Clarissa and Matthew had no choice but to leave Damian behind and rush to the hotel Hilary was purportedly at.
Upon arriving at the hotel, they knocked on the door, only to be greeted by silence.
The pair decided to seek help from the hotel staff to unlock the door. However, there was no sign of anyone in the room.
Only after they did a check did they realize that Hilary had already left the hotel a while ago. At that hour, it was going to be laborious to find out where she went.
With Hilary’s whereabouts unknown, Clarissa was worried sick and dialed her mother’s phone number incessantly. She grew increasingly uneasy about her lack of response.
Unfortunately, due to the fact that it had not even been twenty-four hours since she went missing, the police would refuse to carry out a search. Not only that, Hilary was also a grown person who required zilch supervision.
Clarissa and Matthew could only return to Zen Highlands empty-handed.
An absent-minded Clarissa lay in Matthew’s arms as he tenderly consoled her.
“Don’t worry too much. Maybe she’s deliberately playing a prank on you so you would feel horrible. Besides, she’s a grown woman. No harm will come to her.”
Reluctant to dwell on the issue any further, Clarissa just briefly nodded in response.
All of a sudden, Damian came to mind. She had given him her word that she would accompany him until he fell asleep, but it was yet another night she failed to keep to her promise.
“I disappointed Damian again.”
Matthew faintly smiled. “It’s alright, he’ll understand. He’s a big boy now. Earlier today, he even told me that he supports Mommy in her occupation and that he’s very proud of her.”
“He told you that? When?”
“He gave me a call this afternoon.”
A jealous Clarissa pouted at his answer. “Why didn’t he call me instead? He only told you and not me!”
She was beginning to feel a tad envious about the close-knit relationship they had.
Matthew’s eyes glinted with amusement while he gave her a look of adoration. Then, he grabbed her hand and gently kissed it. “Is that jealousy I sense?”
Clarissa snorted and retracted her hand.
At the same time, Matthew pulled her closer to him and gently caressed her head. “Don’t be jealous. We men have our own secrets. You should birth a little princess as soon as possible. That way, you ladies can have your own little secrets as well. Then I’ll be the one green with envy, isn’t it?” he quipped.
At that, she shot him a menacing glare.
“Easier said than done. Childbirth is no easy feat, okay? Anyhow, I’d rather let nature take its course. We’ve been doing our best for another child but she’s just not coming. Is that my fault?” Clarissa scoffed.
With a cheeky grin, Matthew retorted, “No, I’m the one to blame. I’m not trying hard enough.”
Clarissa instantly shot up and eyed him warily. “Gosh, I’m deadbeat. I’m so, so tired. Time to sleep! I’ve still got to wake up in the early morning for work tomorrow…”
She fled the scene without looking back.
Unfazed, Matthew calmly strode behind her and followed her upstairs.
There’s only one room and one bed anyway. At the end of the day, I’m still going to be the one lying by her side. It’s just a matter of time… I guess I’ll compromise. Just a quick one will do since she’s got to wake up early tomorrow…
Even after her alarm rang for a long time, Clarissa still did not stir in her sleep.
Only when Matthew woke her up did her eyelids slowly part. She drowsily stretched in her bed, still unaware of her surroundings.
All of a sudden, her eyes flew open before she gave Matthew a strong kick that sent him rolling off the bed.
He landed on the floor beside the bed sans clothing. After stoning for a couple of minutes, he chuckled heartily whilst remaining in that position. Clarissa hurriedly made a beeline for the bathroom dressed in her sleepwear.
When she emerged from the bathroom, the sight of Matthew still motionless on the floor greeted her.
Instantly, she flung the blanket at him.
“Pervert!”
At that, he tilted his body and grinned before shooting Clarissa a coquettish wink.
An unamused Clarissa rolled her eyes at him and exited the room.
Without an audience, Matthew dejectedly got up and headed straight to the bathroom in his birthday suit. After a long while, he finally came out. He quickly changed into a set of clothes then made his way downstairs.
It was barely the break of day and sunlight had yet to shine in.
Clarissa was in the middle of grabbing a quick bite when Matthew showed up.
At the sight of him, she gently rubbed her red-rimmed eyes. Matthew swiftly rushed over and asked her a foolish question.
“What’s wrong? Clare, are your eyes alright?”
That peeved Clarissa even more. She cast him a bitter look and seethed, “Whose fault is that?”
Matthew went silent for a brief moment before letting out a light chuckle. “Alright, I’m the culprit…”
She snorted and pushed him aside, all ready to leave.
Matthew offered to send her to work, only to be rejected by her.
“I’ve still got a shooting tonight. So I don’t want to see you until tomorrow morning. Hmmph! Remember to keep Damian company. If he’s unhappy, I’ll hold you accountable.”
Her thunderous warning was rather intimidating.
He watched her leave with a smile on his face. Then, he went on with his day. After a quick jog and having his own breakfast, he woke Damian up and accompanied him for breakfast before leaving for work.
Then, the nanny and chauffeur drove him to Ellie’s place. She was tasked to take care of him for that weekend.
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