"Mi Princesita," dad called out but I ignored him. I'm so mad. I wish there's something I could break at this moment to ease that raging temper roiling within me.

As soon as the limo stopped, I quickly climbed out of it, ignoring my father's pleading and marched to the up-steps to the front door.

"Not you too, mi amor!" I heard dad whined behind me.

"Clara Bell!" dad called out rather growl, and it was filled with desperation and frustration at the same time. My legs instinctively came to an abrupt halt and waited for him without turning and stared into the distance rigidly. Within me was like a raging storm ready to cause havoc. My teeth clamped tightly together trying to hold my temper at bay.

Dad stood in front of me, his face marred with regrets. "Look," he said, his tone softening. His gaze dropped to the floor for a second, then he met my sharp gaze again with a sullen look. "I apologize for that drastic decision and...and without..." —he sighed— "without your consent..." he trailed off. "I know," —his voice raise back up to normal— "I shouldn't decide for you. And you are right!" his head bobbed up and down. "You're not a kid anymore," dad sighed. A painful truth crossed his face, then he shook his head. At that moment, those fine lines under his green eyes and his forehead gave away his true age. "I always like to think that you were all still babies," he forced out a low cheerful chuckle. His eyes crinkled even more and he looked even older. My jaws relaxed and so my whole body. My anger suddenly simmered down until all I can feel is sympathy for him. My heart reached out for him.

"Dad, I know you worry too much about us, about me... but I can assure you, I can perfectly handle myself," one hand reached out for him and he tenderly pulled me in his embrace.

"I know, I know..." dad said, kissing my temple briefly like he always does. "But know that I'm not sorry for proposing that marriage, mi princesita," he said, his breath fanning against the top of my head.

I quickly pulled myself away and glared at him. "Dad!" I snapped.

"You should understand, mi princesita that the whole nation was feasting on Alexander's indecent photos in front of your condo build—"

"Dad!" I shrieked out, cutting him off mid-sentence. I felt my eyes gotten wide in sheer embarrassment while I stared him down. My whole body heated up as the picture of Alex clad only in boxers flashed through my head. Shaking the picture out of my mind, I spoke sharply. "Nothing happened, okay?!" I snapped. I didn't intend to sound defensive but that spark of interest then followed with a deadly look on my father's eyes said it was.

"Do you think the people would believe you? They will feast on your name, and... I don't honestly damn care if...you are not a royalty," dad's head tilted to the side, reminding me of who I am, of who we are, and the reason why I can't afford to make such a scandal. And which also reminds me of my grandfather who hates reporters and most especially, their false and unsupported conclusions.

Me being a model already brought dishonor to the Markovich name, not that a model is a shameful job. Grandpa is still very traditional and conservative.

And dad is right. How could I prove that nothing happened between us? And if our relationship goes in public, then it will only confirm their speculations.

"And with Alex's reputation, I hate to think that I also doubted his intentions!" dad's facial muscles tightened. "He dated Claire. He knows you two are close," dad said.

An involuntary scoff slipped out of my mouth. And that also reminds me of that background check I had asked him to do for me. "What about that information I asked you to gather about her activities?" I asked absentmindedly, unintentionally dodging the topic.

Dad narrowed his eyes at me. I gave him a poker face. He forced out a sigh and finally caved in. "It's in my office," dad cocked his head towards the door.

I nodded my head then walked with him inside, and straight to his office.

Dad handed me out the folder. "Why the sudden curiosity, mi princesita? Why would you want to know about her activities?" dad gave me a pointed look. Slowly, a crease formed between his bushy brows. "Did she hurt you in any way?" dad inquired, his prying eyes sharpened, as well as his tone. His jaws became too prominent as it tightened, lips narrowed into a grim line.

I quickly shook my head and forced out a reassuring smile. I didn't want him to meddle. Knowing him, he'll go to great lengths just to keep his family safe. And besides, this is between me and Claire.

He stared at me intently, his green eyes sharp and perusing. "Dad, I just want to know where she spends most of her time," I rolled my eyes at him.

His brow rose up high signaling that he doesn't buy it.

I forced out a chuckle and fake a nonchalant shrug. He stared at me intently, his eyes reading through me. Dad knows us more than ourselves sometimes, why would I always forget that?

But, I didn't budge.

"Oh, come on, dad!" I snapped half-naturedly.

Dad shook his head. Tearing his eyes off me, he spoke. "She spends most of her time with different high ballers on Hollywood. What's new?" dad said as he sat on his chair.

"Dad," I scowled at him.

He looked up and stared at me squarely. "Yes, mi princesita. Even when they were still dating and Alex. I didn't want to tell you because I thought you knew about it. You always said, you two are close?" dad gave me a pointed look and I sighed. Shaking my head slowly, I decided to keep

my mouth shut, not to go against his statement. Instead, I just gave him a pleading look. He finally nodded his head, surrendering in silence.

