Part 21.Days passed by. Almost every day, Joe accompanied Clara to school. They grew closer and shared their worries and joys.Every night, Joe also made time to accompany Clara while she studied. At first, Mrs. Linn didn't mind. However, she gradually became suspicious of how close Clara and Joe were getting. A mother's intuition is never wrong.Tonight, the clock showed 8:30 PM WIB. Kimmy was already asleep in her room. It was just Clara and Joe in the living room. There were books in front of Clara, and Joe was looking at his tablet screen while checking his schedule for tomorrow morning.Mrs. Linn observed them from a distance. Then she decided to approach them."Clara, what are you doing?" the woman asked. If observed closely, Clara was indeed beautiful. A cute face with dimples, fair skin, long hair, and a sweet demeanor! Surely many of her school friends liked her."I'm studying, ma'am," Clara replied, looking up at the source of the voice."Study in your room! Or in the libra

23 || First Kiss ||Part 23.Clara, a high school senior, aged 17. Like most girls her age, Clara also didn’t fully understand the journey of life or how her current actions might impact her future.What Clara knew was that her feelings for Joe were genuine. She had rejected many boys who had crushes on her to preserve her love for the charming widower. Without fear, she showed him attention and didn’t care about older women competing for his affections.Clara remained steadfast, trying to stand her ground and protect her feelings of love. But now, Clara found herself at a crossroads. Between advancing and risking heartbreak or retreating with disappointment.Especially since Mrs. Linn seemed to disapprove of her closeness to Mr. Joe.“Ugh!” Clara sighed heavily. A heavy burden weighed on her chest. There was a lingering tightness, prompting tears to well up, then cascade down her cheeks.“Enough!” she muttered, wiping away the tears that flowed from the corners of her eyes.Clara’s

25Clara entered her room. It hurt so much to hear every word Joe said. She would be hurt, that's the meaning behind every word from Joe.She lay down, looking at the curtains in her room. However, what the man said was true. So, what should she do?Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond might not approve of her relationship with Joe. And so does Kimmy, the little girl wouldn't accept her as a mother. There's also Aunt Vivian, Joe Sebastian's ex-wife. It's clear she wants to reconcile after her career goals are achieved.It's no longer just the media's interest in the handsome CEO's love life. Clara sighed deeply. She couldn't deny that what Joe said was true. It challenged Clara's mindset that had never thought ahead. All she knew was her immense love for Uncle, and she wanted that love reciprocated! That's as simple as Clara's thinking.And.Joe couldn't be that foolish. Besides Clara, there were many hearts he had to care for. His parents' hearts and his little daughter's heart.Clara swallowed ha

27 || Strawberry Lips || Part 27."Om Joe likes me?" Clara asked to make sure. For a moment, she felt like what she had just heard was just a fantasy."Yes, I like you Clara!" Joe answered firmly."And then?" Clara hoped Joe would propose to her. Declare his love and ask her to be his girlfriend."I like you, I don't want us to just pretend to be dating, I want us to date and get to know each other better. Then, I will marry you Clara!" Joe said.Oh! Om Joe talked about marriage again? Honestly, Clara's thoughts hadn't gone that far yet."Why Clara? Don't you want to marry me?" Joe asked. He turned the car key, then started driving at a moderate speed."Umm...," Clara murmured, hesitant to answer."That's the risk, Clara. Because you love this widowed man, it means you must be ready to get married soon! At least after you graduate from college, I am willing and will wait. How about it?" Joe said. The man didn't like to play around. Especially after being played by his ex-wife."Umm...

29 || Uncle Joe ||Part 29."Since when Uncle is here?" Clara whispered. "Why do you like barging into my room so much!" she protested. They faced each other, Clara's heavy breaths noticeable by Joe.Silence.Joe didn't answer. His hands cupped Clara's face, wiping away her tears."Uncle Joe, why do you keep sneaking into my room!" Clara asked again, trying to divert Joe's attention away from her. She didn't like Uncle seeing her weak like this. Clara always appeared fine. And now, she wanted to seem okay."This is my house, Clara, and lately, your room has become one of my favorite places in this house!" Joe replied. "Why are you crying?" He held Clara's face in place.Clara didn't answer, too scared to meet Joe's gaze. All she did was let her tears flow down her cheeks again."What did Vivian say?" Joe pressed on. Seeing Clara sad made him sad too."Nothing, Uncle!" Clara nodded slowly.With one move, Joe pulled Clara into his lap, embracing her."My dear Clara!" Joe whispered. His