Chapter 6 If I Were a Man, I’d Marry You!

• "Are you the one taking care of the kids? You look tired, almost like an old lady," remarked Hazel.
• Ella quickly chimed in, "Mommy is a beautiful woman, not an old lady. She dresses like this to get rid of her admirers."
• Hazel chuckled at Ella's response and said, "Of course your mommy is beautiful. She used to be stunning!"
• "Alright, Hazel, let's go to your place. I need to talk to you about something," Clara said, her smile fading as she turned serious.
• Hazel knew exactly what Clara was referring to without needing to ask.
• The trouble involving Clara's family had hit suddenly, catching everyone off guard. No one saw that coming.
• She had no idea how Clara survived through it all. Anyone else might have taken their own life.
• Back at Hazel's place on Ember Street,
• Clara tucked Ella into bed while Ethan studied a map on the balcony.
• Hazel cast a doubtful glance at Ethan before following Clara into another room.
• "Your son can read maps?! He’s only five!"
• "He started looking at them when he was three," Clara replied casually.
• Her reaction elicited an uproar from Hazel. She exclaimed, "D*mn! He's a genius!"
• "Hazel, about my family..." Clara began with a sombre tone.
• As Hazel noticed her friend's sudden shift in demeanour, she felt a pang of distress in her heart. "Five years have passed; you need to move on. Your family has fallen, and the Curtises have acquired all of your assets."
• Hazel saw a flicker of sadness in her friend's eyes, her heart aching at the sight.
• She hesitated before delivering the next piece of news, which would make Clara's heart sadder.
• "Your father passed away in prison two years ago, and your mother’s whereabouts are unknown. The Curtises took advantage of the situation and purchased your family's assets at a very low price."
• Clara responded with a quiet hum. Her fists clenched tight. Clara's eyes turned dark, and her body radiated a chilly aura.
• Hazel was intimidated by the coldness emanating from her. It was so out of character for the always-gentle Clara.
• Clara had been in Efril for five years. During that time, Hazel rarely contacted her, knowing little about her life there.
• "Ella says you deliberately dress like an old woman," Hazel quickly changed the subject, uncomfortable with Clara's sudden coldness.
• Clara removed her hairband, letting her sleek black hair cascade down to her waist. She took off her glasses and took a small bottle from her bag. Then, she applied it to her face and removed the makeup.
• In less than a minute, Clara was back to her original appearance, leaving Hazel with her mouth wide agaped.
• "People dress up to look beautiful, but you're deliberately making yourself look uglier!" Hazel exclaimed, almost flipping the table in frustration at the injustice of fate.
• After five years, Clara remained as innocent and captivating as ever; her beauty seemed out of this world. Time had only added a touch of grace and charm to her, which made it impossible for one to look away.
• "If only I were a man, I'd marry you!" Hazel exclaimed, leaping from her chair, her fiery red dress swaying with her motion.
• "Cut it out! Just introduce me to a few international corporations here. I'm sending out resumes," Clara said, glancing at Hazel before quickly opening her laptop.
• Hazel paused, then sighed. "What a shame you're already a mom. So, which lucky foreign guy captured your heart and married you?"