I drifted my eyes to the folder on my hand. I went through the papers, pictures that were enclosed in the folder. In every photo, Claire was sitting in a private, luxurious yacht with a few people, partying. I took one photo and stared at it. Claire was standing next to a man in his swimming trunks, twice her age. And he's not just an old man, he owns a very successful media conglomerate, Steven Weiner.

The two were intimately close together, Steven's hand were around her waist, while Claire's head was against his hairy chest.

I put down the picture and took another one, and each one confirmed what Alexander had told me. And she wasn't just dating one man, there was five of them. All stinking rich old man.

My eyes caught sight of the date written on the left top of the page. It was three years ago. My eyes flew to my father who was now on his feet, looking out the window.

"Dad," I called him. He slowly turned his head and look at me. "This was gathered three years ago," I said and he nodded his head. "I had to know who are these people my kids hang out with," dad briefly explained and I nodded.

I should know.

"So why didn't you tell me before?" I frowned.

"I think I did," dad scowled at me. "You were too fond of her, you didn't listen," dad shook his head.

I didn't argue with him because I think he mentioned it once, or maybe not just once, but I was too fond of her. She's the only one that's really showed care about me, who didn't get intimidated of my status. That's what I thought. Because of my status, she befriended me.

"Don't hesitate to tell me if that girl did something to you, mi princesita," dad said and I just nodded noncommittally. "I will find it anyway," dad added.

I collected all the papers and pictures, then stashed it back in the folder, then stood up. "I'll take this, dad," I said and dad just shrugged his shoulders.

I was about to reach the door when dad spoke. "About Alex," dad said.

"Please, dad," I gritted out. "Let's not talk about him tonight. I'm tired," I hissed, then without looking at him, I strode out of the door and headed straight to my room.

All I want at this moment is a warm bath to calm me before I go to bed.

.

.

I woke up with a start, eyes searching for that ringing sound. I reached my small alarm clock and frowned when I realized it wasn't the alarm clock that was making the sound. Grumbling under my breath, I lifted the pillow next to me and threw it to the other side but my phone wasn't there. I lifted the pink duvet cover, picked up the two more pillows and tossed it to the other end of the big bed, then finally, I saw my phone.

Brittany was calling. I quickly took the phone and was about to connect it when it ended. I called her back and with just one ring, she connected it.

"Clara Bell," she gasped.

"Hey," I said, frowning. She sounded restless.

"Did you read the news?" she asked breathlessly. My eyes darted together as I tried to absorb her words. Half of my senses are still disoriented.

"I'm sorry? Did you say news?" I asked.

"Yes!"

"What news?"

I got out of my bed and slipped on my pink furry slippers.

"Remember the shoot we did at the condo of Mrs. Ratskin?"

"Ratskin?" I repeated as I rack my brain trying to think who's Ratskin she's talking about. Then something lit up in my head. "The beauty queen?" I asked, frowning deeply. A yawn threatening to bubble up. I held my lips closed, the yawn died down at the back of my throat.

"Yes. One of her jewelry was missing. The Police didn't divulge any information yet about the piece..." Brittany explained.

I perched on the edge of my bed, my eyes rolled heavenward. "And who would steal it?" I scoffed.

"It is an heirloom, Clara Bell. It cost 10 million. The Police said so," she replied.

As soon as her last words sunk in my disoriented brain, my half-awake senses suddenly awakened.

"What?!" I bristled up. "What police? Did you talk to them today?" I asked, my voice toned up an octave.

Just then my bladder felt fuller. I bolted towards my washroom door.

I hate to talk to someone over the phone when I'm peeing, but the topic was too interesting I can't wait to hear the story.

I wedged my phone in between my right ear and shoulder, then quickly pulled my bottoms down.

"Yes. I just got questioned today." Brittany said, causing my curiosity to tick up a notch. "My name is on the list. The reason why I called you, I want to know if you were investigated, too. Your name is on the list, you know?" she answered shortly.

That took all my attention even more. My hand came to an abrupt halt, my shoulders straightened as I stared obliviously at the tissue holder.

"No! I just woke up," I replied, then resumed wrapping the toilet tissue around my hand a couple of times before tearing it off.

"Just get ready then. I just talked to Madison and Beverly. They too had been questioned by the Police," she said. She let out a deep sigh. "I can't really think who would take it," she muttered to herself after a while.

"Me neither," I replied. I heaved a deep sigh and then cleaned myself.

"Alright then. I need to meet someone, Clara Bell. Talk to you later," Brit said.

"Sure. Thanks for calling, Brit," I replied, my mind reeled to the days we did the shoot at Mrs. Helena Ratskin's condo. Everyone was too busy to even find time to wander around the rooms. And then it dawned on me, the shots were taken mostly in her master bedroom.

I put down my phone on the sink counter then quickly washed my hand, face, and brushed my teeth. I also changed into a comfortable dress.

