Although Horace had warned Harper to stay away from him and she did get scared, now that she thought about it, she didn’t want to give up so easily.
Comparing herself to Clara, she thought herself much better than Clara at everything. She was young, attractive and energetic. Moreover, she really did like Horace very much. So, why should she hand over such an excellent man to someone older than her?
A female friend of hers once told her that men were all shallow creatures who could never be able to resist beautiful women. It worked the same on those men who looked cold on the surface as well.
From her past experience with men, it was true. Harper thought perhaps Horace just hadn’t seen her beauty yet. As long as she gave it one more shot and took the initiative, she believed she could get him.
However, more importantly, she had to make Clara think that Horace had been attracted to her already. In that case, Clara would distance herself from Horace and she would have a chance at Horace.
Looking at the smile on Harper’s face, Clara felt even more awful.
Thinking of the affectionate words that Horace had just said to her, she felt it disgusting. A moment ago, he was flirting with a young lady, and the next moment, he acted like a committed man in front of her. Clara was impressed by how he could play such a double-faced role better and better.
Clara had never doubted Harper’s words. In her impression, Harper had always been a nice girl and she thought Harper would never say such words if Horace hadn’t actually done those things.
Moreover, she had seen it with her own eyes how the two of them got along. It matched Harper’s words and they seemed to have a good time.
Right now, in Clara’s heart, Horace was just a playboy who was obsessed with acting like a noble gentleman. What a hypocrite!
Back then, he cheated on her with Laura. But at that time, they were still married and he had a reason to lie. But now, there was nothing between the two of them and he could be with anyone he wanted, she wouldn’t stop him. So, why did he make up lies in front of her?
Thinking of this, Clara couldn’t help but sneer. Maybe lying had become a habit of his already. How stupid was she to have even believed in his lies just now?
Seeing Clara remain silent with a sullen face, Harper had thought she was going to refuse her. She walked up to Clara, grabbed her arm and said in a pleading tone, “Miss Hutchinson, you said you have no feelings for Mr. Kirkland anymore, right? In that case, can you help me with this, please?”
Turning her head to look at Harper, Clara tried to persuade her in a serious tone, “Harper, I don’t think it’s a good idea to fall in love with him. Listen to me, he is no good man. You will end up getting hurt.”
“You are just regretting divorcing him and don’t want to let go of him,” Harper thought. However, she looked sincere on the surface.
“I really like him a lot. I don’t care if I will end up getting hurt. Just do me one more favor, will you? I’m begging you, just help me. I will regret it all my life if I missed him.”
Like him a lot? Clara couldn’t help but feel sad when she heard Harper’s words.
Back then, she liked Horace a lot as well and thought meeting him was the luckiest thing that had ever happened to her. However, it was just him who had hurt her more deeply than anyone else.
But Harper had begged her and she couldn’t refuse but agree. “Fine. I’ll try my best to help you.”
Everyone made his own choices. Since Harper wanted to be with Horace so badly, how could she stop her? Harper might blame her if she refused to help her.
“Really?” There was undisguised excitement on Harper’s face. “Thank you. Thank you so much! If we are really together someday, you will be our matchmaker and I will give you a big reward as thanking you.”
Hearing her words, Clara felt a bit weird and had to force a smile in response. She could feel that the forced smile on her face must be really ugly.
Of course, Harper noticed it. But she was too immersed in joy at the moment to care.
“Miss Hutchinson, thank you! I’m going to fix my makeup in my tent now. I want to be pretty when I see him. Remember to create alone time for us!”
“Okay,” Clara nodded and said resignedly. Then she watched Harper leave happily.
Seeing her receding figure, Clara felt terrible, but she couldn’t tell why.
Was it because of Horace? Because he was getting along with someone else? Clara wondered. But soon, she shook her head and denied it.
It wasn’t worth it, feeling sad over a playboy. She didn’t allow herself to cry over him.
When the tents were set up, everyone was hungry and they were about to barbecue. When the grills were set up and the fire was made, someone suggested that there should be two of them going to get water to wash the tableware.
“Where should we get water here? By the river?” someone asked in confusion.
The tour guide heard him and answered, “The island is designated for camping and travelling, so, there is a place for cleaned water. Just go down this road and you will find it.”
Then, he pointed at a direction,
As soon as he finished speaking, Harper replied, “I can get the water. I’m free now.”
After that, she glanced at Clara and winked at her. After their conversation just now, Clara knew what she meant.
Although Clara didn’t want to do this, she had promised Harper. Therefore, she followed Harper’s words, “It’s not safe for you to go alone. Moreover, you are a woman, the water will be too heavy for you to lift. Mr. Kirkland, how about the two of you go together? It will be much safer.”
Then, Clara turned to look at Horace and said, “On behalf of everyone here, thank you, Mr. Kirkland and Harper.”