Why Clara?

Novels
by Donfik -
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Why Clara?

By Donfik

Published

January 2024

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Chapter One: The Unexpected Revelation 

Clara Yale was not the sort of girl who was accustomed to the spotlight. At nineteen, she lived a quiet life in the small town of Ashton Valley. She was studious, kind-hearted, and deeply devoted to her family. There was nothing particularly remarkable about Clara. She had no history with men, no secret lovers, and no whispers of scandal following her like a shadow. Clara sat nervously in the sterile doctor’s office, the cool metal of the examination table biting into her skin. Her fingers twisted around each other, a habit she had developed from years of dealing with anxiety. It wasn’t that she was a nervous person—Clara had always been the quiet, introspective type, preferring to stay on the sidelines of life. But today, she felt the weight of something far more ominous than mere nerves pressing against her chest.


Dr. Mitchell, a middle-aged man with soft eyes and a caring smile, adjusted his glasses as he sat across from her. Clara had come to him weeks ago, unsure of what was happening with her body. She hadn’t told anyone about the faint, subtle changes she’d noticed—how her clothes had started to feel a little tighter, how she had become more exhausted than usual. But now, sitting in front of him, the truth loomed larger than anything she had anticipated.

“Clara, I know this is hard to hear,” Dr. Mitchell began, his tone serious, “but after reviewing the results of your tests,

“You’re four months pregnant, Miss Yale.”

Clara sat frozen in shock, her mind whirling. There was no explanation. No memory of a night of passion or of anything that could have led to this moment. How could she be pregnant? She had no answers, only the gnawing fear that her life as she knew it had just shattered.

The words hung in the air, swirling around Clara’s mind, muffling all other thoughts. Pregnant? How was that possible? She had never been intimate with a man—never even held hands with one for more than a few seconds. She had always been shy, avoiding the complexities of relationships while quietly focusing on her studies and her family. A deep flush of heat crawled up her neck as she tried to grasp the enormity of what was being said.

Her stomach twisted in disbelief. The young woman shook her head, attempting to convince herself she had heard wrong. “I—I don’t understand,” Clara stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. How is that possible? “I haven’t… I haven’t been with anyone —” She broke off, her voice trembling.

Dr. Mitchell gave her a compassionate look, though his brow furrowed with concern. “The pregnancy test is quite clear, Miss Yale. I’m afraid I can’t explain it, but you are carrying a child. You should consult with your family immediately.”

Her heart pounded in her chest. This was beyond her comprehension. No one would believe her. How could anyone? She had become a walking contradiction, the epitome of confusion and disbelief.

Chapter Two: The Ridicule

The news of Clara’s pregnancy spread through the small town of Ashton Valley like wildfire. Whispers followed her everywhere she went. She could hear them behind closed doors, in the marketplace, even in the hallways of her school. It wasn’t just the scandal of an unwed girl being pregnant—there were the rumors, the speculation. Everyone had their theories, and none of them were kind.

Some claimed she was hiding an illicit affair, a forbidden tryst that no one knew about. Others suggested that she had been taken advantage of, though there was no evidence to back up that assumption. But the worst rumors—those that stung the most—suggested she had somehow orchestrated this pregnancy herself for attention. The mockery Clara received was relentless.

As if this weren’t enough, Clara’s engagement to Anthon Smith, the town’s most eligible bachelor, now felt like a distant memory. Anthon was everything Clara wasn’t: tall, handsome, charming, and from one of the wealthiest families in the region. He was her fiancé, a handsome and confident young man, tall and charming with an easy smile. Anthon came from a family of wealth, and his future had been set from the moment he was born. His parents adored Cla ra, and for a while, she had believed they were a perfect match.

The most painful of all was Anthon Smith’s reaction. He was supposed to be the one who would protect her from the world’s cruel gaze, not one who would turn away because of something that had happened beyond their control.

Anthon had been supportive at first, trying to comfort her in the face of this unimaginable crisis. But as the weeks wore on, his unease grew. His family was influential, and their reputation was untouchable. They could not afford to be tainted by Clara’s scandal.

But now, things had changed.

Anthon’s handsome features twisted with confusion and anger when he confronted Clara. “Clara, you’ve lied to me. I don’t understand how this could happen. You were supposed to be the one woman I could trust.”

Her heart broke as she tried to explain. “Anthon, I swear I don’t know how this happened. I would never—”

“You’ve betrayed me,” he said coldly, stepping away from her. “I can’t be seen with you now, Clara. My family… they won’t stand for this. 