I climbed back up my bed with my phone on my hand. Eyes glued to the screen, as my twitter account accessing. I propped my back against the headboard, eyes still fixed onto the screen while my index finger pad was busy browsing, reading tweets from friends.

Brittany just posted a photo of her with two cops behind her, busy on whatever on their phone. She was wearing that goofy look with her thumb pointing over her shoulder.

My eyes dropped to the caption and read it.

Okay, I'm guilty as charged... Guilty crushing on one of these guys behind me!!

I chuckled softly as I scroll down the screen, reading all the reactions of her followers.

It really is unfair, all those hot, good-looking papas had to be in the police stations! - Sassydiva

I'd definitely take one of them. He can interrogate me all day long, no complain. - Freya

The more I read the comments, my laughter grew louder. All my frustrations this morning was forgotten.

After a while, I decided to check on Claire's tweets. Suddenly, that happiness faded. I felt like a dark cloud hovered above my head.

My eyes grew big after reading it. My back teeth clamped tightly together as anger flooded within me.

There's always that rotten apple in a pack. I hope it won't affect the rest!

I chucked the phone on my bed.

A rotten apple, huh! I silently scoffed.

I let out a deep sigh.

Maybe it's not meant for me. I thought.

I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt.

I grabbed the phone back. My eyes ran through the comments.

A lot of her fans twitted back true. Then my eyes stopped on Tabitha's comment.

Right! Nailed it!

I saw three replies and scrolled it down and read it.

And I regretted stalking on all the comments. It was confirmed the "rotten apple" was referred to me.

A true friend got your back, not stab you at the back. - ClairePreira

Ouch! Did she now? - Tabitha

Anger grew as seconds passed by like a fire. Coiling within me like a stubborn ivy vine on a wall. I wanted to scream my anger out, but I know it will only cause chaos in the house. I don't want to include my family into this. This is between me and Claire.

I chucked the phone on my bed with a force.

I got out of bed and paced across my room. One hand occasionally brushing my hair. I stopped, then I let out a deep sigh trying to hold that temper at bay.

She's of no power over me. I'm not affected. I'm not affected. I'm a Valiente! I silently chanted as I climbed back to my bed and grabbed my back phone. I closed my twitter account and dialed Vicky's number.

It's been a while since I last talked to her. She's been busy and I was busy, too. She would always drop me an email or text whenever she's available, and vice versa.

Her phone just kept on ringing so I decided to cancel it and sent her text.

Halfway through typing, my phone buzzes, my ringing tone filled my room. I just realized how loud my phone was.

It was Alex calling.

I toned it down and stared at my phone's screen, deliberating.

Quite frankly, I felt embarrassed from last night. I shouldn't act that way like I was blaming him for what happened. He was very sorry and I acted like a brat.

Taking a deep breath, I connected the call.

"Hey," I muttered softly.

"Hi," he answered. I could sense the hesitation in his voice. That richness of his voice made my insides turned mushy. "Are you still upset?" he asked.

Guilt rose within me.

"No," I replied. "I...I'm so sorry..." I trailed off. "I...I acted like a brat—"

"No. Of course not!" he said, cutting me off. "I understand. I might have acted the same way if I'm on your shoe."

"No, no. It's not fair I vented it out on you my frustrations. I—"

"Let's forget it, okay?" he said, cutting me off.

"Okay," I murmured softly.

"I'm getting bored here..." he paused. "Can I see you?" he asked.

"Do you wanna do something?" I asked. Maybe we could do something together and forget all about Claire today.

"Lucas is at home, he just called. It's a nice day for horse riding if you're up to it?" he asked.

Horse riding is one of my favorite things that I missed doing.

My spirit uplifted upon hearing it. I got excited about it.

"Sure!"

"I'll pick you up in an hour," he said. "Is an hour enough for you to get ready?" he asked after.

"I'll be ready by then," I replied excitedly. I bolted out of my bed. "See you soon," I said then hung up before he could even say a word. I tossed the phone on my bed and dashed towards my washroom with a broad smile plastered all over my face.

Suddenly, the whole room lit up. My

mood used uplifted.

.....

"Where is he?"

"He's dead..." Cornick trailed off. "According to his only friend, he died of cancer. Just two days ago, he was buried."

"FUCK!" I growled loudly, causing Langdon to bristle up. My fingers tightened around the phone after hearing what my PI had said. I let out a deep sigh, and then another trying to keep my temper down. "Are you sure?" I asked, my tone drop down significantly.

"Precisely!"

My back teeth clamped together tightly as my eyelids shut closed. My free hand involuntarily lifted up to my temple and gently massage it, trying to ease the growing pain in my head.

"Shit!" I growled lividly.

.....

Sorry guys, it's been a while.

As much as I'd like to update regularly, I can't. Waking every two hours at night to breastfeed is not easy. And lack of sleep doesn't help at all to get back my momentum in writing.