“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 65

***Clara’s POV:***

Clara had spent the early part of Christmas day at Gloria’s parents’ estate along with Casey. She informed them she would be going to the Taylors later that afternoon and then home.

*“You don’t have to go home! Just come back here!”*

Gloria protested as she ate some of the chocolate cake Clara baked.

*“Well, I’m not sure how late I’ll be, this was I won’t have to worry about disturbing anyone.”*

Oh, okay, I understand. If you change your mind though just call me! Otherwise, we’ll be to pick you up tomorrow.

Clara smiled brightly at her friend. After Christmas gifts were exchanged, Clara received a text from Ethan letting her know he was on the way to get her.

*‘I thought they were going to send a rideshare. Hmm.’*

Clara assumed they didn’t want to bother anyone one for the holidays. Clara brought gifts for her best friends and extended family. In return they all also got gifts for her. She smiled brightly; the past few years Christmas has been amazing now that she was celebrating with them.

She remembered all the years she’d spent Christmas alone in her previous life, from the time her mom passed and after her marriage, it was always about Sophie. She would spend many of the holidays working in the lab, not once did Jason or father even care to reach out. Now, her life was so much more different, it was overwhelming how happy she was.

Ethan arrived at exactly 4:30pm. After introducing himself to Gloria’s parents and family, he gifted them with a bottle of expensive wine and whiskey. After saying their goodbyes, Clara followed him to his Maybach.

*“So, did you enjoy your Christmas day?”*

Ethan looked over at Clara, she couldn’t help but notice there was something different about him. Though she wasn’t sure what it was, for some reason, it made her heart flutter.

*“Yes, it was lovely. I got a lot of gifts.”*

Clara chuckled as she thought about the twins arguing over who would give her their gift first. Ethan smiled at Clara.

*“That’s good. You deserve it.”*

Clara blushed.

*“What about you?”*

*“It’s been amazing, maybe a little overwhelming too. Almost my entire family is here this year. This is the first Christmas Maria has been home in over three years. She’s usually in the hospital around this time.”*

Clara smiled brightly. Hearing those words filled her heart with so much joy.

*“I’m so glad to hear that!”*

As they pulled into the estate, Ethan parked the car and paused for a moment. As she was about to open the door, Ethan reached over to stop her.

*“Clara, wait a moment.”*

Clara turned her head to see Ethan’s face was right at hers. Her face instantly heated up. He was so close. She could smell his cologne on his neck.

Intoxicating.

Ethan’s ears began to redden, he hadn’t meant to get that close to her. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.

*“Um, I just wanted to warn you. Everyone…well, they are really excited to meet you. So, if you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, send me quick text and I’ll rescue you.”*

His breath was fresh like a cool winter breeze, Clara could feel her thoughts heading in a dangerous direction, but she couldn’t stop herself. Her face inching closer to his, the electricity in the car was dancing to their own private music.

Suddenly, a loud tap on the window broke the moment. Irritated, Ethan rolled his window down to see who the asshole was that ruined his moment!

His mother. *Crap*.

Clara nervously opened the car door jumping out, Ethan then opened his door. His mother, unaware of what happened, smiled brightly at Clara.

*“Ethan! What took you so long to let her out?”*

Ethan looked at his mother with slight irritation.

*“I just wanted to prepare her for the hurricane she was about to walk into too.”*

Arla laughed out loud, an apologetic look on her face as she hugged Clara.

*“Well, he’s not wrong. The entire family is here, and they can’t wait to meet you. I apologize in advance.”*

An empathetic smiled appeared across Clara’s lips.

*“Not to worry Ms. Arla! I understand.”*

As the made their way into the mansion, Arla and Ethan weren’t kidding.

Instantly a barrage of people came towards Clara, hugging her, thanking her, crying. Asking a million questions, telling her they knew her mother. It was extremely overwhelming! Still, Clara smiled through it all. It was worth it seeing everyone so happy to have Maria back!

The siblings along with Owen all handed Clara Christmas gifts. In exchange, she handed them all gifts, one extremely special for Maria. During treatment, Maria told Clara how she played the flute before she got sick. As her cancer progressed, it became more difficult to play. She purchased a customized flute for her with her name on it.

Maria began to cry. Hugging Clara close, she thanked her over and over. The whole house was filled with love and tears. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor purchased a customized necklace with the cancer free sign. The necklace had a pink heart almost identical to the one her father had destroyed. She cried as they placed it around her neck. As the evening winded down, Clara still had one more gift to give.

Ethan’s.

As if reading her mind, Ethan sent her a text asking her to come outside to the courtyard. As she made her way to the bench he was sitting on, Clara noticed how beautiful the fountain was lit up at night. Staring in amazement, she sat next to Ethan.

*“This is beautiful.”*

She said in a low voice. Ethan looked over at the woman who changed his life. He couldn’t help but feel like he’s known her much longer than he had. He’d fallen in love with everything about her, from how brilliant she was to how compensate.  He’d fallen for her smiles, her tears, her interests. He knew he wanted to spend his entire life with this amazing person. But would she feel the same?

Ethan looked at Clara. He had a long red velvet box in his hand.

*“Merry Christmas Clara.”*

Clara looked over at Ethan, slight shock on her face. She took the box from Ethan and opened it up. Clara could hardly catch her breath as she stared at the gift. Ethan got her a customized tennis bracelet made. In the middle, there was heart shaped picture of her mother smiling. On each end of the heart was a rose, her mother’s favorite flower.

*“Now she can be with you wherever you go.”*

Ethan’s word’s filled Clara with an emotion she now knew to be.

**Love.**

There was no denying it. Clara had fallen head over heels in love with Ethan Taylor. Maybe it was the day he asked for her help, maybe it was the day she’d watched the video of him sticking up for her. Clara wasn’t sure, but she knew now what her heart had been saying all along.

Closing the box, Clara looked up at Ethan, there was fire in her soul that she’d never felt before. Before she could stop herself, Clara gently pulled Ethan’s face to hers. Without hesitation, their lips touched for the first time.

It was intoxicating. Clara could take the slight hint of wine on his lips, and he could taste the sweet scent of strawberries on hers. They intertwined for what felt like an eternity. When they finally stopped, Clara slowly pushed him away staring into his eyes. Ethan could see all the love and desire through her emerald, green eyes, like lightening piercing through his soul. Finally, after catching her breath, Clara spoke.

*“I have a present for you.”*

Ethan smiled as he took her gift. When he opened it, he couldn’t help but smile. Clara got Ethan a custom made plaque highlighting everything he’d accomplished so far.

***Age 15. Graduated Osha State University.***

***Age 17. Started a bio-chemical & pharmaceutical company.***

***Age 19. Introduced nano technology to medicinal and medical practices.***

***Each accomplishment highlighting all the extraordinary things Ethan had done, but it wasn’t until the final achievement that his eyes swelled up.***

***Age 23. Cured his baby sister of Leukemia.***  

Ethan stared at the plaque for a few moments, looking up at Clara, she smiled passionately.

*“You’re a remarkable man Ethan Taylor.”*

*Hmm*.

Ethan looked at Clara and smiled softly.

*“Clara, I love you.”*