11 || One Step Closer ||In the classroom after the lesson, Clara combs her hair, tying it into a ponytail. She applies lip balm to her thin lips, a practice she never does unless she's going to meet Uncle Joe.Nadia sits, always supporting her friend. She knows Clara is eagerly waiting for the last bell.Mario, who always observes Clara, glances at her, curious. It's unusual for Clara to dress up after school. Even in the mornings when the girls in class are busy with makeup, she prefers reading novels.Is there something special today?"Where are you going?" Mario asks, sitting in the chair in front of Clara's desk, making them face each other. Mario can now see Clara up close."Just curious! I can go wherever I want!" Clara replies indifferently, still staring at her reflection in the mirror."Just as a friend, I just want to know," Mario answers, becoming more fascinated with his classmate."I want to meet Uncle Joe," Clara replies, matching Mario's gaze. She can feel a different

13 || Clara's Cry ||After hearing that Clara is in the hospital, Joe immediately ends his lunch event. He cancels all his work schedules for the day, concerned about Clara, especially since she hasn't contacted him for three weeks.Although worried, Joe is confident that Clara will be okay. "Postpone the meeting with the important client and meet with some companies offering collaboration," Joe instructs Fadli, his loyal secretary."Alright, Sir," Fadli responds.Joe swiftly leaves the cafe, driving to the hospital at full speed. Arriving at the parking area, he walks towards Clara's room.The door opens, revealing Mario and Nadia sitting. Worry is evident on both of their faces. Joe inquires, walking forward and observing Nadia and Mario alternately."What happened to Clara?" Joe probes, looking at Nadia and Mario."Clara fell while rock climbing, Uncle," Nadia responds. She steals a glance at Joe. Handsome, it's understandable why Clara liked him even after being rejected; she coul

15 || A Kiss ||"Don't go back to the dormitory yet as long as your feet are still sore, stay at my house!" Joe ordered, continuing to give gentle massages to Clara's feet.Joe didn't dare to press on Clara's ankles too hard."Okay, Uncle," Clara replied, breathless! Then, panting."What's wrong with you?" Joe asked, noticing Clara greedily inhaling oxygen as if she had just finished running."Nothing, Uncle."Clara evaded, unwilling to admit that she forgot to breathe because of his touch. Joe's hand, rubbing her ankles, sent vibrations that stirred molecules in her blood, prompting her brain to release dopamine associated with the happiness she felt at the moment."Go to sleep, Clara!" Joe instructed, even though it was only 7:05 PM. He wanted Clara to rest to recover soon."Yes, Uncle," Clara replied shortly. Somehow, in front of Joe, she could only obey and obey.Joe sat beside Clara's bed. He glanced around. Tonight he would sleep on the couch. However, seeing Clara still not asl

17.The atmosphere in Joe's living room had been transformed. Kimmy's Hello Kitty-themed birthday party was dominated by pink decorations.Some guests had arrived wearing red attire as per the dress code. They were relatives of Mrs. Linn, Joe's uncles and aunts, as well as relatives of Mr. Bond.Their family wasn't doing well. They envied Joe's wealth because, among their various business endeavors, Joe was the most successful with his jewelry design company, "Blue Jewelry."Joe was sitting with Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond, greeting the guests. Meanwhile, Kimmy sat next to Joe, looking towards the stairs. The little girl was waiting for Clara to come down.Shortly after, Clara descended the stairs wearing a red dress. She left her long hair neatly flowing. Clara's gaze shifted to Kimmy, and she immediately approached the little girl."You said Mama would come, where is Mama?" Kimmy asked hopefully.Clara glanced at her watch. "Just wait a moment, your Mom will come, Kimmy," Clara reassured

Part 19Clara arrived at school. Monday, a day that required more energy because of the flag ceremony.And Clara's face reflected that. She looked disheveled and didn't have a single smile."Why aren't you as enthusiastic as usual?" Nadia asked. They hadn't exchanged messages last night. Her friend was sure something had happened to make Clara not cheerful on this bright morning.Clara remained silent. She was still guessing why Uncle Joe left earlier. Was it intentionally avoiding her, or was there some other work, or did he want to pick up Celine? The latter was the worst possibility."Uncle Joe again?" guessed Nadia.Clara nodded, then rested her head on the desk. She felt too drained to lift her head."Come on, tell me, maybe I can help!" Nadia prompted."It turns out my competition isn't just Aunt Vivian, but there are many out there. All this time, I've been too confident in getting love from Uncle Joe!" Clara lamented. The image of beautiful Celine and her captivating smile fla