Chap 70 END
Part 70.
“First, I don’t want Clara to become a mother at her young age, make sure she continues her education until she obtains at least a bachelor’s degree!” he said. “Secondly, I don’t want your married life to be consumed by the public, I don’t like Lim family members being exposed to the media, and thirdly, guide Clara to become a businesswoman, I still want her to be the primary heir!” Freedy Lim revealed these three conditions to Clara.
“Alright, I agree,” Joe replied loudly.
“Come closer!” Mr. Lim commanded.
“Yes, Sir.”
Overcoming his awkwardness, Joe got up from his seat and sat next to the middle-aged man.
“Thank you very much for taking care of Clara, if you weren’t a good person, my grandson wouldn’t insist on staying by your side,” he said.
Joe smiled. Freedy Lim wasn’t as intimidating as the articles he had read about Clara’s grandfather.
“Continue to take care of my granddaughter, as you have been doing for the past ten years, make her happy, because only you can make her happy!” Freedy Lim held back his spreading tears.
Joe nodded. “When I brought Clara back to Indonesia with me, I promised to take care of her until she met the man she would marry, I never thought I would be the one marrying Clara,” Joe said, holding back his smile.
“So, Mr. Lim…”
“Don’t call me Mr., call me Grandpa!” Freedy Lim interrupted.
“Umm… Grandpa Lim, do you give your blessing for my relationship with Clara, I will agree to your conditions,” Joe Sebastian said seriously. “Of course, I will agree to all the conditions you’ve set!” he added.
“Yes, I give my blessing to you both,” he said.
“Thank you, Grandpa!”
Freedy Lim nodded. It wasn’t Joe, but he who should be thankful because Joe had taken care of his granddaughter.
“You may leave this room, have lunch and at least stay one night here before returning to Indonesia,” the middle-aged man requested.
“Alright, Sir!”
“Grandpa!” Freedy Lim reminded.
“Yes, Grandpa!”
Joe rose from his seat. He nodded respectfully and then left Freedy Lim’s room.
==❤==
“Why is Uncle Joe taking so long?” Clara complained. Since leaving Mr. Lim’s room, she had felt anxious. Just pacing back and forth without even sitting down for a moment.
“Wait, Miss, is Miss Clara very anxious, try to sit calmly and wait until Mr. Joe comes out of Mr. Lim’s room!” Zio persuaded.
“What do you think they’re talking about?” Clara leaned her ear against the door, but didn’t hear anything.
“Ugh!” she sighed because she didn’t hear anything.
Click!
The door opened and startled her.
“Uncle!” she exclaimed as she saw the handsome man.
“What are you doing, Clara?” Joe asked.
“What did Grandpa say, Uncle?” Clara returned the question with a grin, hiding her heartache.
“Let’s go eat now!” Joe invited, pulling Clara’s hand. “I’m very hungry!” he added.
“What about Grandpa’s answer, Uncle!” Clara insisted.
Joe didn’t answer. He then took Clara out of his grandfather’s residence.
…
“Answer, Uncle, don’t just keep eating! Did Grandpa give his blessing to our relationship?” Clara asked again.
Joe spooned a small piece of medium steak into his mouth. He had never felt this hungry before, his appetite seemed to increase.
“Uncle, can you please answer!” the girl urged again.
Joe enthusiastically chewed his last bite. His eyes widened, he had already finished three portions of steak.
Joe’s hand reached out to Clara’s fingers. Their gaze met.
“My dear Clara, listen, we will get married next month!” Joe said.
“Wow!” Clara exclaimed, disbelief evident in her voice.
Clara’s shout drew the attention of some people around their table.
“Really, Uncle? Did Grandpa allow us to get married?” Clara asked to make sure.
“Yes, Clara, in one month!”
Clara reflexively hugged Joe, disregarding the people staring at them.
Clara loosened the hug when her phone buzzed. There was a call from her grandfather. Clara’s thumb slid the green icon on her phone screen to accept the call.
The call connected.
