Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 86

Clarissa's frustration grew with every passing moment, her mind consumed by a mix of anger and hurt.

She continued to pace back and forth in her room, her grip on the phone tightening as she held it up to her ear.

Her voice trembled with a combination of anger and disappointment as she addressed Reynold.

"No you listen to me," she said, her tone infused with a palpable sense of exasperation.

"I don't care if your intention wasn't to provoke me into agreeing to a divorce, but did you even stop to consider the impact your actions could have on our children if they were to see that article about you with that woman?"

Reynold's voice came through the phone, carrying a trace of regret.

"It was meant to be a private meeting. How was I supposed to know that some crazy reporter would take a picture of us together and fabricate such a story?"

Clarissa let out a frustrated breath, her irritation permeating the air.

"So that's it...Is that really going to be your only response?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

However, all she received in return was an unsettling silence that seemed to stretch on forever.

Reynold's defeated tone lingered as he finally responded, his voice carrying a sense of resignation.

"What do you want me to say, Clarissa?"

Clarissa tightened her jaw, fighting to maintain her composure.

"I want you to take responsibility and fix this mess!"

"Maybe consider putting an end to your private meet-ups too, because technically we're still married, and I believe I deserve a level of respect and fidelity from you," she said firmly, her words laced with determination.

Reynold let out a scoff on the other end of the line.

"Respect and fidelity, huh?" he muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"You've got quite the audacity to bring up fidelity after what you... did."

Clarissa felt a surge of anger coursing through her veins, her face growing red.

"Don't you dare throw that in my face again, okay? I'm tired of your attempts to guilt-trip me."

"We've already gone through that, and I have taken responsibility for my actions."

"This is about the impact of your choices on our children. It's not about us," she said, her voice filled with an almost growling intensity, her teeth clenched tightly.

Reynold sighed heavily before replying, his frustration was evident in his voice.

"I understand your concerns, and just so you know, I was already taking steps to control the damage before you called.'

"I care deeply about our children, and I would never intentionally do anything that could negatively impact them." He added his words carrying a quiet yet firm conviction.

With that, the call ended, and Clarissa tossed her cell phone onto the bed, letting out a frustrated groan.

She turned around, only to find Juliana standing at the door, her eyes wide with concern.

She swiftly shifted her demeanor, adopting a calm and collected expression.

"Hey, sweetheart, what are you doing standing there? You should be in bed," she said softly, quickly putting on a forced smile as she approached her daughter.

Juliana remained silent, her gaze fixed on her mother, curiosity and worry evident in her expression.

"Is there something wrong?" Clarissa asked, her voice filled with warmth and genuine concern.

Juliana hesitated for a moment, her voice small and soft.

"I heard you on the phone with Dad... Are you two really getting a divorce?" Her words carried a mix of trepidation and sadness, as she looked up at Clarissa intently, searching for answers.

Clarissa's lips pressed together in a thin line, her heart aching at the weight of the situation.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, before gently placing her hands on Juliana's shoulders.

"I really don't know, sweetie," she finally responded, her voice filled with sincerity, tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

Juliana stared at her, her eyes welling up with tears.

"What do you mean you don't know... don't you guys love each other anymore?" Her voice trembled, barely audible, as she struggled to comprehend the situation.

Clarissa sighed and closed the door, leading Juliana to the bed, where they both sat down.

"Look, sweetheart, I want you to know that your dad and I love each other very much," she began, her voice filled with genuine affection.

"But..." she paused, gathering her thoughts.

She continued in a softer voice,"....sometimes, even when people love each other deeply, things can change."

"Your dad and I have been facing some challenges, and we're trying to figure out what's best for everyone."

Juliana's lower lip quivered, and tears welled up in her eyes, her hands tightly clutching the edge of her shirt.

"But I don't want you to get a divorce," she whispered, her voice filled with fear and desperation.

Clarissa's heart broke at her daughter's plea.

She pulled her closer, providing a warm and reassuring presence.

"Shh... shhh... it will be alright, sweetheart," she murmured, her voice gentle and soothing.

Clarissa continued to hold her tightly as she cried quietly into her shoulder.

After a while, Juliana pulled away slightly, sniffling and wiping away her tears.

Her eyes searched her mother's face for answers, a glimmer of hope mingled with uncertainty. "Will things ever be the same again? Will we still be a family?"

Clarissa's voice trembled slightly as she responded, her own emotions swelling.

"Things might be different, my love. But no matter what happens, we will always be a family... always and forever." She spoke with sincerity, her eyes conveying a deep sense of love and commitment.

Juliana managed a small, watery smile, finding solace in her mother's words.

She nodded and Clarissa smiled back, though tinged with sadness.

"I just need you to promise me that you'll keep this between us," Clarissa requested gently, as she held Juliana's hands.

"This is a difficult time for all of us, and we must handle it with care," Clarissa began, her voice gentle yet resolute.

"Your dad and I are still figuring things out, and we want to make sure we have all the information before we talk to you and your siblings about it."

"Can you promise me that you won't bring it up with your siblings until we're ready?"

Juliana nodded, her expression serious and determined.

"I promise, Mom. I won't say anything until you and Dad are ready to talk to us."

Clarissa's heart swelled with gratitude for her daughter's understanding and maturity.

She squeezed Juliana's hands, conveying her appreciation. "Thank you, sweetheart. That means a lot to me."

And Juliana leaned into her embrace once again, seeking solace and warmth.

"I love you, Mom," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of love and vulnerability.

Clarissa held her daughter tightly, tears glistening in her eyes. "And I love you too, my darling."