Chapter 4: Shadows of the Past
Back in the city, Clara stood in front of her bathroom mirror, staring at her lower stomach. The red, healing skin around the black ink felt hot, like a physical mark of shame.
Her phone rang continuously—unanswered calls from mutual friends, furious messages, and a harsh demand from Glen's lawyer regarding a restraining order. Clara had thought that tattooing Glen’s signature on her skin would make their connection absolute, an undeniable bond that would force Glen to leave Sarah. Instead, it had exposed her as a destroyer, leaving her completely isolated.
Her doorbell rang. She hesitated before opening it, expecting Glen or a process server. Instead, it was Glen’s older sister, Maya.
Maya didn't ask to come in; she pushed past Clara into the apartment. ""What were you thinking, Clara?"" Maya's voice was laced with disgust. ""Sarah treated you like a sister. You were at her wedding. You were there when Toby was born!""
""I loved him, Maya!"" Clara yelled, breaking down into ragged sobs. ""Glen was miserable! He told me he felt lost, that his life was slipping away. I thought I was saving him!""
""You weren't saving him; you were feeding your own loneliness!"" Maya snapped. ""Glen was going through a midlife crisis, and instead of helping your friend's husband find his way back to his family, you exploited his weakness.""
May you like
Clara dropped to her knees, hiding her face in her hands. ""I regret it... God, I regret it so much.""
""Regret doesn't fix a broken home, Clara,"" Maya said coldly, looking down at her. ""If you have any decency left in you, stay away from them. Let Sarah heal. Because right now, you are the poison in their lives.""