“Where are you?” Freedy Lim exclaimed from the other end of the phone.
“We’ll be back soon,” Clara replied.
“Okay, come back soon, there are many things that Grandpa wants to discuss with you and Joe!” he instructed.
“Got it, Grandpa!”
The phone call ended. Clara returned the phone to her pocket.
“Was it Grandpa calling?” Joe asked.
“Yes, Uncle!”
“Alright, let’s go back now!”
After paying, Joe and Clara entered the elevator and returned to Freedy Lim’s residence on the top floor of the building.
==❤==
“You two read this prenuptial agreement!” Freedy Lim ordered.
Clara and Joe both held their respective folders, taking out the papers inside.
“I made this agreement for the sake of both of you!” he said.
The two lovers read the writing on the paper inside each of their folders.
Prenuptial agreement:
1. Closed from the media.
2. Clara must graduate with a bachelor’s degree before becoming a mother.
3. No matter what problems arise, never intend to divorce.
4. Please do not violate rules number one, two, and three.
“How about it, do you agree?” Freedy Lim asked.
“How about it, do you agree?” asked Freedy Lim.
Clara looked at Joe, not daring to decide before the man she deeply loved gave his answer.
“I agree!” said Joe, nodding confidently towards Freedy Lim.
“And you, Clara?” asked the grandfather.
“I agree, Grandpa, but what about point two? Why am I not allowed to get pregnant before obtaining a bachelor’s degree?” Clara asked, puzzled.
“Because all descendants of the Lim family must graduate with a bachelor’s degree before starting a family. Your mother, Aunt Margaret, and I all did the same. I hope you will too, or I can offer you another choice. Study first before marriage or get married and study afterwards. Only after graduating can you become a mother,” the grandfather offered. His eyes carefully watched Clara’s expression, trying to read his granddaughter’s mind.
“Um, yes, Grandpa, I understand! Alright, Clara agrees to this agreement,” she said firmly.
“Very well, Joe, after signing, you may leave. I want to talk to Clara,” he requested.
“Okay, Grandpa!” Joe replied. He signed the document, then left. Glancing briefly at Clara, he continued walking out of Freedy Lim’s office.
“Clara, come here,” the grandfather commanded.
The girl moved closer, then sat beside her grandfather.
“Grandpa, don’t you still want you to continue your grandfather’s business? Study and learn many things from your husband. When the time comes, Grandpa will still give Lim Group to you and Joe!” he said.
“But Grandpa! Why not Aunt Margaret instead! She’s more suitable!” Clara protested.
“No, one day you will understand, Clara. One message from Grandpa: learn as much as possible from your husband, Grandpa will hold on for another four years and then hand everything over to you! Understand!” he emphasized.
“May I know the reason?” Clara asked.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
“No! For now, focus on your wedding and your studies in Jakarta, this time Grandpa doesn’t want to be disappointed again!” the middle-aged man requested.
“Okay, Grandpa!”
“Go out, accompany your future husband, the city view in the evening from the rooftop is quite beautiful, you will love it!” he said.
“Yes, Grandpa!”
Clara got up from her seat. She walked out of her grandfather’s office. Something was bothering her. She felt like her grandfather was hiding something.
To be Continued.
**
71.
One month later.
As requested by the grandfather, Clara and Joe’s wedding was held in a simple manner, attended only by close relatives. On Clara’s side, only Freedy Lim and Zio were present, while on Joe’s side, both of his parents invited their close relatives.
Freedy Lim was chatting with Bond Sebastian and Linn.
“Mr. Lim, you should stay here, and we can go on vacation together,” Bond offered. Hearing that his in-laws were also leaving for Singapore tonight made him feel a bit sad.
“No, Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn, I must leave immediately. My work is waiting, and I’m sure I’ll only disturb the newlyweds if I stay here,” he replied. “After this, I have to go to the airport so as not to be late,” he added.
“Alright, sir, please wait a moment. We should have dinner together before you leave!” Bond requested.
