at on the terrace, her legs tucked against her chest, a steaming cup of coffee cradled in her

ia and unease. Emma's laughter, so genuine, contrasted painfully with th

lighting up the space. She wore a light dress and sa

seat next to her. "I thought you'

ng her coffee. "I didn't sle

back isn't easy for you, but I hope you start feeling a bit at h

ing the town, sharing secrets and dreams. Emma had been her anchor in a sea of uncertainties, and Clar

home," Clara murmured. "

of this gloomy talk, Clara! Today is a special day. We have a

ring in her expression despite herself. "

gns. Clara followed Emma everywhere, trying to focus on the present moment, but every location seemed to stir up a memory. The baker

ocket. She pulled it out to see a message from Lucas: "We need to tal

e in Clara's expressio

d quickly, tucking her phone back into he

Emma at the center of attention. Clara, however, felt out of place. She

cas rose and crossed the room to Clara. She tried t

ra,

eyes betrayed the storm raging within. "

ers," he replied firmly, though without ange

joyfully chatting with other guests. Lu

e house, until they found a quiet spot in the garden. The stars

for you to talk, Clara? Am I really th

e replied, looking away. "

ng is complicated, Clara. But if we don't deal with i

ay something, but the words seemed caught in her throat. At last, sh

a respectful distance. "It matters to m

, bursts of laughter from the house interrupted their exchange. Clara took advan

g Emma's friend and the persistent confrontations with Lucas. Each conversation s

felt the pressure mounting as Lucas subtly found ways to be near her. Each time he spoke t

atchmaker. She always found reasons to pair Clara and

mall vessel awaited them. The boat trip was Emma's idea, of course-a way to bring everyone together in a charming setting and

d us of those summer outings when we were teens,

Lucas was also present, dressed casually yet carrying that same confident air that unnerved her. They

at the back, hoping to blend into the background. But Lucas, true to his persistent nature since her return, seemed determined not to

heir faces, bringing a breath of fresh air that eased the tense atmosphere slightly. Emma's cl

ucas suddenly asked, his voice soft

d him, striving to mask her irrita

mile forming on his lips. "I hope I'm n

. "You overestimate yourself, L

berately ignoring the tension between them. "Come on, y

ucas. Then, with a knowing smile, she wandered off to

ncreasingly oppressive. Clara tried to focus on the beauty of the scenery-the

emed to have

nged, you know," he said softl

ised look. "And what

if carrying it all alone would make things bette

e was holding. "You don't know me anymore, Lucas

s in her defenses. But before he could respond, Emma inter

times! I'll ask a question,

ng the guests, but Emma's determinat

classic: "If you could be anywhere in t

Maldives, New York... When it w

e unsettled her, and she quickly added, "Not that I do

warm laughter. But Clara remained on edge, keenly aware that Lucas, thou

n shades of gold and purple. Emma, still laughing and chatting, seemed perfectly

ey disembarked. "Thanks for coming today. It

his intentions. He didn't seem mocking, j

n the windowsill of her room, she gazed at the stars. Lucas's words echoed in

She knew she couldn't avoid Lucas forever. Sooner or later, she w

She heard the clinking of dishes from the kitchen and got up to join the rest of the house. U

an egg without making a mess. It was a simple but comforting scene, and Clara c

laimed when she saw Clara enter the kitchen. "Come

ed as she sat at the table. "And Pierre,

walking disaster in the kitchen, but Emma insists we cook tog

igning offense. "And it works, doesn't

istry that showed in their every interaction. Pierre made little jokes, Emma responded with laughter, and

ed to Clara how their story began. Pierre, ever the gentleman, had won Emma's heart with his pati

of golden pancakes. "Emma talks about you all

rates, but it's true-we're close. I'm g

s cheek. "And what about you, Clara? Whe

iding Emma's curious gaze.

go. "Oh, come on! Someon

tervened tactfully. "Emma, let her be

surrender. "Alright, alright.

e wedding. Pierre stayed behind to handle logistics with the caterer. As they strolled side

upports me in everything I do. Even when I'm stressed and unbearable

perfect for you. You can see how much h

nd you, Clara? I really hope you find this kind of love too. Yo

e best for her, but love seemed like a distant and complicated notion

ugh she hadn't had in a long time. In that moment, she remembered why she had come. Not for Lucas, no

re. Though often lost in thought, Clara found comfort in the cozy atmosphere surrounding the couple. That

ra couldn't help but wonder if she would ever have such a connection with