登入Claire placed the small plant beside her window. And immediately regretted how much it meant to her. It was such a simple thing. A tiny green plant in a white ceramic pot. But Fabian remembering something she said years ago? That affected her far more than expensive gifts ever could. Because Claire had never wanted grand gestures. She just wanted to feel seen. And now— after years of neglect— Fabian was finally looking at her properly. That was the dangerous thing about hope. Once it returned, it became difficult to kill again. ⸻ The next few days passed strangely. Fabian didn’t pressure her. Didn’t force conversations. Didn’t keep showing up outside her apartment every night. Instead, he changed quietly. Consistently. And somehow that affected Claire more. Every morning, he sent simple messages. Have you eaten? Drive safely. Don’t forget your umbrella. It might rain later. Small things. Normal things. The kind of care Claire once craved desperately. At fir
Claire drove home with trembling hands. Fabian’s voice kept replaying inside her head. “Maybe I am.” Maybe I am in love with you. The words should have made her happy. She used to dream about hearing Fabian say something like that. Back when she still waited for him at night. Back when every small moment of affection felt like survival. But now? Now the confession felt complicated. Painfully complicated. Because love arriving late could still hurt. ⸻ Claire barely slept. Every time she closed her eyes, she remembered the way Fabian looked at her in the rain. Honest. Vulnerable. Like he had finally stopped hiding from his own feelings. Her phone buzzed around midnight. Fabian. Claire stared at the screen for almost a full minute before finally opening the message. Did you get home safely? Simple. But somehow her chest tightened anyway. Because Fabian never used to ask things like that. She typed a reply slowly. Yes. Three dots appeared immediately. Then disa
Claire tried to keep her distance after that night. She really did. But Fabian was making it difficult. Not intentionally. That was the problem. Everything he did lately felt natural now. The concern in his voice. The way he noticed when she looked tired. The softness in his eyes whenever he looked at her. It was everything she once begged for. And Claire hated how much her heart still responded to it. ⸻ Susie’s fever finally reduced by morning. Claire stood quietly beside the kitchen counter preparing tea while the house remained unusually peaceful. Fabian entered moments later wearing a simple black shirt and sweatpants. For once, he did not look like the intimidating CEO everyone feared. He just looked tired. Human. His eyes landed on Claire immediately. “You stayed.” Claire kept her attention on the teacup. “Susie wasn’t feeling well.” Fabian walked closer slowly. “Still… thank you.” Claire nodded lightly without answering. The silence stretched between th
Claire barely slept that night. Fabian’s words kept replaying in her mind. “I don’t think what I feel right now is guilt anymore.” That sentence was dangerous. Because guilt faded. But love? Love stayed. And Claire was terrified of believing him too soon. She had spent years hoping Fabian would finally choose her completely. Years. What if she trusted him again only to end up broken all over? ⸻ The next morning, Claire stood in the kitchen making coffee when her phone buzzed repeatedly. Three missed calls from Fabian. A message followed shortly after. Susie is sick. Claire’s body reacted instantly before her mind could catch up. She grabbed her keys immediately. ⸻ By the time Claire arrived at the Arrow residence, rain had already started pouring heavily outside. A maid hurried her upstairs. “Miss Susie has a fever.” Claire entered the bedroom quickly and froze slightly at the sight before her. Fabian sat beside Susie’s bed looking exhausted. His sleeves were r
Claire could feel Fabian changing. That was the dangerous part. If he had remained cold, distant, and cruel, moving on would have been easier. But now? Now he looked at her the way she once prayed he would. Carefully. Softly. Like losing her had finally taught him her value. And Claire hated how much that still affected her. ⸻ The next morning, Claire stood in front of her mirror preparing for work when her phone buzzed. Aaron. A small smile appeared on her face before she answered. “Good morning.” “Wow,” Aaron said dramatically. “You actually sound alive today.” Claire laughed quietly. “I’m usually alive.” “Debatable.” She shook her head, still smiling. Aaron’s voice softened slightly afterward. “You okay?” The question was simple. But genuine. Claire leaned against the dresser quietly. “I think so.” “You think so?” She sighed softly. “It’s complicated.” Aaron was silent for a moment before speaking again. “Complicated because of Fabian?” Claire closed h
Claire had not expected Aaron to become part of her routine. But somehow, he had. It started small. Random phone calls. Checking whether she had eaten. Stopping by with coffee because he “accidentally bought two.” Simple things. Normal things. The kind of care Claire once begged for silently in her marriage. That afternoon, Aaron sat across from her at a quiet café while she stirred her drink absentmindedly. “You’re thinking too hard again,” he said casually. Claire looked up slightly. “How do you always know?” Aaron smiled faintly. “Because you get that wrinkle between your eyebrows.” Without thinking, Claire touched her forehead. Aaron laughed softly. “There it is again.” To her surprise, Claire laughed too. And for a moment— she felt light. Not forced. Not careful. Just… light. Aaron noticed the change immediately. “You smile more now,” he said quietly. Claire’s fingers paused around her cup. Did she? Maybe she did. Or maybe she had simply forgotten what