Freedy Lim nodded. Then Mrs. Linn moved towards the bridal chamber.
Inside the bridal chamber, Clara was taking off the crown that adorned her hair. Meanwhile, Joe was in the bathroom.
The bathroom door opened. Joe came out with wet hair and a towel wrapped around his waist. He shook his wet hair, his eyes locking onto his wife sitting on the edge of the bed.
“Aaaaa,” Clara screamed, covering her face with both hands. She had seen Joe shirtless before, but this time was different. Yes, they were now officially husband and wife, and it felt very awkward.
“Why, Clara?” Joe asked.
“Why aren’t you wearing clothes, Uncle?” Clara grumbled, peeking through her fingers. Her heart felt like it was about to explode.
“I just took a shower, it’s normal to only wear a towel!” the man defended as he walked towards his wife.
“Don’t come close!” Clara mumbled shyly. Her heartbeat sounded like a war drum. Especially seeing Joe’s body, which had returned to its original shape. Six-pack abs adorned his stomach, making Clara swallow nervously.
“Why? Now that we are officially husband and wife, and we can do anything, more than just kissing or hugging as usual, I will …” Joe didn’t finish his sentence.
“Enough, Uncle!” Clara screamed, scooting away, moving away from her husband.
“Are you afraid?” Joe inquired.
“I, I’m not ready!” Clara whispered.
“Not ready?”
“I’m not ready to do it yet. Besides, in the agreement, Grandpa doesn’t allow me to get pregnant first!” Clara made an excuse.
“Go shower and change your clothes, wear something comfortable!” Joe requested. Seeing Clara struggling to put on her replacement clothes made Joe feel sorry.
“Yes, Uncle!” Clara replied.
Joe’s ears were disturbed by what Clara had just said. “Wait!” Joe pulled Clara to stand in front of him, with both hands on her chest. Instantly, Clara’s heart raced, and her heartbeat became very fast.
“Yes,” Clara answered, looking down, embarrassed.
Joe grabbed his wife’s chin, his fingers touching it gently, then kissed her right on the lips.
“Until when will you call me ‘Uncle’? I’m your husband now,” Joe whispered after landing a kiss on her strawberry lips.
There was a knock on the door.
“Clara, Joe!” Mrs. Linn called without stopping knocking on the door.
“Yes, Mom,” Clara half shouted.
Joe pulled Clara back into his embrace. Stronger and not intending to let her go.
“Uncle, let me go. I want to open the door!” Clara begged.
“I won’t let you go until you promise!” Joe requested with a mischievous smile.
“What?!” Clara replied.
“Promise me first that tonight we will do ‘it’!” Joe challenged.
“What is ‘it’?” Clara asked.
“Our first night together, can I do it tonight?” Joe asked for permission while still holding his petite wife.
“Not tonight,” Clara bargained. “Didn’t Grandpa say I can’t get pregnant first?” Clara made an excuse. Marrying a widower was something.
“Alright, I won’t let you go!” Joe challenged enthusiastically. “Not getting pregnant doesn’t mean we can’t do it, right?” Joe explained.
“Okay, we’ll do it tonight!” she surrendered.
“Promise!”
“Yes, promise!”
Joe released the hug. They changed their clothes, then rushed together to have dinner with Grandpa Lim.
The dinner event was over. Clara and Joe escorted their grandfather to the front veranda.
“Clara, Grandpa is leaving, take care here, remember to study diligently and finish your degree,” Freedy Lim advised his granddaughter, who had become Joe Sebastian’s wife.
“Yes, Grandpa, take care of yourself too,” Clara replied, kissing his hand and hugging the middle-aged man. Even though they had just met briefly, Clara’s affection for her grandfather was extraordinary, and vice versa.
“Joe, take care of my granddaughter, guide her, I have high hopes for both of you,” he said.
“Yes, Grandpa,” Joe replied.
The middle-aged man got into the car. Joe and Clara waved goodbye as he headed back to Singapore.
“Are you sad?” Joe asked.
