ent a restless night tossing and turning in bed, rose before everyone else. She needed a moment to herself to organiz

he turned brought back memories she had tried to forget-the corner bakery where she and Emma bought warm croissants after school, the old bookstore (now closed) where Clara h

e calm of the water soothe her. But a voice, all

me first thing in

ely perceptible smile on his lips. How did he always

eplied, her voice sharper than she'd inte

ted. "I understand. But

her gaze away. "That

is gaze locking onto

ra felt her heartbeat quicken, but she refused to show it. She wanted to m

a few close friends together before the big day. Pierre, ever-organized, oversaw the prepa

adjusted a bouquet of flowers. "It pains me to see her like this. She

oming back here is harder for her than she lets on. But s

She promised herself to talk to Clara

oices filled the rooms, creating a warm atmosphere. Clara, though initially reluc

nearby. He wasn't trying to approach her, but his gaze seemed to fo

e dynamic. She grabbed Clara's a

ou and Lucas? You act like strangers,

sh. "It's nothing, Emma.

d between the lines. "Clara, you know you c

hat. It's just that there's a lot of his

erre interrupted to announce that dinner was rea

onspiring against her. The conversations around the table were light and humorous, but Clara

e in the discussions. She and Pierre shared anecdotes about

, a mischievous smile on her face. "T

an embarrassing but amusing story about a failed biking trip they had taken together. The s

seemed quieter, as if deep in thought. When she caught his gaze again

ionally exhausted, slipped out into the garden for some fresh air. The sta

d her, and without turnin

ng away?" he

iefly before turning to

response, but he remained si

words. She wasn't sure if she could explain how sh

s if seeking the strength to continue this conversation she had avoided for so lo

answers, you'll get them. But

lso hope. He sat on the bench next to her, leaving en

e began, her voice trembling but firm. "Y

teadied herself again. "That day, you were supposed to come with Emma and me to that art gallery

call. Clara pressed on, not

y planning to join us later. But after the gallery, I went to the pa

to speak, but Clara rai

with another woman. You were... close

mained fixed on Lucas. He froze, th

t couldn't have been you. But it was, Lucas. The same man who told me I was h

ibly troubled. "Clara, I... I'm sor

escaping her lips. "You're sorry? R

d. And I'm not going to make excuses, because there aren't any. But that kiss... i

. "A mistake? A mistake, Lucas? Then why were you with h

answering, but he lowered h

, that I was doubting myself, that it wasn't what I really wanted. But none of

the kiss. It's the betrayal. You could have talked to me about what you were feeling, about what

Clara, I can't change the past, even if I wanted to with all my heart

ars she refused to shed. "It's not that simple, L

he added: "Clara, I know it's not enough, but I'm sorry. Truly. And no mat

ut slightly lighter than before. She had finally shared part of the burden she had carried for

room, she looked out at the garden, letting her thoughts drift. She had spoken to Lucas, revealed part of the truth about why she had left.

t how would Emma react? She had never known what Clara had discovered that day.

tling about, surrounded by notes, flowers, and endless lists for the final wed

well?" Emma asked, lo

"It was alright. You s

"You know, it's the final stretch. I want ev

heart tightening. She couldn't continue hi

for a moment?" Clara as

course. Just a second." She set her notes aside an

r words. "I... There's something I need to

he admission but remained

across from her. For a moment, she hesita

old us he couldn't come to the a

er lips. "Yes, I remember. I was disappoi

tly. "After the gallery, I went for a walk in the

her eyes, conf

shining with emotion. "Lucas. I saw him in the park

mma remained still, her smile fading bit by bit.

eone?" she asked softly, h

rd. A wave of guilt surged within her,

she'd just heard. "Why didn't you tell me back the

t know what to do. You had a good relationship with Lucas, and I d

the table. She seemed lost in thought,

aw that?" she finally asked

at. There was... another reason, but I

arked by a pain Clara had never wanted to ca

fort. "I'm sorry, Emma. I know I should hav

ling slightly. "Clara, I... I need to th

d. I'm sorry for keeping t

ical. "Thank you for telling me, Clara. I...

heavy with regret. She knew this conversation was only a firs