Chapter 2 Shadows of the Past

Clara spent the remainder of the evening avoiding Lucas. Every exchanged glance felt like a silent battle between their emotions-a war she wasn't prepared to fight. But Lucas didn't seem to share her restraint. The farther she distanced herself, the more determined he became to close the gap.

The following morning, Clara woke early, unsettled by dreams where her past haunted her relentlessly. Seeking clarity, she ventured outside, hoping the cool morning air would calm her racing thoughts. The streets of the town were eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the lively memories she held. Her footsteps echoed on the cobblestones as she wandered toward the park where she had spent many adolescent afternoons. The bench under the towering oak remained unchanged.

She sat down, letting her mind drift. This was where she had first met Lucas. She could still recall his laughter, the way he used to call her "little dreamer" whenever she shared her future plans. A bittersweet smile played on her lips. How did we end up here?

Lost in her thoughts, she heard footsteps behind her. Even before turning, she knew who it was. Lucas.

"You always came here when you needed to think," he said, sitting beside her uninvited.

Clara stayed silent. She stared at the ground, willing him to give up and leave. But Lucas was not one to be deterred.

"I won't hound you, Clara. But I deserve answers," he continued, his tone calm yet resolute.

She drew in a deep breath, striving for composure. "I have nothing to say to you, Lucas."

"Do you really believe that?" He rested his hands on his knees, his eyes unwavering as they met hers. "Ten years, Clara. Ten years I've spent wondering what happened. You can't just come back and act like everything's fine."

Anger welled up within her. "You really want to know why I left? Why I abandoned you?" Her voice shook, but she pushed forward. "Because you broke me, Lucas. Because I had no other choice."

Lucas fell silent, as if her words had struck him. But he didn't look away. "If I broke you, Clara, then tell me how. Because I can't fix what I don't understand."

Clara shot to her feet, unable to sit any longer. "It's not that simple, Lucas. There are things you don't know-things you'll never understand."

She walked away briskly, her steps echoing on the cobblestones. Lucas let her go this time, but she knew he wouldn't stop there. The wounds were exposed, and he seemed determined to confront them.

Back at the house, Clara found Emma chatting with Pierre. Their joy was palpable, and Clara couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Emma had found someone who understood her, someone who made her laugh and brought her happiness. Clara had thought she had that once, but it had been ripped away.

Emma noticed her mood. "Clara, are you okay? You've been so distracted since you arrived."

Clara forced a smile. "I'm fine, Emma. Just tired."

Emma didn't seem convinced. "You know, if something's bothering you, you can talk to me. I'm here for you, just like you've always been there for me."

Clara hesitated briefly, but she knew she couldn't share her true feelings-not with Emma, not now. "Thank you, Emma. But really, I'm fine."

Emma offered a reassuring smile. "Alright. Just remember-you're not alone."

Clara nodded, but she knew the battles ahead were hers to fight alone.

Lucas spent the morning looking for Clara, but she seemed to avoid everyone. Finally, he found her sitting on the terrace, a book open on her lap. She wasn't really reading, her eyes fixed on a page as though trying to escape reality.

"Looks like you're trying to disappear," he said, breaking the silence.

Clara glanced up, her expression strained. "I just want a bit of peace, Lucas."

Unfazed, he sat across from her, arms crossed. "But we both know peace won't come until we deal with what's between us."

Clara sighed. "Lucas, why can't you just accept that some things are better left in the past?"

Lucas held her gaze with intensity. "Because the past haunts me, Clara. And I know it haunts you too. So let's stop pretending."

She said nothing, her eyes drifting to the horizon. Memories surged like waves-their days in this same garden, laughing and dreaming together. But those memories were stained with pain now, pain she couldn't ignore.

Hours later, Emma insisted Clara join her in preparing for the wedding. They headed to a shop where Emma finalized the floral arrangements. Clara tried to focus on the moment, but her thoughts kept wandering to Lucas. She knew he was right, but she wasn't ready to face him yet.

"Clara, you're distracted again," Emma said, visibly concerned. "Is Lucas bothering you?"

Clara flinched slightly, caught off guard. "No, not at all."

Emma frowned. "You can tell me, you know. If something's wrong with him-or with you..."

Clara hesitated, but she couldn't share everything. Not yet. "Everything's fine, Emma. I promise."

Emma nodded, though her eyes betrayed her concern. "Alright. But whatever it is, just remember I'm here."

That evening, Clara found herself alone in the living room, staring at photos of her and Emma as teenagers. The memories of their friendship warmed her, but Lucas's presence lingered in her thoughts. Their laughter, their arguments, their promises. She vividly recalled the moment everything had changed.

I didn't want to leave, she thought. But I had no choice.

Lost in her reverie, Lucas entered the room. "Clara," he said softly. She lifted her eyes, and this time, she didn't look away.

"You want answers, Lucas?" she said, her voice trembling yet firm. "Then maybe it's time you knew."

Lucas remained still, his gaze filled with curiosity and apprehension. "I'm ready to listen."