CHAPTER 22

In all these, Clara completely put aside what was most important. She let herself get distracted by everything. First, it was about Jace, then it became about food, and now, she has to explain why she didn't do what she had to do.

The phone vibrated in her hand again, the name displayed boldly on the screen: Mr. Lanford – Gym Boss. Clara remained transfixed in a spot. Her breathing grew heavy, and the last thing she wanted was to show fear right now. Her finger hovered over the green icon before she swallowed hard and picked up the call on the final ring.

“H-Hello, sir,” she said. Her voice was a bit shaky as she straightened up instinctively if he could see her through the phone.

“Clara.” He called out with a firm voice. She almost mistook his deep tone for anger till she remembered that it's how he sounded every day. “I was informed you didn’t show up at the gym today. Care to explain?”

She opened her mouth to speak but faltered slightly. “I... I had a little issue this morning. Nothing serious. I just needed to rest it out for a bit.”

There was a long pause from the other side. “And you didn’t think to inform me first?”

Clara shook from one leg to another.

“I—I’m so sorry, sir. It honestly slipped my mind. I wasn’t myself this morning. I’ve barely been up since I got back last night.” She cringed internally at how vague she sounded.

She lied, not because she wanted to but because she had no strength to relive the events of the last twenty-four hours, and honestly, why would she, especially to him?

Mr. Lanford sighed heavily on the other end. “You know that’s not how this works, Clara. If you plan on being part of the team, you need to take responsibilities seriously. Calling in is the bare minimum. I don’t run a place where people disappear without notice.”

“I understand,” she said quickly, biting her bottom lip. “It won’t happen again. I promise.”

“You’re a good trainer. A highly dedicated and focused one. Don’t let something personal get in the way of your goals.”

Too late, Clara thought bitterly. His words said more to her than he probably intended to.

But she kept her voice steady. “Yes, sir. Thank you.”

“What’s wrong with you, anyway?” he asked. The stern tone faded slightly.

“My tummy,” she blurted. She clutched her tummy as it was the first thing that came to her mind. Technically it wasn’t a full lie—her stomach had been acting up from hunger and stress.

“Hmm,” he said. “Well, take the day. But don’t make this a habit.”

“Yes, sir. I appreciate it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The line went dead, and Clara heaved a large sigh of relief. She slumped into the couch, letting her head rest against the soft headrest.

Working for someone has never been her thing. All her life, she imagined herself being independent. She always desired to be free, confident, and practically her own boss.

But now she was here, tied to a routine, answering to someone else’s rules. It wasn’t exactly what she had pictured.

She glanced at the kitchen suddenly, and her eyes widened. The casserole!

She shot up, dashed toward the kitchen to find it sitting carefully on the counter. She had completely forgotten that she hadn't set it in the oven. She heaved a sigh of relief before carefully slotting the prepared batter in the oven and waiting patiently for it to cook.

She kept her mind steady and refused to think about Jace or her failed attempt at life so far. Before she knew it, the timer ticked off, her casserole was ready!!!

She grabbed a cloth and carefully pulled the tray out, setting it on the counter. Her brows lifted slightly at the sight of it.

It looked… good. She was amazed at how perfectly rounded and well-formed it looked.

The color was right this time, and the texture looked right too. The golden layer of cheese on top had bubbled just right, and unlike her first attempt, this one didn’t sag in the center or look like a science experiment gone wrong.

Clara grinned. “I did it,” she whispered to herself.

She made a mental note to call her mother later. She didn’t say it aloud, but she felt a bit of gratitude toward her for walking her through the steps. Even if their relationship was strained, the help had meant a lot to her.

She took it out of the pan and placed it on a fancy plate, then grabbed a chilled soda from the fridge and carried her meal into the sitting room, where she arranged herself comfortably for a good meal.

The light breeze from the open window brushed against her face as she sat cross-legged on the couch, balancing her plate on her lap. Slowly, and with great anticipation, she took her first bite.

Her eyes shot open wide again. Then slowly, her lips curved into a satisfied smile as she munched on it gently.

"Mmmm," she let out. It was delicious. It was far better than the pizza and far better than her last attempt.

A warmth spread in her chest—not just from the food, but from the feeling of victory.

Clara took another bite. She chewed slowly and deliberately, as if savoring more than just the flavor.

"I could get used to this!" She exclaimed and glanced towards the kitchen at the same time.

Cooking was something she used to avoid at all costs. But now, she felt at peace while cooking, almost like it washed away all her pains.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like she had accomplished something for herself. No one else, just her.

She ate slowly, savoring every mouthful until she felt satisfied. She left the last portion on the plate and leaned back, her body sunk into the soft couch.

"This feels good," she exclaimed again.

Her gaze drifted to her phone on the side table. For a moment, her mind threatened to wander—to Jace, to the unanswered questions.

But Clara shook her head. Not today. Possibly not ever.

She had done enough crying, enough waiting and certainly, enough wondering.

Her boss's words still rang in her mind. "Don’t let something personal get in the way of your goals.”

She whispered under her breath, as if she was making a vow to herself, “It’s time to begin a new life... a better one.”

And this time, it would be hers alone