One evening, Clara’s father, a quiet and humble man, tried to console Anthon during a tense dinner at their home. “I know this is difficult,” he said gently, his voice full of warmth. “But the baby is a gift. We can raise it together, move forward as a family.”

Anthon’s face hardened as he set his fork down with a clink. “I can’t go forward with this, Mr. Yale,” he said, his voice laced with frustration. “The public is already turning against us. I don’t know how I can marry Clara with this hanging over us. Maybe… maybe we could send the child away after it’s born. Let it have a better life than the one it would have here.”

Clara’s heart dropped to her stomach at the suggestion. Send the child away? Was he serious?

“I won’t do that,” she said, her voice firm, though her heart trembled. “This is my child, Anthon. I won’t abandon it.”

It was a difficult decision, but Clara knew she had made the right one. Even as the world around her fell apart, she held onto her child like a lifeline .And just like that, the engagement was called off. Anthon left her, his good looks and societal status no match for his inability to stand by her in her time of need.

Chapter Three: A New Beginning

Five years passed. Clara had taken Nora, her daughter, and gone abroad to start anew, away from the judgmental eyes of left Ashton Valley, escaping the suffocating small-town gossip and the harsh judgment of the people who once knew her. She moved to a quiet corner of Europe. Clara found herself in a different world now, one that was both foreign and familiar at the same time. The last few years had been difficult—emotionally, physically, and financially—but they had also been transformative. 

She poured all her love into raising Nora, and in the process, something miraculous happened. Clara began to heal, both physically and emotionally. The weight of the world seemed to lift from her shoulders as she embraced her new life. The strain of years of ridicule melted away, and Clara’s self-confidence grew. She lost weight, her figure reshaped by both time and the joy of motherhood. The girl who had once been a target for whispers and cruel stares now stood before the world as a gorgeous, poised woman.

Nora, now five years old, grew into a lively, intelligent child with striking eyes that mirrored Clara’s own. The bond between mother and daughter was undeniable, and Clara had never been happier. Nora was everything Clara had dreamed of—bright, full of joy, and a mirror of her mother’s love and determination. The pair had developed an unshakable bond. And in the quiet moments of their life together, Clara would whisper to her daughter, telling her the truth of their story: how she had defied the odds, how they had made it together.

But despite her newfound happiness, a part of her heart remained heavy with the question she had never stopped asking: What had happened to her son?

What Clara hadn’t known was that her son, whom she had named Ethan, had vanished under mysterious circumstances right after birth. A nurse had mistakenly given him to the wrong family, and by the time Clara and her family realized, the child had disappeared without a trace.

Clara would not rest until she found him. The search would be long, the trail cold, but her determination was fiercer than any force she had ever known. And perhaps, just perhaps, there was a chance that, after all these years, she would find her son.

Chapter Four: The Return

Clara and Nora returned to Ashton Valley not to repair broken relationships, but to find the answers Clara had been searching for all these years. She had grown stronger in her resolve, her quest for her son now the driving force in her life. When they arrived, Clara’s appearance stunned the town. No longer the shy, heavy girl they had known, she was now a vision of elegance. She no longer needed to hide from the world. But even with her newfound beauty and confidence, Clara’s focus remained on the son she had lost.

But even with her new confidence, Clara’s heart still ached. Her son was out there somewhere, and no matter how much time had passed, she would not rest until she found him. She knew the town would expect her to give up—to let the mystery fade into oblivion. But Clara had learned that some secrets, like love and loss, were worth fighting for.

It had been five years since she had seen her son, but she had never stopped searching. And now, with Nora by her side and the strength she had found within herself, Clara was determined to uncover the truth.

Her son had to be found. She wouldn’t rest until he was in her arms again. And whatever it took, Clara Yale was ready to face the world—no matter how much it had changed.

As she and Nora began their search for Ethan, Clara found strength she never knew she had. She was no longer just the girl they had once ridiculed. She was a mother—a force to be reckoned with, determined to uncover the silent secret of her past.

