Chapter 4
As Clarissa stepped out of the hospital, her phone buzzed twice.
It was a text from Grover.
It read: [Clarissa, sorry I made you apologize earlier. I know it wasn't easy on you. Hazel's been feeling down lately, so please try to cut her some slack.
[I'll be home a bit later, babe. Let's go out for dinner. How about that beachside restaurant you've been wanting to try? We'll head there as soon as I get back.]
Clarissa didn't reply. When she got home, she began tidying up her belongings.
She took down the pledge from the living room.
After looking at it over and over, she finally tore it up and threw it in the trash.
The maid was stunned by what she saw.
She asked, "Mrs. Porter, isn't this something you've always cherished? Mr. Porter wrote it for you. Are you really just going to throw it away?"
"If he can't keep his word, there's no point in holding onto it," Clarissa replied.
With that, she told the maid to get Hazel's room ready.
She knew Grover would bring Hazel home again tonight.
Just as Clarissa expected, the moment the maid finished tidying up, Grover walked in with Hazel right behind him.
Grover hesitated, "Clarissa, Hazel..."
Clarissa cut him off, "I understand. If she has nowhere else to go, let her stay."
Clarissa gestured to the dinner on the table. "I've already eaten. Miss Nichols, please enjoy your meal."
She turned and went upstairs. Once she entered her room and set down her suitcase, she called her father.
She said, "Dad, let's start phasing out those business deals with the Porter family over the next seven days. I'll help you find new partners...
"Yeah, I'm divorcing him. Come pick me up in seven days."
The door swung open. Grover frowned. "What do you mean that you're going home?"
"It's nothing. I just want to stay at my parents' place for a few days," Clarissa replied.
Hearing her say she wanted to go home, Grover instantly panicked.
He asked, "Babe, are you upset because Hazel's staying here? I wanted to get her an apartment, but the doctor said she might have depression. I don't feel comfortable leaving her alone.
"I promise, as soon as she's better, I'll send her away. Babe, I love you more than anyone. There's nothing between Hazel and I, I swear!"
"I'm not mad. She's your teacher's daughter and your student. It's only right for you to take care of her," Clarissa said.
Grover wasn't used to how calm she sounded.
He said, "Just try to get along with her and don't trigger her. She's had a rough time these past three years. Her depression's gotten worse. Just now, she even thought I was her boyfriend.
"So for now, I'll try to accommodate her as much as I can..."
"I don't mind. I'm exhausted. I'm going to sleep," Clarissa replied.
She pushed him away and got under the covers.
Grover said, "You are so thoughtful, babe!"
He was just about to lean in when the maid called from outside, "Mr. Porter, Miss Nichols tried to do the dishes and accidentally cut her hand!"
As soon as Grover heard Hazel was hurt, he rushed out without a second thought.
The door closed behind him. Clarissa glanced at her wedding photo with Grover by the bed, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
Whether Grover wanted to be Hazel's boyfriend or husband, Clarissa would grant his wish.
It was because Clarissa had already made up her mind to leave Grover for good.