Wounds of the Heart

et, there she was, standing before the grand house of her childhood. The wrought-iron gate remained unchanged, and the intoxicating scent of bouga

she murmured to herself, as if

trength to say no. She couldn't turn her back on Emma-not after everything her friend had done

wung open, and a fam

wide for an embrace. Her radiant smile was contagious, and for

e you," Clara replied, a

inst the doorway, arms crossed, his dark eyes fixed on her with an intensity that unsettled her. Ten years. Ten long years wit

hrough the fragile barrier she had built around her heart. S

ally talking about her wedding, her plans, her dress... but Clara heard none of it. Her mind was els

reamy hue, but the decorations had changed. Everything was elegant, orderly, perfect-a reflection of Emma's well-structured life. Clara placed

ss of juice. Clara accepted it with a smile, though she wasn't really hungry or th

ited everyone is about this wedding! Pierre and I planned everything-it's a dream come

hadow in the room. Lucas wasn't far; she knew it. Her hand trembled slightly as she place

!" Emma exclaimed, as i

ense. Her heartbeat quickened, and a strange warmth coursed through her

lowly. "It's been

Clara refused to fall into this trap. She abr

air. The journey has

ing out fo

to breathe. The fragrance of the flowers was calming, but her mind remained restless. Why did I agree to come h

in the breeze. She hoped Lucas wouldn't follow her, that he'd understand he

me all weekend, Clara?" L

yes, but not enough to erase the pain. "I'm not avoiding

e one we've dodged for ten years? The one where you t

past-not now, and especially not with him. "This isn't the tim

urse, it's always for Emma. And me,

cutting their exchange short. "Lucas, don't be hard on Clara.

cas behind. But she knew this conversation wasn't over-it was merely po

parents, Pierre (her fiancé), and a few close guests. Clara tried to keep a sm

nd. She was there for me in my darkest times, Pierre. Without Cl

talks about you all the time

sensed Lucas drawing near, and her heart began to race. When Emma and Pie

eep pretending?" he murmured, low

lled with defiance. "I'm not pretendi

at as often as you want, but I know you, Clara. Coming bac

teady herself. "I don't have time f

l the time in the world. I won't let

tle. But she knew this encounter was only the beginning. The wounds hadn't heale