Chapter 21 - Iosif
It’s been three days now since Clara got sick. I’ve been trying my best to care for her and help her get better. But nothing seemed to help. She wouldn’t tell me what was wrong and refused to see a doctor.
Early mornings and evenings were the worst. During the day, she seemed better, and then it would start all over. She felt nauseated just by looking at food and craved the strangest things. She also slept more as if she were permanently tired.
At times, she appeared slightly colorless, but other than that, she said she was feeling fine. I wanted her to get better. I had so many plans, trips I wanted to take her on. I wanted to show her the world as she made mine better just by being in it.
More than that, I wanted to kindle and grow what had started between us. It was a plus point that we would also be avoiding her brother. I dreamed of fulfilling her dreams of traveling carefree.
When I entered her room this morning, I was delightfully surprised to find her sitting on the side of the bed. There was color in her cheeks, and a smile decorated her lips. It looked like she was blossoming, glowing even.
“Good morning, Clara,” I said, walking closer.
Morning, Iosif,” she replied.
Stopping before her, I spoke in a soft tone. “How are you feeling? I must say you are looking better.”
“I do feel better this morning,” Clara said.
Grinning, I held out my hand. “How about breakfast then?” I asked.
She took my hand and allowed me to assist her up. “Breakfast sounds nice,” she said.
“Well then,” I replied. “Anything you want? Maybe something special?”
She walked around me and headed to the bathroom. “Anything,” she said, glancing back at me and smiling.
Feeling calmer, I headed downstairs. Things were going well.
We were getting back on track, and soon, I would be able to take her on a world trip.
Grinning, I opened the fridge. “Fruit salad with cream, waffles with ice cream and berries,” I said, looking at the chef.
Top it off with some whipped cream, please. ”
He nodded as I moved to the cupboard. I retrieved a packet of chocolate flakes and placed them on the table. “Some fruit juice, tea, coffee, and a sprinkle of chocolate on the waffles,” I added.
He smiled broadly as he spoke. “Yes, sir.”
With breakfast in the making, I headed outside. I picked some flowers and placed them in a vase on the table in the breakfast room. I walked towards the stairs to check up on Clara when she came down.
She looked so happy, more settled than before, and I was glad. I walked to the bottom of the stairs and held out my hand to her. “You look lovely,” I said as she came closer. The white dress she wore had tiny flowers on it. She looked perfect for a mid-morning stroll.
I scanned her as she descended the stairs. The dress stopped just above her knees in a flair. The heels she wore made her calves pop, even though they were very high. She shone like the sun. I felt my heart warm seeing her like this. I felt my smile stretching from ear to ear.
“Thank you,” Clara replied. She smiled at me and then lowered her gaze as her cheeks lit up.
I took her hand and placed it on my arm as I led her to the sunroom. The table was already set as we entered. “Oh, my, wow,” Clara exclaimed. “This looks lovely, but I’m sure it’s way too much. It is a nice surprise, though, thank you.”
Pulling out her chair, I waited for her to sit before leaning down and kissing her cheek. “Nothing is ever too much for you. And you don’t have to eat everything, only what you are able to,” I whispered.
I moved to my chair and sat down. “I was hoping we could spend some time together today. That is, if you have nothing planned and if you’re up for it?” I added before putting my waffle and taking a bite.
“Maybe,” Clara replied. “Let’s see how the day goes.”
I watched her as she ate her food. I only had a couple of bites as I usually don’t have breakfast. Once we were done, I led her outside for a stroll in the garden. “It’s going to be a hot day today,” I said.
Clara stopped and looked up at the sky. “Yes, I believe it is going to be,” she replied softly. Smiling at her, I started walking again.
We didn’t even reach the end when Clara stopped again. “I’m sorry, she huffed.
She looked slightly pale and sweaty. I took her hand, concerned that I had overdone it. “What’s the matter?” I asked.