“No!” Clara answered, hiding her feelings. “I’m just tired, I’ll rest soon,” she lied.
“Yes, rest, and I’ll accompany Dad and Mom to chat with the family,” Joe suggested.
“Okay, dear.”
…
The clock showed 9:55 PM when Joe enthusiastically stepped into his room. He entered the room full of excitement but also hesitant, afraid that Clara might have fallen asleep already.
As expected, when he arrived in the room, he found Clara lying down.
“Honey,” Joe called softly as he lay down beside his wife.
Clara, who was actually still awake, closed her eyes, pretending not to hear, afraid that her husband would demand what he had promised. Yes! Clara wasn’t ready to do it tonight.
“I actually wanted to talk about our honeymoon, but never mind!” Joe whispered.
“Let’s just go to London!” Clara suggested.
Silence.
“It seems you’re not asleep yet!” Joe said affectionately, moving closer.
“I’m already asleep!” Clara replied without changing her sleeping position, still turning her back to her husband.
“Honey!” Joe sighed in annoyance. “You once said you deliberately prepared yourself for me, but look at what you’re doing now!” Joe murmured, pretending to be annoyed. Meanwhile, one of his hands was circling, reluctant to let go of his wife.
Silence.
“My Clara, are you this cruel, turning your back on your husband on our first night?” Joe whispered.
Clara changed her sleeping position, lying on her back. Her heart was pounding, making her drowsiness disappear in an instant.
“Can I do it now?” Joe asked for permission as he laid his head on his wife’s chest, touching her with playful strokes.
“I’m scared,” Clara exclaimed.
“Don’t be afraid,” Joe coaxed, unable to hold back any longer. Now that Clara was his wife, he had the right to ask for ‘it’ from her.
“I’m not ready,” Clara whispered, tightly closing her eyes.
“Calm down, trust me, I’ll take it slow,” Joe persuaded, unwilling to give up on enjoying what was rightfully his. He had managed to restrain himself until now, holding onto his principles firmly. He would never sleep with Clara before becoming his wife.
“I’m really scared,” Clara exclaimed, still not daring to open her eyes.
As a widower, Joe was already very experienced, especially dealing with an innocent girl like Clara, his beloved wife.
Slowly, Joe continued to guide and direct Clara until finally, the dimly lit room and the red curtains became witnesses to their union tonight. The bone-white sheets now stained with fresh blood, evidence that Joe had successfully possessed Clara completely.
Clara scratched and pulled her husband’s hair to endure the pain below, until tears unknowingly streamed down her cheeks, accompanied by the incredible pleasure she felt.
Joe observed his wife’s face, feeling satisfied and relieved. However, Clara’s tears made him feel awkward. Slowly, he wiped away his wife’s tears.
“I’m sorry, my dear,” he kissed his wife’s forehead. “Eventually, if we do it often, it won’t hurt anymore,” Joe didn’t regret it, no matter what, it was his right.
Clara nodded faintly. A faint smile adorned her face. Completely exhausted and sleepy, she finally fell into a deep sleep in her husband’s embrace.
To be continued.
**
After one week as husband and wife, Clara and Joe were still trying to adjust to each other.
Joe always wakes up earlier than his wife. The man always tried to understand Clara and not demand too much from his wife.
This morning was the same as previous mornings. Joe woke up first. His head rests on one hand. Both eyes turned to his wife who was still asleep. Recently, it has become his hobby.
The man looked at his wife who was still asleep. His right hand reached out to brush away several strands of hair covering his forehead. Wiping the sweat that dripped down his forehead and looking at Clara closely.
Joe was still looking at Clara’s face. For the first time he admired the way his wife slept. Beautiful thick eyebrows, curly eyelashes, a small sharp nose, rosy cheeks, and a sweet smile on her red lips, could it be that Clara is having a sweet dream about him?
Joe gave a kiss on his wife’s forehead. Then, slowly he rose from his sleep. The husband moved his body very slowly, moving down from the bed.
