“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 61

***Clara’s POV:***

The Taylor Estate was beautiful! As we made our way to the grand room, we were greeted cheerfully by many of the staff, the warm welcomes made me feel at ease. This was going to be great! The nerves that were originally haunting my thoughts had begun to disappear. We finally arrived at the grand room, as Winslow opened the door, I could see everyone stand up. Winslow smiled and announced our arrival.

*“Taylor family, may I present Ms. Clara Rouleau, along with Gloria Rhinehorne and Casey Smithfield.”*

Ethan’s mother Mrs. Arla Taylor was the first to approach me. Her eyes beamed brightly; she was absolutely beautiful. Extending her arms as she drew nearer, she embraced me in a hug.

*“We’re so glad to finally meet you Ms. Rouleau! Ethan has told us so much about you!”*

I could hear the slight beak in her voice; she was clearly holding back tears. My mind raced back to my previous life as I thought about the pain she must’ve felt when her daughter passed. I wouldn’t let that…not this time! Hugging her back, I thanked her for the welcome.

The entire family walked over after, everyone hugging and thanking me for everything I was doing to save Maria. The only person I hadn’t noticed yet was Ethan. Before I could inquire his whereabouts, Maria finally walked over.

Maria was absolutely beautiful, almost a spitting image of her mother, her face almost looked like a doll. I could tell she was thinner than she should be and there were darker circles under hers that a normal 16-year-old would not have. Her body was frail, and she hugged me gently, not wanting to her, I made sure to embrace her lightly. Stepping back, I looked at the person whose life I was about to change. I could feel the tears start to build up as my previous life kept gnawing at me. Exhaling in order to push the tears back, I began to speak.

*“It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you Ms. Maria.”*

She smiled brightly at me, even with having Leukemia, her energy and smile was pure and all I wanted to preserve that smile.

*“I’m so happy to meet you too Ms. Rouleau!”*

Her voice was angelic,

*“Please, everyone, call me Clara.”*

After the greetings, we all made our way to the seating area, suddenly, Ethan and Owen appeared.

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***Ethan’s POV:***

I stared from the foyer as the family greeted Clara. I figured I’d let them meet her first before I came into the room. She was smiling so brightly, her face looked like an angel. She was wearing this light blue sundress, her hair was braided straight down her back, she was wearing her glasses again. How could someone be so beautiful in a pair of glasses. As I looked on, I could feel Owen’s eyes piercing me.

*“Got something you want say.”*

I spoke through gritted teeth, and I turned to look at him. A mischievous smile planted on his face.

*“I have no idea what you’re talking Taylor. Shall we go inside?”*

I rolled my eyes but nodded in agreement. As we entered the room, my mother looked at me instantly, a huge smile on her face.

*“Ethan! There you two are! Well, come and have a seat. We were all just getting to know Clara and her friends more.”*

Casey Smithfield stood up first, playing the role of big brother, he sternly shook my hand.

*“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Chairman Taylor, I’m Casey Smithfield.”*

I knew of Casey’s family, his father was a successful real estate tycoon, I’d actually purchased a few properties from him myself over the years.

*“It’s my pleasure as well, please, call me Ethan. This is my VP and best friend Owen Crawford”*

He smiled lightly and shock Owen’s hand as Gloria made her way over. Smiling brightly, she leaned in to hug me.

“It’s n so nice to finally meet you Ethan! I’m Gloria! Can I just say, well, Casey and I…we want to say thank you for sticking up for our Clare-bear that day.”

*‘Clare-bear’*. I’m not sure why, but that nicknamed made me smile uncontrollably, it fit her. Everyone stared me in amazement, very seldom did I smile, much less brightly. My mother gave me a compassionate look that I didn’t quite understand. Turning back to Gloria, I nodded slightly.

*“It was my pleasure, though I was just speaking the truth.”*

Gloria lightly smiled at me in a way I didn’t understand, Owen slightly rolled his eyes. I would deal with him later. Suddenly, I could feel my heart pace. Clara finally stood up and made her way over to me. She had this mild yet regal smile on her face, her cheeks were slightly red. ‘Was she blushing?’ I could feel my ears began to redden at the thought.

*“Ethan.”*

*“Clara. Thank you for coming.”*

*“Thank you for having me.”*

We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity, I could feel my lips betraying me once again as they curled up into a smile. Suddenly, my dad cleared his throat braking my trance.

*“Well, why don’t we have lunch in the courtyard.”*

Everyone stood to leave, Clara gave me one more look, her face had an expression I couldn’t understand, as I turned to follow everyone, my sibling along with Owen gathered around me. Elizabeth speaking first.

*“So, help me God Ethan if you don’t make that girl my sister-in-law I’ll never speak to you again!”*

Owen and Corey began to laugh hysterically while Maria just smiled with glee.

*“I’m with Liz on this one Ethan. I think I love Clara!”*

My eyes almost popped out of my eyes! Traitor! Over the years, Maria had always sided with me, I took pride knowing I was her favorite but today, today she betrayed me joining the clan of heathens also known as my siblings and friend.

*“Let’s go!”*

I barked as I walked past everyone stalking to the courtyard.

As we all ate lunch, Clara went over the entire plan for saving Maria. My family listened on, never interrupting as they wanted the full details. I could see her friends beaming at her with pride, she truly was remarkable.

*“So, that’s why I would like for Ethan to take legal control over my research. That way we can began the trials ASAP without conflict.”*

My parents stared at Clara; I could see my mother’s eyes welding up. My dad also looked as if we wanted to cry.

*“Clara, we honestly don’t know what to say. The fact that you’re allowing my son take ownership of your work just so you can save our dau-”*

My father’s words choked in his throat like a lump. My mother placed her hand over his as the tears fell down her face. Maria and Liz also had tears in their eyes. Suddenly, my older brother Corey spoke.

*“Ms. Clara, please don’t take this as disrespect, but I have to ask, can you really save Maria? I know you’re brilliant, my brother has shown me so much of your work, and I know of your mother as well. But I don’t want my sister or family to get their hopes up if this is all too good to be true.”*

I could feel my ears heating up, dammit Corey! I was about to yell at my brother when I felt her hand gently touch mine. A smile of compassion on her face, she looked directly at my brother.

*“Corey, there’s no need to apologize, you have every right to have skepticism. This is your baby sister after all. But I hope you can believe me when I say...I can save your sister, I’m sure of it.”*