Clara shook her head before replying. “I think I’m still not completely well. I think I must lie down for a bit more. But I want to thank you for taking so good care of me.”
“No problem,” I said, turning and heading back with her. “And you’re welcome, I just hope you will start feeling better soon. Plus, I enjoy taking care of you.”
Clara smiled at me, but she didn’t look too good. I wish I knew what was going on. Once we reached her room, I walked with her to the bed. She sat down and smiled at me before lying down.
I covered her with the throw and then went to my office. I worked through my emails and made some calls. I spent most of the day handling what I needed to handle. It was almost suppertime when I was done. I headed back to her room, but she was still sleeping.
This wasn’t right. I entered and walked to the side of the bed. Gently, I placed my hand on her forehead to see if she had a temperature. But she didn’t, in fact, she felt slightly cool.
“Clara,” I said softly, kneeling next to the bed.
Her eyes flickered a bit before opening. “Hi, there,” I added.
She smiled weakly. “Hi,” she said.
“Would you like to have supper with me?” I asked.
“No, I might have some soup later, but I don’t feel very hungry. I am still tired, though,” she replied.
“I think you should see a doctor. Can I get one?” I inquired, not wanting to push, but I was worried.
Clara smiled warmly as she spoke. “No, thank you. I’m fine. I’m sure I’ll feel better tomorrow. For now, I just want to sleep.”
“Okay,” I said, raising my hands. “But please let me know if anything changes. I’m right down the hall.”
“I will, thanks,” Clara said.
Walking to the door, I stopped and turned, giving her one more look before leaving. I barely slept a wink as I spent most of the night moving around the house, worrying. I checked in on her three times between brief periods of nodding off.
At two, I got into bed, knowing I had to try and get some sleep. I lay rolling around for a bit before sleep took me. It didn’t last long, as I was up at four again. As I sat up, I felt my stomach turning and my supper pushing up in my throat. Something was very wrong.
I jumped up and ran to Clara’s room. Trepidation filled me as I moved. Something was off. I pushed the door open and rushed in. The bed was empty. I ran to the bathroom, but it was also void of any life.
“Clara, Clara,” I called out as I moved from room to room, searching the entire mansion. There was no sight of Clara anywhere. I started to panic as thoughts of her being abducted entered my mind.
I knew that was impossible. But, still, I had doubts. I called the head guard and asked about any movement. “Nothing to report, boss,” he answered without blinking.
How was this possible? This wasn’t making any sense. I mean, she couldn’t just vanish. Frustrated and down, I went back to her room again. I sat down on her side of the bed, trying to figure out what could have happened.
The windows were still closed. All the mansion doors were locked. Hell, everything was locked, even the gates. Lowering my head to my hands, I felt my chest tighten. I tried breathing in deeply, but it hurt.
The guards didn’t see any movement. But maybe the camera’s picked something up. As I stood to go to my office to check, I noticed the folded paper on the bedside table. Picking it up, I felt my heart sinking to my feet.
I opened it carefully and started reading.
Dear Iosif,
Thank you for all you’ve done for me. I think it’s time that I went home for a while. This is best for you and me. Please, I beg you not to seek me out. This is what I want. I do not want to be with you. I am sorry, but I know you will respect my wishes. Please leave me be.
Regards, Clara
Crumpling up the letter, I felt my anger rising sharply. She had betrayed me, hurt me, and used me. How dare she leave this way? After everything I had done for her, all that I had gone through. I’ve done my best to care for her. I have given her space, time, and everything she could want.
It made no sense. I didn’t understand what changed.
Where did these words come from? This wasn’t like her.
Yesterday, all was fine. These questions were going to drive me insane.
I had to know what had changed, what had happened.
How could she betray me? Did her brother, Kolya, have a finger in this pie?
No one had the power to hurt me until Clara came along. I sank to my knees. My lungs felt like they were about to explode as I heaved, trying to breathe in. My heart was splintering into a million pieces. I had no idea how I was going to fix this.