With tiptoe steps, Joe walked out of the room. He was afraid to wake his wife. His hand reached out to pull the door handle.
“Hoammm!” Joe yawned as he stretched his body. He moved to the kitchen and intended to make breakfast for Clara.
“Can I help you?” asked the maid who was cooking in the kitchen.
“No, I can cook it myself,” he said. Opening the refrigerator, he took out chocolate jam.
Joe put some slices of bread in the toaster then arranged them on plates. The special breakfast for his wife was ready.
Then, he came back upstairs to his room.
“Are you awake?” Joe asked, finding Clara standing on the balcony of the room.
Clara turned and nodded slowly. “What’s that?” asked the wife, looking at the tray that Joe was carrying.
“Breakfast for you darling!” Joe put the tray on the table. He moved to the balcony to approach his wife.
“Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, dear,” Clara put her arm around Joe’s arm. Leaned there. “Honey, how about we do it this morning?” Clara asked.
“No darling, you forgot today is your first day of college!” Joe refused. For the time, he gave a kiss on his wife’s lips.
“Lately I’m starting to feel comfortable, and I want more. It turns out my husband is very shrewd,” she said.
“No, for this morning I was afraid you were pregnant darling!” Joe replied.
“My beloved husband, you were the one who said we could do it and still postpone pregnancy!” Clara whispered, embarrassed. At first she refused, but lately she’s been asking for it. “My husband is my opium. Hehhee…”
Clara’s cell phone rang, ending their romance this morning.
“Who’s calling so early!” she grumbled as she walked inside. Grabbing the cell phone on the nightstand.
Her grandfather’s photo filled his cellphone screen. Freedy Lim was the one who called. Call connected.
“Hello,” Clara said.
“Hello Clara, are you awake?” the grandfather asked.
“Yes Grandpa. Is Grandpa okay, right?” Clara asked back.
Of course, there were things that wete not okay. However, Freedy Lim decided not to tell Clara. Afraid that her life was in danger like his parents who left first.
“Nothing, this is your first day of college? Keep your spirits up?” the grandfather said.
“Yes grandpa! “Grandpa, take care of your health, don’t sleep too late,” Clara said.
“Yes, calm down. you are grandfather’s heir,” he said. “Where is your husband?” Freedy Lim asked.
“He is in the bathroom, Grandpa,” Clara said, looking around and not finding her husband.
“Send my greetings to Joe.”
“Okay.”
“Well, I need to go. Bye.”
“Bye Grandpa.”
The phone call ended. Clara was disturbed by her grandfather’s words which revealed her as his heir.
“Who’s calling?” Joe asked.
“Grandpa, I think he misses me,” Clara said. “Oh Grandpa Lim sends his regards to you, darling!”
Joe nodded his head. Then, he pulled Clara into his lap.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
The knocks on the door stopped the action.
“Daddy!” Kimmy shouted behind the door.
Joe scratched his face roughly, then walked towards the door.
He opened the door.
“Morning darling,” Joe said, kneeling in front of his daughter.
“Morning Dad,” his daughter said.
“Why are you pouting darling?” Joe asked, while Clara stood watching the little girl.
“Grandma said I can’t sleep with Daddy!” She complained.
“Yes, darling,” Joe replied.
“Grandma said I can’t bother Dad and Mom Clara making a little sister for Kimmy, right? Kimmy wants to see it!” the little daughter said.
“You want to see?!” Joe’s brow furrowed. Startled.
“Yes, Kimmy wants lots of younger siblings,” her little daughter replied.
Joe looked up at Clara. They both smiled.
Every day, every morning. Happiness enveloped Joe and Clara’s little family.
That’s how Clara struggled to get love from the man she admired. she married to her first love, who made her fell in love. Her stubbornness and never giving up made her continue to persist with her first love, even though they were 15 years apart in age.
True and sincere love life with this handsome CEO. The man who first fascinated her. The man who first made her fall in love. The man who kissed her lips first. The man who first made her feel jealous. she hopefully that man would be the last man for her until death do them part.
End.