I Fell Into A Trap Willingly!

Claire's POV

"I... I am sorry?" My voice trembled as I struggled to stay calm. The word mother echoed in my mind, twisting like a knife in my heart. I had always dreamed of being a mother during my lonely moments, but even that had been taken from me when I lost my child. My entire being shook at the thought, but I forced a smile and gently caressed the child's soft hair. "You must have the wrong person, sweetheart," I whispered, my voice tight with emotion. "I'm not your mother."

The little boy looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes, filled with certainty. "No! Daddy said you are Mommy!" he insisted, shocking me. I recognized him now—he was the child I'd seen at Kensington Mansion. But how had I suddenly become his mother?

Before I could process his words, a cold yet soothing voice interrupted my thoughts. "Forgive him," Evander said as he entered the room. He wore a black shirt, the top two buttons undone, and his hair was disheveled, giving him an effortless yet commanding presence.

I had never seen him in this state! He always looked prim and proper, his tailored suits pressed to perfection, his hair slicked back like he had just stepped out of a magazine. But now, his shirt was untucked, the fabric wrinkled and damp from the sweat glistening on his brow.

Evander must have been worried about Grandmother!

He bent down and lifted the little boy into his arms. "He saw our wedding pictures in our house," Evander continued, his tone smooth but unreadable, "and ever since then, he's wanted to meet you."

Our wedding pictures? Our House? My mind raced. Why would he still have those? After everything that had happened, why would he hold onto them?

"Evan! My son!" Grandma exclaimed, reaching for him with joy. "My gosh! Eliam is here too!" She took the little boy from Evander, cradling him with all the warmth she had always shown.

So, Eliam was his name.

I couldn't help but stare at the boy in her arms. Eliam looked just like Evander—a miniature version of him with the same dark hair and piercing eyes. It was uncanny.

As I watched them together—Evander standing nearby, his expression unreadable, while Grandma cooed over Eliam—a bitter thought crept into my mind. Was this what Evander wanted? A perfect family image to show Grandma while my life fell apart? A twisted way to keep me tied to him, even though he had already moved on with his mistress?

My heart clenched painfully as I looked at Evander. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't figure out what he truly wanted from me.

"Why, Evander?" I finally whispered, my voice barely audible. "What do you want to prove by doing all this?" My gaze pierced through his, desperate for answers amid the chaos he'd created around me. Or does he think I have forgotten everything he did today? I thought, glancing down at my injured ankle.

"The person who did this to you is being punished as we speak!" Evander replied, his eyes locked onto the bandage I wore. In fact, he had been staring at it since he entered the room, with a smoldering intensity in his gaze.

"Excuse me? I don't see you getting punished!" I shot back, glaring at him. Fear coiled tightly in my stomach, but I couldn't let him see it. I had to stand my ground.

"I wouldn't hurt my wife! Never!" he said icily, a serious expression settling on his face. The conviction in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. Are you for real? I thought bitterly. I had been living a nightmare for the last five years, and he thought that somehow made it all okay?

"I'm sorry for kissing you!" Evander suddenly blurted out, his tone shifting to one of regret. "I know you have someone else in your heart, and I have no right to do so."

What? Someone else? My mind raced as I processed his words. Who the hell would I have in my heart? Why would he say that?

Was he trying to play mind games with me again? The thought made my stomach churn.. Did he think I had someone else?

"Are you character assassinating me?" I snapped, my voice sharp enough to cut through the tense atmosphere. "Think before you speak! And let's say you didn't do anything—what about what happened at the charity event? And then back at Kensington Mansion?" I glared at him, sending daggers through my eyes.

Evander stood there, looking like a scolded child, his head lowered as if under the weight of my words. "I'm sorry! I lost control!" he murmured, his tone heavy with remorse.

To hell with your sorry! I thought bitterly. It felt hollow and meaningless in the face of everything I'd endured. How could he expect me to accept his apologies when his actions screamed otherwise?

"I have stopped all the press and media reports from coming out! It won't affect your love life!" Evander insisted as he gently took Eliam from Grandma's arms. He cast a final glance at my injured ankle, concern flickering across his face, and then walked out of the ER before I could even say anything.

"Miss, Master asked me to settle Old Madam in her private room," Nurse Julie said quietly, but Grandma did want to leave me, She clung to me like a lifeline, her frail arms wrapping around me tightly.

"No! I want to be with my Claire," she said, her voice filled with a mix of determination and love. I couldn't help but smile at her insistence.

"Alright, Grandma," I said softly, stroking her hair, reveling in the comfort of her embrace. This was the connection I needed right now—a reminder of love that didn't come with strings attached, a love that was pure and uncomplicated.

"Let's go to your room," I said, trying to focus on the moment with her rather than the chaotic storm swirling in my mind. "I'll be right by your side."

I said those words but instantly regretted it! Damn! I fell into a trap willingly!

= = = = 

What do you guys think Evander is planning to do? Why is he acting in such a way? Read ahead to know more! 

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