And maybe, just maybe, Clara would find the family she had once lost

CHAPTER FIVE: THE PAST HUNTS

Clara clenched her fists, summoning the resolve she’d cultivated over the years. The memories of her son’s disappearance weren’t just painful—they were maddening. How could such a monumental mistake go unpunished? How could an infant vanish without a trace? These were questions that had tormented her for half a decade.
As they stepped into the town square, she couldn’t help but notice the curious gazes from the townsfolk. Ashton Valley was a place where time seemed to stand still, where gossip was currency, and where secrets never truly died. But Clara was no longer the naive girl who had fled in shame.
She walked tall, her daughter’s hand clasped tightly in hers, her eyes forward and unyielding. If anyone dared to confront her, she was prepared. Nora was the light of her life, and her return to Ashton Valley was not a concession to the past but a declaration of her strength.
In the days that followed, Clara began her search with quiet determination. She visited the hospital where she had given birth, digging through old records, questioning staff, and piecing together fragments of that chaotic day. Each lead seemed to bring her closer and then cruelly slip out of reach.
But the questions didn’t go unnoticed. Soon, whispers began anew.
“She’s back,” an older woman muttered outside the bakery.
“Looking for her lost son, they say,” a man at the bar added. “Can you imagine? Still clinging to that story after all these years.”
But not everyone was quick to judge.
In the midst of her investigation, Clara encountered an unexpected ally—Martha Weaver, a retired nurse who had worked at the hospital during Clara’s delivery. The elderly woman’s eyes softened with recognition when she saw Clara.
“I remember you, my dear,” Martha said gently, her voice trembling with emotion. “You were just a frightened girl back then. I’ve always felt there was something… wrong about how things happened that day.”
Clara’s heart quickened. “Please, Mrs. Weaver. If you know anything—anything at all—tell me. I’ve been searching for my son for years.”
The old nurse hesitated before nodding. “There was chaos that morning. We were short-staffed, and there was an emergency in the neonatal unit. I remember hearing whispers about a mix-up, but I never had the chance to look into it. I retired shortly after that.”
“Do you think someone could have taken him? On purpose?” Clara’s voice wavered with both hope and fear.
Martha sighed. “I don’t know, child. But I do know this—if someone did take your son, they were careful to cover their tracks. There were no reports, no investigations. It was as if the incident never happened.”
Clara left the meeting with a mix of emotions—gratitude for Martha’s honesty, anger at the injustice, and a renewed determination to uncover the truth.

CHAPTER SIX: Secrets Unearthed

The following week, Clara received an anonymous tip. A letter had been slipped under the door of the small cottage she had rented. The handwriting was neat but unfamiliar, and the message was cryptic:
“The answers you seek lie within the walls of Ashton Valley General Hospital. Look beyond the records—they’ve hidden the truth in plain sight.”
The note sent a shiver down Clara’s spine. It was both a clue and a warning. She didn’t know who had sent it or why, but she knew one thing for certain—someone in Ashton Valley knew the truth about her son.
With Nora safely tucked away with a trusted neighbor, Clara made her way back to the hospital under the cover of night. The building, with its sterile white walls and cold fluorescent lights, was a stark contrast to the warmth of her memories before the fateful day her life had changed.
Clara’s hands trembled as she navigated the halls, searching for anything that might confirm the note’s claim. Her heart raced as she came upon a locked file room. She had no key, but years of determination had taught her to be resourceful. With a hairpin and a steady hand, she managed to jimmy the lock open.
Inside, she found rows of old files, their yellowed pages a testament to the passage of time. She sifted through the records, her eyes scanning for any mention of her name, her son, or the events of that day.
Then, tucked away in the back of a drawer, she found it—a file marked with a date that matched her son’s birth.
Clara’s breath hitched as she opened the file. What she read made her blood run cold
The contents of the file painted a horrifying picture. It wasn’t just a case of negligence—it was deliberate. Scrawled notes, hastily written, hinted at a cover-up. A memo, dated the day after Clara had given birth, read:
“Infant transfer completed per directive. Record adjusted to maintain anonymity. Notify no one.”
Clara’s hands shook as she flipped through the pages. The name listed as the recipient of the “transfer” was blacked out, but one detail stood out—a signature at the bottom of the document.
Dr. Edwin Carmichael.
Her heart sank. Dr. Carmichael had been one of the most respected doctors in Ashton Valley—a man trusted by the entire community. But Clara knew now that his reputation was built on lies.
Why would he take her son? What was the motive? And who else was involved?
She stuffed the file into her bag, her mind racing with possibilities. As she turned to leave, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway. Clara froze, her pulse pounding in her ears.
“Who’s there?” a gruff voice called out.
Clara ducked behind a row of cabinets, holding her breath. She peeked around the corner to see a security guard patrolling the area, his flashlight cutting through the darkness.
Her heart raced as she waited for him to pass. When the coast was clear, she slipped out of the room and down the hall, clutching the stolen file like a lifeline.

