Chapter 4 She Refuses To Listen To Me

Clara walked into her place of residence, lost in thought, and noticed a black sedan parked in the garden that she recognized right away.

Sonya Curtis, Declan's mother, owned that car.

She stopped at the door for a second, pressed her hands to her tired face, gathered herself, and tried to put on a cheerful expression as she stepped inside.

There, Sonya sat comfortably in the living room, flipping through a photo album. When Clara entered, Sonya gave her an eager wave, inviting her closer.

Clara felt a wave of confusion. Sonya had never been warm toward her. The change in demeanor seemed out of character.

Curiosity mixed with caution as Clara approached. Seeing the album in Sonya's lap, she quickly understood what this visit was about.

Sonya's tone carried a practiced grace as she gestured for Clara to sit down. "Clara, have you considered going on a date lately?" she asked. The album slid across the coffee table, with pages filled with photos and introductions of various men. "Take a look at these. I've found some excellent matches. If any catches your eye, I'll make the arrangements."

Sitting stiffly beside her, Clara managed a strained smile. "That's very kind of you, Mrs. Curtis. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Right now, though, work keeps me too busy for anything else. I wouldn't want to lose focus."

Before she could say more, the sound of footsteps echoed from the entrance. Turning her head, Clara was caught off guard to see Declan.

He almost never returned to this house at this hour after her awkward love confession two years ago.

On the rare occasions he stopped by, it was always late enough that she would already be asleep. He seemed determined to avoid crossing paths with her in private. It was as if she was nothing but bad luck, someone to be avoided.

That flicker of hope in Clara's eyes faded just as quickly as it came. She gave Declan a gentle greeting, then looked away and kept quiet.

Sonya's mood instantly lifted when she saw her son. She called him over with the same bright wave.

Grinning, she said, "Clara tells me she's too busy at work to even think about dating. Declan, are you working her too hard? Has she got so much on her plate that she can't find time for dating?"

Declan offered Clara a blank look before addressing his mother. "Mom, how could I possibly do that? I know dating matters more, so I would never pile too much work on her."

Hearing that, Sonya slid the album in front of him. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Go ahead and help her pick. Men are always better at judging other men."

Declan flipped through the pages, his brow creasing in mild annoyance. Clicking his tongue, he said, "Dating is one thing, but marriage is way too soon for her."

Sonya's expression turned sour as she said, "Clara is already twenty-four. She's at the right age to get married. Declan, are you just unwilling to see her, someone who's always been close to you, marry another man so quickly?"

The idea of Clara marrying and leaving his side flashed through Declan's mind, and a strange irritation washed over him. His brow knitted even tighter.

He set his jaw, fighting back a wave of impatience, and tapped a random photo in the album. His voice came out clipped. "This one will do. He comes from a respectable family and seems reliable."

Clara lifted her head in disbelief, her eyes burning.

She could not believe he wanted to send her off to another man so easily.

Sonya's mood brightened at once. "Perfect, I'll set up a meeting for Clara tomorrow."

Snapping back to her senses, Clara quickly retorted, "Mrs. Curtis, I already have plans tomorrow. I really can't make it."

Declan frowned, making it clear he would not take no for an answer. "What plans could you possibly have? I'll give you the day off. Make sure you show up for the meeting tomorrow."

Clara stared down at her lap, unable to hide the bitterness building inside her.

Sonya let out a sigh, sounding both annoyed and disappointed. "Declan, just look at what you've done. You've spoiled Clara so much that she refuses to listen to me. Young people ought to respect the advice of their elders, especially in the Curtis family, but you've made her stubborn."

Hearing that, Clara immediately looked up, hoping to speak for herself, but she met Declan's cold stare.

Her heart gave a painful jolt as sorrow threatened to spill over.