire signed something, her small hands pleading for peace. Howard exhaled, raking a hand through his hair. “This isn’t over, Clover,” he said firmly. “But Blaire comes first.”
That night, as I lay tangled in guilt and confusion, a knock startled me.
“Come with me,” Howard’s voice called through the door, steady and commanding.
I followed him down the dim corridors, my heart pounding with every step. His office felt colder than usual, the shadows clinging to the corners like secrets.
“Talk,” he said as soon as the door shut.
I hesitated. “I didn’t think you’d trust me if I spoke,” I admitted.
“Trust isn’t built on lies,” he snapped, then softened. “But it’s not irreparable either.”
His tone shifted suddenly, cutting through the tension. “The kiss was for Tanya to see,” he explained, his words a dagger to my chest. “She needed to know I’ve moved on. That’s all.”
I nodded, my voice steady despite the ache. “I understand.”
Howard’s gaze hardened, as though steeling himself for what came next. “Tanya and I were fated mates,” he began, his words sending a chill down my spine. “But no one could know. Our families were sworn enemies.”
Over the next moments, he unraveled a story of love, betrayal, and heartbreak. Secret meetings, a forbidden pregnancy, and Tanya’s decision to abandon not just him, but Blaire.
“She thought she succeeded in erasing the child,” he said, his voice cold. “But I ensured Blaire survived. I took her and severed all ties with Tanya.”
My mind reeled. Tanya’s bitterness, Howard’s guarded nature—it all made sense now. We were more alike than I’d realized: two people left broken by rejection, yet still standing for what we loved most.
“Why tell me this now?” I asked, my voice a whisper.
Howard’s smirk returned, softer this time. “Because you deserve to know. You’re not just Blaire’s mother. You’re my Luna.”
The weight of his words settled over me like a mantle I wasn’t sure I could bear.
As I turned to leave, Howard’s voice stopped me.
“One more thing,” he said, his tone darker. “Tanya’s visit wasn’t just about me. She’s hiding something—and I intend to find out what it is.”
The intensity in his eyes sent a chill down my spine. Whatever Tanya was hiding, I had a sinking feeling it wouldn’t just threaten Howard’s world—but mine as well.