CHAPTER SEVEN: THE CONFRONTATION

The next morning, Clara sat in her kitchen, the stolen file spread out on the table. She couldn’t do this alone. She needed help—someone who could decipher the cryptic notes and help her unravel the truth.
Her mind turned to the only person in town with the resources and connections to make a difference: Anthon Smith.
It was a bitter thought. The man who had abandoned her when she needed him most was now her best chance at finding her son. But Clara wasn’t the same timid girl she had been five years ago. She was a mother on a mission, and she would do whatever it took to bring her family back together.
When Clara arrived at the Smith estate, she was greeted by the same imposing gates that had once symbolized her future. Now, they were a barrier between her and the man who had turned his back on her.
Anthon met her in the grand foyer, his expression a mixture of surprise and unease.
“Clara,” he said, his voice guarded. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I didn’t expect to come,” she replied, her tone steely. “But I need your help.”
Anthon’s brow furrowed. “Help with what?”
She placed the file on the table between them. “My son. He’s alive, Anthon. And I need to find him.”
Anthon’s eyes widened as he scanned the documents. “Where did you get this?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Clara said firmly. “What matters is that someone in this town took my son, and I won’t stop until I find him.”
Anthon hesitated, his gaze shifting between Clara and the file. “This… this is serious. If Dr. Carmichael was involved, then—”
“Then we expose him,” Clara interrupted. “I don’t care about his reputation or yours. My son is out there, and I need to know where he is.”
Anthon leaned back, rubbing his temples. “You’re asking me to go against one of the most powerful families in Ashton Valley. This won’t be easy.”
Clara’s eyes burned with determination. “It’s not supposed to be easy. It’s supposed to be right.”

CHAPTER eIGHT: SHADOWS OF THE PAST

With Anthon reluctantly on board, the two began digging deeper into Dr. Carmichael’s connections. They uncovered a network of wealthy families who had quietly “adopted” children under questionable circumstances. The pattern was clear—babies were taken from vulnerable mothers and given to families willing to pay for a discreet adoption.
The discovery sent shockwaves through Clara. Her son hadn’t just been taken—he had been sold.
The investigation led them to a name: the Lanes, a prominent family who had recently moved out of Ashton Valley. The timing of their departure matched the date on the memo Clara had found.
“I know them,” Anthon said grimly. “They’ve been involved in shady dealings before, but nothing this severe.”
Clara’s jaw tightened. “Then we go to them. We make them tell us where Ethan is.”
Anthon hesitated. “If they really did take him, they won’t give him up without a fight.”
“Then we fight,” Clara said fiercely. “Whatever it takes, Anthon. I’m not leaving without my son.”
As the two prepared to confront the Lanes, Clara felt a surge of hope and fear. She was closer than ever to finding Ethan, but the road ahead was fraught with danger.

No matter what lay ahead, Clara knew one thing: she would not rest until her family was whole again.

CHAPTER NINE: A Mother's Resolve

Clara stood outside the opulent Lane estate, her heart pounding. The sprawling mansion was a stark reminder of the wealth and privilege that had shielded people like the Lanes from accountability. Beside her, Anthon looked uneasy, his confidence shaken by the gravity of what they were about to do.

“You’re sure about this?” he asked.

Clara nodded, her eyes fixed on the imposing front door. “This isn’t just about me, Anthon. It’s about Ethan. I need answers.”

As they approached the door, Clara straightened her shoulders. Anthon rang the doorbell, and the chime echoed inside. Moments later, a woman in her fifties appeared, her sharp features softened by a practiced smile.

“Can I help you?” she asked, her tone polite but guarded.

“I’m Clara Yale,” Clara said, her voice steady. “I believe you have my son.”

The woman’s smile faltered, and her eyes flickered to Anthon. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Clara stepped forward, holding up the file. “This says otherwise. I know about Dr. Carmichael and the adoption network. I know Ethan was taken from me and given to your family.”

The woman’s face hardened. “I think you should leave.”

“I’m not leaving without my son,” Clara said firmly.

The tension was palpable. The woman hesitated before finally stepping aside. “Come in,” she said quietly.

CHAPTER TEN: The Truth Unveiled

Inside, the Lanes’ home was as lavish as Clara had expected. But she had no time to take in her surroundings. Her focus was on the truth—on Ethan.

Mrs. Lane led them into a spacious sitting room and gestured for them to sit. Clara remained standing.

“My husband and I didn’t know the full story when we adopted Ethan,” Mrs. Lane began, her voice tinged with defensiveness. “Dr. Carmichael assured us that the mother had willingly given him up.”

Clara’s stomach churned. “That’s a lie,” she said. “I never consented to anything. He was taken from me.”

Mrs. Lane looked away, guilt flickering across her face. “I didn’t know. I swear. But Ethan is our son now. He’s been with us for five years. He doesn’t know you.”

