"Goodbye, My Unrequited Love" Chapter 6
Clara slung the large bag over her shoulder and walked away.
Arthur didn't chase after her, and she hadn't expected him to.
With Mia by his side, how could he possibly spare a thought for anyone else?
By the time Clara finished selling her remaining items, night had fallen.
It was the Lantern Festival, and every household was buzzing with celebration.
Clara didn't want to wallow in misery, so she headed to a bar she had always liked but never visited.
The decor was artistic and bohemian. She had mentioned it to Arthur once, but he had dismissed it, saying such places weren't for "decent people."
She stepped inside. Unlike other bars, it wasn't chaotic; the quiet music gave it a sophisticated atmosphere.
She picked a seat in a secluded corner, but just as she sat down, a host stepped onto the stage and tapped the microphone for silence.
"On this special night, we have a very special guest. Please join me in welcoming her!"
A woman stepped out from behind the curtain to enthusiastic applause.
It was a face Clara knew all too well.
Mia, wearing a gentle smile, scanned the room. She faltered for a split second when she saw Clara, but her smile grew even brighter as she spoke into the mic. "Hello everyone, I’m Mia. A year ago, I was a singer here, and this is where I met the love of my life."
She looked toward Arthur.
The spotlight followed her gaze.
One on stage, one below—they stared at each other as if they were the most devoted, fated lovers in the world.
The crowd began to cheer, and the host invited Arthur onto the stage.
Leo clapped his hands and pushed his father forward.
The man who usually lacked any expression now showed a hint of boyish shyness and a slight flush to his face.
Clara sat huddled in the corner, arms crossed, silently watching the spectacle.
As his legal wife, she felt like a mere passerby witnessing his happiness.
"Arthur, thank you for stepping in for me back then. My heart has never changed."
Mia’s eyes shimmered as if she were about to cry.
Arthur’s eyes were filled with pity as he reached out to brush a tear from the corner of her eye.
"Kiss her!"
"Kiss her!"
The chants rose from the crowd.
Mia shot a triumphant look toward Clara.
On this day of reunion, her husband and child were in a public place, neither refusing nor denying another woman’s confession of love.
How boring.
Clara looked down and downed her drink in one go.
While the crowd cheered for "true love," she quietly stood up and left.
On stage, Arthur looked at the Mia before him—who seemed exactly as he remembered—but for some reason, his mind drifted to the Clara who had looked at him with nothing but disgust that morning.
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In a moment of distraction, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in his peripheral vision.
Clara? What was she doing here?
Hadn't he told her never to come to places like this?
Just then, Arthur noticed a suspicious-looking man lurking behind Clara.
Without a second thought, he jumped off the stage and ran outside.
Mia, still basking in her vengeful joy and the spotlight, thought she had finally moved Arthur. But he had hesitated, and now, without a word, he was running away.
Was he chasing Clara?
How could he? The atmosphere was perfect!
Fuming with rage, Mia bolted after him.
The crowd below erupted into whispers, confused by the sudden exit.
The night air was chilly. Clara pulled her coat tighter; the drink was now burning in her stomach.
Perhaps because she never drank, her head was spinning. After a few steps, the world began to tilt.
She stopped, leaning against a wall to steady herself.
A strange voice spoke up: "Hey beautiful, you all alone?"
Clara turned alertly, trying to put distance between them.
The man wore a hat that hid his face and immediately tried to grab her.
She fought back with everything she had, but the stranger's strength was terrifying.
"Clara!" It was Arthur.
In that moment, she forgot about the divorce and screamed, "Arthur! Help me!"
The harasser flinched, about to let go.
But then, another figure emerged behind Arthur and suddenly let out a cry, collapsing to the ground.
Mia clutched her ankle, crying tears of distress. "Arthur, my foot..."
"Dad! Auntie Mia twisted her ankle! Hurry, take her to the hospital!" Leo shouted anxiously.
The harasser suddenly regained his confidence. He squeezed Clara’s wrist tightly and looked at Arthur defiantly.
Any person with a brain would know which situation was the priority.
Clara stared intently at Arthur.
The latter looked torn for a moment before finally turning his back. He scooped Mia up in his arms and yelled back at Clara: "Don't be afraid! I'll call the police for you!"
Leo added loudly with resentment, "She’s just a Wicked Witch anyway, Dad! Why do you care about her?"
The three of them vanished into the night.
Clara stood there in utter disbelief.
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