Tears stung Clara’s eyes, but she refused to back down. “He’s my son. I carried him for nine months. I’ve spent every day since searching for him. I deserve to know him.”

Anthon, sensing the rising tension, stepped in. “Mrs. Lane, you need to understand what Clara has been through. Ethan deserves the truth as much as she does.”

Mrs. Lane’s expression softened. “He’s a good boy,” she said quietly. “Happy, healthy. We’ve given him everything he could ever need.”

Clara’s voice trembled with emotion. “Except his mother.”

After a long silence, Mrs. Lane sighed. “He’s at school right now. But… I’ll arrange for you to meet him. He deserves to know where he came from.”

Relief and fear washed over Clara in equal measure. She was finally going to see her son—but what if he didn’t want to know her?

CHAPTER ELEVEN: A Long-Awaited Reunion

The morning air felt thick with anticipation as Clara stood outside the school, her heart hammering in her chest. She was finally here, the moment she had dreamed about for five years. The Lanes had agreed to allow her to meet Ethan, but only under their watchful eyes. Clara had no choice but to accept the conditions; after all, she had never anticipated anything like this.

She glanced at the school entrance, watching the children spill out, laughing and chattering with their friends. The sight of so many families reunited made her ache for what she had lost. For a moment, it was as if time stood still, and all the uncertainty, all the waiting, led to this one moment.

Then, her breath caught in her throat.

There he was. Ethan.

He was taller than she had imagined, his dark hair a striking contrast against his pale skin, and his eyes—those eyes—were identical to hers. A jolt of recognition shot through her, but she stood frozen, afraid to approach too quickly. He was holding Mrs. Lane’s hand as she guided him toward Clara.

“Ethan,” Mrs. Lane said, her voice soft but kind. “This is Clara. She… she’s your birth mother.”

Ethan’s eyes widened in confusion, his brows furrowing. “My… birth mother?” His voice cracked, a mix of curiosity and apprehension. He had been told about her, but this moment felt surreal, like a story unfolding in front of him that didn’t quite make sense.

Clara knelt down to his level, her hands shaking as she wiped away the sudden tears that had begun to fall. “Hi, Ethan,” she said, her voice quivering. “I’ve waited so long to meet you.”

Ethan studied her face carefully, his innocent eyes flicking back and forth between Clara and Mrs. Lane, trying to make sense of the situation. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice small and unsure. “Why did you wait so long?”

Clara’s chest tightened, her heart breaking at the weight of his question. She had rehearsed this moment in her mind a thousand times, but now, faced with his uncertainty, the words felt inadequate. “I didn’t want to wait, Ethan,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I didn’t know where you were. But I never stopped looking for you. Not for one single day.”

There was a flicker of something in Ethan’s eyes—maybe it was recognition, maybe it was a need for reassurance. Then, slowly, cautiously, he extended his hand toward her. Clara’s heart swelled, and she reached out, taking his small, tentative hand in hers.

“Are you going to stay?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with the uncertainty of a child asking for a promise.

Clara smiled through her tears, her voice thick with emotion. “If you want me to, I’ll stay as long as you need me.”

For the first time in five long years, Clara felt a sense of peace settle in her heart. She wasn’t sure what the future held, but for the first time, the hope she had so desperately clung to felt like a reality.

THE QUESTION STILL LINGER, HOW DID SHE GET PREGNANT

……To be Continued

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Choose your Reaction!

  • Pls who is Nora, I thought Nora was her daughter from the unusual preganacy she had?

    Reply

    • The unexpected twists and turns in Clara’s story are captivating. The mysterious disappearance of her son and the dark secrets uncovered in Ashton Valley have me hooked and eager to know what happens next.

      Reply

  • I think Anthon did what 90perct of men would have done if they were in his shoes, but this is so beautiful to read and I think you should write moreeee🤭

    Reply

      • Clara herself couldn’t believe it at first. She just had to come to terms with it.

        It’s understandable if he asked to end the relationship.

        Reply

    • Exactly…. Especially with no reasonable explanation on how she got pregnant.

      Reply

  • Please I don’t get ,which don is Clara searching for ,did she gave birth to twin

    I can’t wait to get the continuation

    Reply

    • I guess we’ll find out soon, Did she gave birth to twins or Nora was not hers?

      Reply

    • Same question I was going to ask….

      I guess we have to wait and find out!

      Reply

  • Hmmmmmm……. A mystery yet to be unfolded……. This is lovely actually!
    Help us upload the remaining part sharp sharp abeg!

    Reply

  • This is becoming more interesting I really can’t wait to see the truth unfold,welldone Mr writer🤗

    Reply
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